Stiffing A Screenwriter
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2024
- The plaintiff says the defendant hired him to polish a film script. He claims that after he fixed the amateurish work, she refused to pay him the balance of his fee, so he’s suing her. The defendant says the plaintiff changed everything in the family-friendly script and even added bad words. She claims she doesn’t owe a thing, and she’s countersuing.
Case: 29-258
I love the fact she read the whole script
even more she read the original AND the rewrite. THAT'S dedication.
I was surprised when she said that, and thought "wow! I love the dedication this Judge has to her job and making sure she gets it right!!"
@@crash6581
She said she read both scripts.. I was like 'Damn..How do she find the time?'
Both of them lol
The twinkle in his eye when she validated his writing to be good
The Writers Guild of America, and it's union members should be thanking the plaintiff for bringing this case to the People's Court. This case gives a tiny glimpse as to what really happens behind the big screen, in terms of script writing, negotiations and shenanigans etc. I found this case to be different than what we usually see, and I enjoyed it very much.
I was thinking the same thing!!
The last sentence! 🎯
I agree. The “producer”. was crazy to think she had any chance of winning.
@@Melinda_Ross My thoughts exactly. I agree with the judge, I think the defendant's backers backed out of the deal, and she just wanted to blame the plaintiff to take everyone's eyes off of her. She wanted to make it seem like everything else was perfectly fine, and it was just the plaintiff's writing that was the problem.
That defendant is really accustomed to being able to talk people in circles, and she was super unhappy it wasn’t working with the judge.
Bingo!
Exactly. I hate people who talk over other people and are overall shitty towards people.
Exactly!
Yes she needs to write a better contract instead of trying to use bullying and intimidation after the fact...
yep
I am a script consultant and member of a WGA and ISWA. Basically, I read scripts and give feedback on it. If I had a quarter each time I'm told "I have A-List Celebrity attach to it, so hurry up" I wouldn't need to work as a script consultant lol. This episode was golden! It's def a good representation of what I go through in my line of work.
And I am going to guess, as a script consultant who has probably read a good many scripts and critiqued them during your career, you would ALSO tell these people who are consulting you about their script that the script DOES in fact need edits and improvements, no? Its extremely rare (at least in my experience of 10 yrs being a film critic) that the first draft of the piece you are working on is the perfect representation of your finished work, am I right? For me, I will go back and read my work 2 or 3 times and tweak things before I am satisfied its worthy of my website.
@@CeltycSparrow of course. I've never read a first draft and went, "this is perfect!" lol. Personally, I go by the seven rule in my own writing. I revise my work at least several times before handing out the "final" draft. As a consultant I've seen drafts go through 20-30 revisions before a final product was decided upon.
@@meganlewis2424 I think, as writers, we have to have VERY thick skin when it comes to our work. Because its GOING to be edited and critiqued and some people aren't going to like it. For me, as a writer, I LIKE the criticism more than the praise. If its constructive criticism and I can see what they are talking about in my work, I use that to mold myself into a better writer and make my work better. I am not so arrogant that I think every single critique or poem or children's book I write is perfectly written on the first try. They aren't. And many of them, I come back to later and COMPLETELY re-work. I did this for the movie Black Swan, actually. As long as the critic is respectful, I will hear them out. I remember learning this lesson. I had a manuscript for a children's fairy-tale that I had written. I was so proud of it. I thought it was perfect. I gave it to a friend to read, and a week later, he handed it back to me and it looked like someone had bled out on the pages. They were COVERED in red-inked criticisms and he was not gentle. He said I had absolutely NO character development. The chemistry between the two leads was ridiculous and cheesy. That he knew more about the Princess's clothes and necklace than her character. That the villain was weak and lacked ANY kind of believable motive. And the love scene was, in his words, "the worst thing he has ever read and it made 50 Shades of Grey look sexy by comparison". I got REALLY angry. I sulked for 3 days and raged "how DARE he say this about my book". And then, after I got over my tantrum, I actually sat down and read what he had put.....and to my chagrin, I had to admit, he was right. So I went back and re-vamped the whole thing and after 5 months of editing, I let him read it again. This time, he was impressed (though COMPLETELY outraged that I had left him on a cliffhanger). lol
@@meganlewis2424 As a script consultant, do you have any advice i can give my mom? She is a screen and play writer and she badly wants to get her work out but is always struggling to have it viewed by someone who can help her, i would love to give her useful advice from someone as yourself.
