The Hollywood Reporter Covers Kevin Costner's Complaint

Kevin Costner, the actor-producer, is suing Kylin Pictures for using his name to sell 'Shanghai Sojourners' at the Shanghai International Film Festival and then removing him from the project and not paying him, reports The Hollywood Reporter last week.

The complaint was filed by Manning & Kass partners Jeffrey M. Lenkov, who is the practice area leader for the firm's Entertainment Law Team, and Sevan Gobel, both of the Los Angeles office. A copy of the complaint is posted on thehollywoodreporter.com, at the bottom of an article discussing Costner's claims.

The plaintiffs, Treehouse Films and Kevin Costner, claim they were contractually entitled to a producer's fee of $3 million dollars, as well as overhead, writers' fees, and 25% of net profits after investors received repayment plus twenty percent. A copy of the contract is provided in the complaint.

According to the Reporter, "During the Shanghai International Film Festival this summer, Kylin promoted the film and highlighted the involvement of Costner and Treehouse—resulting in investments in the film. According to the suit, Kylin had already decided to fire Costner and Treehouse, but waited until August to tell them they were no longer wanted."

Kylin Pictures declined to comment to press on the matter.

The Manning & Kass Entertainment Law Team specializes in advisory, transactional, and litigation services for our clients in all segments of the entertainment industry. The team represents actors, casting directors, composers, directors, financiers, studios, talent agencies, photographers, and writers for film, scripted and unscripted television, and new media, as well as other members of the entertainment industry.

To read the complete Hollywood Reporter article online, click here.