(2008)
Merry Gentleman, LLC v. George and Leona Productions, Inc.
Merry Gentleman, LLC produced a motion picture known as “The Merry Gentleman,” for which Michael Keaton, through George and Leona Productions, Inc. agreed to act and direct. Plaintiff’s allege Keaton violated the terms of his directorial contract in many material respects, which led to substantial delays and increased expenses in the completion and release of the movie, and caused substantial financial loss to the plaintiff. In seeking $5.5 million in reliance damages, Merry Gentleman effectively wants to shift the entire cost—and risk—of producing The Merry Gentleman to Keaton for his alleged breaches.
Keaton counterclaimed against Merry Gentleman for breach of contract, and asserted third-party claims for tortious interference with contract.
Judgment: A reasonable trier of fact could not find that Keaton’s alleged breaches caused Merry Gentleman to sustain $5.5 million in damages. In FAVOR of defendants.