@@CeltycSparrow my mom is also a writer and yes you definitely have to be able to take healthy feedback even if it may not be the answer you want to hear. Any advice to someone who is trying to get thier work published? Would love to get any advice for my mother.
This was an interestingly different, from the norm, case. Thankfully, he decided to take it to small claims so I could hear it. I hope it helps other writers in their life's journey. I sure love Judge Milan. 💪
Loved it... a little tired of the dog bites and rent cases.
@@iamlatoyabostonig1277 I know right!
Because movie writers that get screwed over usually sue for a lot more than $5,000 as he said at the end he was really out nearly $75000
Judge Milian is great. That lady defendant needs to stand up and stop leaning. She's a double dealer.
Man, this case showcases how serious the judge takes this show.
Agreed. U can tell she knows these judgments are real life and not just tv.
Big mistake she made, thinking she was smarter than the judge. She also kept interrupting her, SHADDUP.
Huge! Huge mistake, you will regret not getting this commission! “Pretty woman”🤣
Haha "shaddup" 🤣
I wish Judge Judy heard this case. The defendant can't even be bothered to stand up straight the entire case. She would've fixed that really quick.
👍🏾
Yep!
the attitude, too.
@@MrMaddox57 Entitled and disrespectful.
she was an old lady to be fair
I was waiting for the Judge to tell her to stand up straight.
Her whole deminoir was disrespectful.
Yeh, she yells at men to stand up.
Absolutely right! Something wrong with her legs...oh wait she has no leg to stand on. Ugh...she's so rude. Hollywood she is not. Lonely Long Island housewife, she is...
@@katiemilady4232 😂
Demi-noir that's so funny, is that on purpose? Pretty genius way to handle the word demeanor.
annoying too!
That woman is so all over the place that she should star in her own comedy movie, that is based on actual footage of her.
Curious if she did her own hair.
@@jenniehughes6927 She did do her own hair With a knife and fork
@@kennash5719 Automatically repulsed by her for some reason.
She's a clown and incompetent. He learned his lesson.
@@kennash5719 🤣🤣🤣
I never seen the Judge this passionate about a case! It was beautiful!
The defendant vibe and body language was very much given “this is my field not yours judge and imma school you” but we see how that went.. she was ready to argue too..
Taken to the woodshed
Yep...she tried it.
“Everybody needs to sleep” **me watching this at 4am**
I'm watching this at 1:30am😂😂😂😂🤦
Omg!!! It’s literally 3:58am right now and I have to wake up at 6am...... so annoyed lol
It’s so good
Me too!!! It’s 3:58am ...jet lagged in Europe 🌍
Lol 😅😅😅😅😅😅
She really thought she was going to win. Her face in the exit interview said it all😂
😭
because she ALWAYS wins and will win, only in her mind!
I can’t imagine any investor or anyone else watching this court case and then wanting to work with this woman. She seems like a complete and total nightmare and not honest at all!
This woman is so unprofessional 😅
she was kinda confusing
I agree. I AM a writer. And something I have learned from a decade of writing is that you NEVER have a perfect product on the first try. It NEEDS re-writes and adjustments and editing. Sometimes characters are cut. Sometimes the script is tweaked. It SOUNDS like that's precisely what this gentleman did and he made her movie script INFINITELY better. But she wants to be snotty because she's used to having complete control and talking in circles and he obviously didn't follow those circles. She asked him to include 7 elements in the script. Even SHE says that the script wasn't confined to JUST those 7 things. I think she had this project.....she wanted to get it done really fast and it didn't work. It takes TIME to make a GOOD movie. If you want to just slap something together with bad actors and a crappy script and do a half-assed job, you aren't going to get the results you want. Personally, I have a feeling that the judge was right. I think the backers pulled out of the project and then she had made ALL these promises to people, guaranteeing them money (even though nothing was signed yet) so even though her movie failed, they still wanted their payment and SHE had to take that loss. Hence why she sued for 10 grand.
