Pawn Shop

(2012)

Redd v. Stacer

In 1997, Plaintiff developed the idea to “write, produce and direct” a movie centered around a pawn shop and the various characters that frequented such. Plaintiff worked on this project for several years and in 2008 formed Paris Deior Studios, LLC for the purpose of “producing motion pictures.” Plaintiff, along with two other individuals, subsequently authored the screenplay “Pawn Shop.” Plaintiff registered this work with the United States Copyright Office. In 2009, Plaintiff, in conjunction with Paris Deior Studios, filmed the movie, “Pawn Shop.” On May 26, 2011, Plaintiff registered this movie with the United States Copyright Office.

The movie “Pawn Shop” was scheduled to premiere on April 20, 2012, in Southfield, Michigan. Defendant Stacer “fraudulently subpoenaed” the theater in question, however, resulting in the cancellation of the movie’s premiere. In June 2012, Paris Deior Studios released “Pawn Shop” on DVD. Defendant subsequently copied the movie and distributed copies thereof in violation of Plaintiff’s copyright. Plaintiff initiated this action alleging copyright infringement. Plaintiff seeks monetary damages and injunctive relief.

Judgment: Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss and Hold Plaintiff in Contempt, be granted in part and denied in part; Defendant’s Supplemental Motion to Dismiss and Hold Plaintiff in Contempt, be granted in part and denied in part. Specifically, the undersigned recommends that Defendant’s motion for contempt be denied and Defendant’s motion to dismiss for improper venue be granted and this matter dismissed.