Hollywood Docket: Charles Manson Film With Unique Marketing Campaign Claimed Stolen

By Eriq Gardner

Case: Brian Messner v. Global Realty Development Corp., Case No. CV0806001 (California District), filed Sept. 12

Claims: Copyright infringement, unjust enrichment, accounting

Allegations: Plaintiff is the writer, director, and producer of two films, "Seed of Faith" and "The Devil Exist," a film about the life of Charles Manson. Messner claims to have exclusive rights to distribute the films, but that Global Realty Development Corp. has set up a film website and is engaging in a marketing campaign for the film. Specifically, Global Realty is accused of entering into a business relationship with co-defendant Smart SMS on a cellular text messaging campaign called "Text Your Way To Stardom" that promises the winner a feature role in the Devil Exist film. Plaintiff claims damages of at least $10 million.

Filing attorney: Craig R. Smith