She's a high-profile Hollywood producer, legend in her own mind 🥹
This writer seems leagues beyond the defendant's level in this business. It was a mistake on his part to get involved with her little circus.
Like writers get to pick and choose in that industry... with a promise of US$75,000...?
yeah but her arrogance will catch up with HER as well, one of these days, someone might teach her a lesson! She has NO RESPECT for this veteran producer, writer, or anyone else. If she does not get her way, she loses it, and, one day, someone might turn the tables on HER!
He is so talented to be able to fix a script and transform it the way the judge explains in 2.5 weeks. Wow! I wish I had such mind.
The verbal contract was cemented in writing by her via the e-mails acknowledging he would get his other $5k at delivery, even if she had to front the money herself. I agree with Judge Milian that the financial backers probably backed out, or never really existed hence, her orders not to dare try to contact them regarding when they would sign the uber detailed contract. If I was guessing I would also say that the defendant was the writer of the original script too based on her reaction to what he did to improve it,
This is a great lesson for creatives! ALWAYS ALWAYS have a written contract/invoice on hand!
Yea when I heard he got the agreement in writing I was so happy.
Some heroes don’t wear capes. That dude looking out for all the writers that were takin advantage of. Good for him
Anyone else think that at 7:19 the writer actually has a smile in appreciation that she read them?
Bless this man. I'm glad he stood up.
She is an awful liar. She keeps saying okay and it’s driving me crazy
She'll "okay" someone to death
She was trying to be smart by saying Okay.
@@Vanessa_Martinez I think she was trying to sound like she was paying attention when really all she sounds like is she can’t wait to get a word in about what judge was saying
When she kept saying good to the judge it rubbed me the wrong way
Her name is Trish Cook
I’m so glad the plaintiff won! Completely agree with this ruling.
All the leaning in and holding her hands in her face is so unprofessional and disrespectful to the court. Drives me crazy. It’s as if she’s bored.
She does it to try and manipulate and control the situation.
she just wanted and now wants more and more and more and MORE. Maybe to spend in Vegas, I dunno!
It's not meant to disrespect. She's shrinking in, and making herself smaller to garner sympathy. It could ALSO be a comforting tactic. Just holding herself can do that, too.
Damn! She read the scripts! That's dedication.
for someone who makes alot of points that lady sure doesnt have any
@@Fakecourt LOL
@@Fakecourt 🤣😂
More unique cases like this more often please! Slum lords and dog bites get a little mundane. I enjoyed seeing this. Happy he got what he deserved.
Haha, Judge Judy would never take 5 hours of her life to read two scripts to see which one was better. She only wants Readers Digest. Got to applaud JM for that. She takes her job seriously.
Made the same comment to people saying it should have been a JJ case!
The rewrite man is very very good looking....he should be actor.
I love the dude to death. He has over 20 years, and I would GLADLY watch what he has produced. Trish USED him and his services. If that man needs an extra week for his outstanding work, big f-ing deal. SO SORRY that you can't accept that, Trish. In Vegas now. yeah. Hey Trish, what do you do in your free time? What are you REALLY like, outside of work? Defendant is selfish and demanding!
The judge is a beast!! I love her 👩⚖️
Me too
I loved this type of case! I'd like to see more variety in cases again.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, this woman is very smart. (The judge) She really listens, and pays attention to what is before her.
Judge and defendant have the same strong personality and confidence. They would either be great friends or great enemies.
I don't think they could/would be friends.
Judge has class. The defendant is on something or I don't know what. She can't stand up straight, she talks in circles and has a distorted sense of perception. And she looks gray and crusty. Judge is a super babe!
@@lilo4399 wow, I Understand & agreed they're no match either- However, NO NEED TO BUTCHER her like that. For all we know, the woman at her age maybe suffering from scleroderma, or osteoporosis, regardless the topic here is strongly due to her"Character flaws"; I'm certain you wouldn't appreciate someone on earth to mistakenly critique you with such focal point & in the manner that you just did - hypocrite much, I say 😑🤷♀️🤦♀️
I love this judge show.
