From the annals of Hollywood entertainment law!

Apropos to this GITS reader question the other day, here is a story involving a writer-producer, a studio, a movie franchise, an agency, and the law:

“The complaint provides an insight into a lucrative writing deal. According to the complaint, Herz was compensated by Universal for American Pie 3 in excess of $700,000 for his services as producer (including box office bonuses) plus over $6 million in profit participation. Herz paid UTA a 10% commission on these monies, per the Talent Agency Agreement, totaling approximately $700,000 (exclusive of commission for writing services). The Producer Agreement negotiated by UTA also provided Herz with the right of first negotiation for individual producing services on any sequels or remakes of American Pie 3. The Producer Agreement required Universal to offer Herz “financial terms not less favorable than those provided herein …” for future individual producer services in connection with sequels and remakes. “Universal did exercise its option to make a sequel to American Pie 3 entitled American Pie 4, but declined to use Herz as a writer or producer on the picture. Nevertheless, as a result of the Producer Agreement and UTA’s efforts on Herz’s behalf, Universal paid Herz an amount presently unknown for the right to use a different writer and producer. By the terms of the Producer Agreement, UTA is informed and believes and based thereon alleges that Herz received financial compensation in an amount no less favorable than his compensation for American Pie 3 Pursuant to the terms of the Talent Agent Agreement, UTA is entitled to payment of a 10% commission on any and all monies which Herz has received in connection with American Pie 4.”

Not quite “Law & Order,” I grant you. But there’s some takeaway for prospective screenwriters namely: Get a damn good lawyer!

For more of the Deadline article, go here.