Giovanni Fortunati

Thanks to all who are answering! Hmmm, but wouldn't that require the actors travelling to the European country of choice and trying to sue there? If the distribution company had a division here in America, then I imagine it'd be a problem. The problem is that these actors are all members of a cult, and normal reason is a bit devoid with such people. Their leader hates me, and they are loyal to him as a guru. That is why I have a problem! The film itself features no nudity or sex, so that shouldn't be a cause for them to get upset. It also doesn't discuss their beliefs either, so they'd have no cause to challenge me with that. But it's going to be difficult because if I get one to sign, they may just go tell the cult leader and then if he puts the kebosh on it, I've got a problem.

What about distributing abroad (i.e. Europe) ? Surely they can't do anything to stop that, right? And what about the fact that they acted in a film, isn't it obvious if someone is an actor (not some extra who isn't always aware they are on camera) they are consenting to be in a film?

Thanks for your reply! No threats were made on my side yet, that was a last resort. We really don't have a wide-scale release planned (as in "coming to a theater near you), but we do want to distribute the film to the public. If E&O won't cover it in the United States, is it possible to self-distribute it? Giovanni Fortunati

Hello everyone, I have an important pressing question. I made a feature length movie (a narrative, not documentary) a few years ago. I got a release from many people, but a significant group of friends I never bothered getting a release from. I know, it was stupid, stupid, stupid - but we all learn from our mistakes. Some of them I got into a bad argument with (nothing relating to the movie itself), and now those few are being very difficult. They don't want to sign a release. Money will probably not do the trick with them, it's one of those personal/political issues. The film is not defamatory to them, they just don't like me and want to put a spoke in my wheel. I want to release the film in America and abroad. I realize that abroad they probably won't be able to stop me, but in America I'm imagining they could cause some problems by trying to sue. Not like they would get much money from us (probably zero), but could they stop the film from being released? I do have witnesses that can confirm the fact that these people were aware this movie was a commercial enterprise, and that it was going to be released on a wide scale. There was no money exchanged in return for their services. I'm wondering, what kind of problems can I expect and what recourses can I take? Cutting them out is very difficult, I'd have to reshoot so many scenes. Is it possible to sue them for the costs of re-filming if they refuse to cooperate? Is it even worth it? Any advice is greatly appreciated!!! Giovanni Fortunati