Same! I watch this judge Mathis judge Judy Lauren lake paternity court lol
Oh and Steve wilkos 🤣
Me too
@@bell6012 ĺ
You need to use proper punctuation marks. “Judge’s show.” Either than that, you’re beautiful ❤️
@@mychannel9403 and it doesn't always put the proper punctuations in there when you're using voice. Just like right now that's what I'm using because I have peripheral neuropathy and rheumatoid arthritis so even if I say period it doesn't come out as a period as you see
at the end of the day I think that's the least of things to worry about in the world today and to be judging somebody on
When she said “what he wrote was infinitely better!” he looked so pleased lol
Not only was this case insightful and highly entertaining, but now I'm also super curious to know what the film project was!
This lady is out of her mind. She has such a terrible attitude. You can tell just by listening to her that she's not used to being told no. I'm very happy with how this ended. The writer did all of the work. She wasn't happy with it so she thought that she could just ignore him. Not the case! It's no different than eating an entire steak then saying "it wasn't very good so i'm not paying for it." Well, if you don't like it don't use him again. Have him do revisions. You can't just refuse to pay, especially after putting in writing that he will be paid by you no matter what.
The plaintiff looks like Robert kardashian I can’t unsee it
Yeeeeeesssss!
I agree!
I see that, too.
💯💯💯‼️
Damn he does
That defendant was shady af. Good thing this was on TV, so other folks in the industry will know NOT to work with her.
The defendant looks like a cross between Cher and Dolly Parton!
😂😂😂hahahha!
After a 2 year crack cocaine binge!!
Wait. How did you know? That was Cher-Lee Parbono!
No not at all.. Maybe Barbara eden in her later years.
doesn't the plaintiff look like Joey Greco?? the host of Cheaters?!!
An older version
Yes 😂
I was thinking the Kardashian dad OJ Simpson lawyer
He really does 😂
Mix of both Joey & Robert, he could be in the family tree of either & I wouldn't be surprised
I have a feeling the plaintiff knew he would end up court with this crazy lady. He made sure she agreed in writing to pay him the $5,000 very early on. Seems like he was covering himself because he knew he'd be there. Very smart. Good case.
Being that many years on the job, you sure got scammed a couple of times. He is smart because that should be how it works. No one should start working before signing a contract and if that was needed, he sure secured himself. He wasn’t born yesterday for her to scam him
Lol when the judge said the original script was 🗑 🚮. 🤣
I once had a friend tell me that lawyers prolong things and kill good deals. This is a classic example as to why lawyers are necessary. Her lawyer didn’t show up to court or transfer the case out of small claims court for one very obvious reason: she opened herself up to this by going behind the lawyers back and creating a side agreement. Oh and also cuz she ran out of money 🤣
Is the defendant incapable of standing up straight? Her body language tells me everything I need to know about her.
HE'S RIGHT! Writers are treated so poorly in th industry- including screenwriters and book authors who are hired to treat their own book content for the screen... it's a notorious game. Thomas Kenneally who wrote Schindler's Ark was angry and heartbroken at how the major producers cut him out of the film making process- no matter what the end result was. And World War Z was infamously unrecognisable compared to the original book. They just wanted the name.
She was a real hard faced bish!
Sometimes, it is necessary to cut off some characters from a story to make it better. The defendant needs to understand this and stop working based on sentiments.
Judge read her like a book.. or should I say.. a script 🤣
Finally a case that does not involve the security deposit!
Yup or was it or wasn't it a loan.
I really hate how the defendant leans on the podium I wish the judge had told her to stop
Blonde lady is used to manipulating people and controlling situations - she uses guilt a lot. Gives me the creeps. The judge saw right through her instantly and didn't let her have one iota of control. Judge Milian just gave a lesson in how to deal with manipulators - be prepared, know your stuff, talk about facts, ignore the attempts at emotional manipulation.
i love different cases like this!
I agree. I get tired of only watching rent, car damage, and pet lawsuits.
Me too
Me too!
Me too! I love different casesike this as well! 👏👍
I wrote screenplays and from my research shankings like what the defendant did came my way. Noble and wise the writer, stood up for his rights in a public forum.
Why is judge letting her lay on the lectern??
Agree! The judge usually yells at anyone... who does that!
