News of October 28, 2015
Dispute Over the Tupac Biopic: Producers Sue for $10 Million
Who decides on the budget and lead actor? Production company Emmett/Furla accuses Morgan Creek of bypassing them on the biopic.
The Tupac biopic was taking shape, but behind the scenes, the dispute escalated. On October 28, 2015, the production company Emmett Furla Oasis sued studio Morgan Creek in Los Angeles Superior Court for $10 million in damages. The allegation, according to Billboard: Morgan Creek had set the lead actor, budget, and shooting schedule without approval.
Dispute Over Control
According to plaintiffs Randall Emmett and George Furla, the September 2013 co-production agreement contained clear rules: a budget of no more than $30 million, as well as mutual decisions regarding the shooting schedule and distribution. When it came to the director and lead actor, Emmett/Furla claimed sole decision-making authority. Only their involvement, the producers stated, had revived the dormant project in the first place.
They also felt bypassed regarding distribution: Morgan Creek had rejected a deal negotiated by them with Open Road Films, but later closed one with Open Road itself-without the partners.
Lawsuit Against Afeni Shakur
This was not the studio’s only conflict. According to Billboard, Morgan Creek also sued Afeni Shakur over the music rights. How the production moved forward nonetheless is shown in Benny Boom to direct.