@@elainevankat5353 I’ve seen many many shows. I can’t remember JM saying that to a litigant. Judge Judy regularly does. Could you have been thinking of JJ?
@@leetakamiya Yes, you’re right... Probably is Judge Judy.
Yea, I was about to comment the same question. It's so disrespectful, and I doubt she has any preexisting back condition, as they more than likely would have just allowed her to sit rather than lean.
@@a2beauty08 Absolutely agree!
I So Love these Judge shows they're brutally honest with people
This case was a very satisfying win for the plaintiff. The defendant was extremely arrogant, slouched in court and talked over the judge. I bet she is a nightmare to deal with in all walks of life. I think it is true that the backers pulled out and she is trying to get her costs back because of the unsigned contract. She promised to pay him that money on delivery. Surely they could have had more discussions about what she liked and they could have made some more rewrites to get what she wanted. Could not what he produced be deemed as the first draft. Otherwise they could always say that they didn't like what was delivered and not pay. As for all of these Hollywood stars being ready, for one I don't believe it and so what? There is a script change? Learning new scripts is part of their job. I imagine the whole film making process involves changes and rewrites.
I hated that woman hella quick....the way she was leaning forward an so quickly interrupting the judge just made me think she's super used to getting her way and just saying whatever because she is always right.
If the guy really did make too many changes and you didn't like them...TALK TO HIM. Instead she was just like "nah bro" and surprised pikachu face when he wants his damn money...
Lol damn. Judge seems to be personally offended by this whole case, especially her
Wow the plaintiff was very organized, nice job. Good for him for not letting them getting away with not paying 👍
Always enjoy watching the judge being fair and coming prepared 🙌. The guy should write a new script about the whole situation with the lady and make a movie of it. A win win situation 😆.
Dammit, this is one of the most INCENDIARY episode of People's Court. Just incredible.
Agreed. Interesting, detailed, unique!
Fair play to the Plaintiff for making this public. An all too common attempt of theft within the industry. For a Producer, she's VERY disorganized. A liability for any film unlucky enough to have her involved.
Blondie Needs To Pay Out Of Her Cosmetic Injection Budget Now 💉 Pay The Man! 🙄
This is a GOOD one!
that defendant acts like a real b----
The defendant is slimy as hell. She keeps wanting to butt in and interrupt the judge, and that's a QUICK way to lose a lawsuit by steamrolling.
That's Judge Marilyn in her best form. 🙏 I loved this one so much. 🤓
Judge: “What was your response to that?”
Defendant: “I don’t even remember, it was two years ago...”
Judge: “well then let me read it to you..”
💥 bam! 😝🥱🙌🏼
I’ve seen department store mannequins that look more natural and lifelike than the defendant. 🤮
My uncle was a screen writer and now I’m working to be one as well. My grandpa was also an actor when he was kid and he said that Hollywood is cut throat. He hated it so much he banned us from watching his movies and if we talked about his past he would get so mad he would storm off. I mean it was so bad he was in it’s a wonderful life and every year they send an anniversary gift he would throw it away. One thing he never did was let Anyone look at it unless it was family and they had a written contract. If there one thing learned from him is that your work needs to stay your work.
I understand. It is business then show. Contracts and make sure you get paid for your work. Watch who you deal with. Character and integrity matters.
What's your grandpa's name? Was he in alot of other movies also? Very interesting I'm nosey & I'm one of those ppl who can't watch a movie without credits lol.
So glad the defendant lost. She was a liar and yes the investors pulled their money. She is horrible and should find another line of work. The Plaintiff did a great job!!!
Episode title : "when weird wigs happen to looney ladies"
I loved how the plaintiff was professional and well prepared to present his case with facts. He had those receipts lol
I'm surprised she let her get away with the way the defendant spoke and kept interrupting
That snd laying all over the podium.
I agree. Should have put her in her place.
this is now my favorite episode lol
The defendant was a true trained SCAM ARTIST !! She seemed to have a lot of practice !!
Of course the show went bust before it ever hit the airwaves, the defendant was trying to recoup what she could, listen to what she says to Doug in the foyer.
She reiterates she was out $16,000 from expenses she incurred, and did she sue the individual previous to this plaintiff that took a stab at a rewrite? No she thought she saw a way of putting some coin back in her jeans!
Ahhh Hollywood......he did the work, she didn’t like it. He wants to be paid, she doesn’t want to pay him for his time. She is just too much, in so many ways, she probably can’t be happy with anything he would do. Also, he is a very handsome man. The plaintiff.
Lol hes ugly to me. But everybody has opinions.
I agree
Like the way he stood up for other writers
I love that the judge liked the script🙂
She said she had 8 lead actors for a low budget film?! 🤦♀️
She is in court and yet is so unprofessional by reclining on the podium! Lol, Judge Judy would not have let her recline like that in her courtroom, not to mention how she says "hey" to the judge! With all the plastic surgery she has had, she can't think straight! 🤦♀️🤣
It was low budget but once investors got involved it became a high end film. Hence him being hired to make it a better script
She just didn't want to pay, I bet she does this to other writers as well, full of promises but then doesn't pay.
This woman is a liar...this woman is unprofessional...poor people who work with her.....this juge is the best
“Rewrites” may change your Original. That’s why you’re supposed to research the Script Writer & meet with them
While studying, Trish worked as a Shoe and Leg Model for Salvatore Ferragamo on Fifth Avenue. She also worked on Madison Ave in Advertising, and became Fashion Coordinator for Dior. In addition, worked for a time in Interior Design, and won National Design Award, presented to her @ The Waldorf-Astoria in Manhattan.
What? Who cares WHERE that award was presented to her. PS she worked in retail in NYC, so what.
now the defendant thinks perhaps she can be arrogant and stand up to the JUDGE as well. Used to getting her way, every time, that is clear! I can't imagine how she treated those poor actors!
Love seeing JMM’s formidable intellect at its full power here. Defendant clearly is used to talking in circles and thought she could outsmart JMM. Epic takedown.
She's like I don't have every email from 2 year ago...pretty sure I have emails from 5 years ago in my inbox. 😆 I'm not even in big business.
My emails go back to 2008 smh
Man, Judge Milian is so thorough.. reading both of the SCRIPTS!
#dope
That poor kid to the left of the plaintiff could not be more bored, barely awake lol
In case anyone is wondering I just looked up the movie on her IMDb. It's called A Dog and Pony Show. It looks absolutely awful.
I was scrolling through the comments trying to see if anyone found the name of it lmao
well she didn't lie there are big stars in it, i recognize two of the actors
Defendant has had some great work done. Could be 48-88 years old.
You mean the plantiff Joan rivers wanna be
@@mrgamechanger5604 exactly, what is your guess on Trish’s age.
@@mrgamechanger5604 defendant.
Mid to late 60's
Silica gel packets for the win!
Judge Milian is the JAM!! YES MA'AM!!!! She is the No BS QUEEN!
She wants to interrupt the judge sooooo badly throughout all of this 😂😆😂
JJ would've made her stand up and not be leaning all over the table.
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 judge is my hero
You can really tell the judge already basically knows the verdict before doing cases. She studies these cases beforehand and gets invested (obviously this case is a great example, she read the original AND the rewrite of the script). The judge KNEW the rewrite was absolute fire compared to the original and was going to get down to the very real reasons he wasn't paid upon delivery. The judge knew exactly what she was doing and how this was going to go down before she even sat down at her podium. Fantastic Judge
The defendant is named Trish Cook and she is primarily an actress know for such box office hits as Bikini Time Machine, Dude Where’s My Dog?, Palm Swings, Bikini Warrior, Super Shark and Club Dead…
The Judge should’ve recognized the talent that was in front of her! (Her page on IMDb has some video clips of her acting)
Maybe it's because Trish brought "A Dog And Pony Show" into court... 😉🤫🤐
Do u happen to know the writers full name? I'd like to hire him. Also I wonder why they didn't want to use full names. That would be great advertising for the screenwriter.
The fact the defendant responds with an email of dissatisfaction before paying the second 5000.00, she should have voiced those concerns before paying the First 5000.00, but instead responds with “ I Completely Agree”. The writer should be paid for his time and efforts. I haven’t seen the ending yet, but I’m rooting for the writer.
He wonnnnnn , yeah, justice. Thanks judge 👩⚖️