Shearer played Derek Smalls in director Rob Reiner's 1984 classic -- which co-starred Christopher Guest and Michael McKean -- and he is also credited as one of the co-writers and co-creators of the music. According to the Wall Street Journal, Shearer filed a lawsuit Monday alleging that he and his co-creators have been stiffed of profits for years. Through his production company, he's asking for $125 million in compensatory and punitive damages from Vivendi SA (which owns the movie rights) and its StudioCanal subsidiary.
To my fellow creators - pls RT this video if you believe #fairnessrocks. Time for #fairplayfairpay @Vivendi, @studiocanal & @canalplus http://pic.twitter.com/RBCqCS9XAP
— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) October 18, 2016
Here's what's posted on the homepage of Fairness Rocks:
This US legal complaint is important for all creators and artists
Popular music and films make huge money for rights-owning corporations.
Yet, too often, the artists and creators get a raw deal from exploitation of their talent.
I want to help rebalance this equation.
My case against Vivendi is simple, if perhaps a little shocking.
It's been 34 years since This Is Spinal Tap was released.
Yet, the creators have been told that global music sales from the soundtrack album total just US$98.
We're also, apparently, only entitled to share US$81 (between us) from global merchandising sales.
This shocks me, given Tap's enduring popularity.
So, Vivendi – it's not a big ask. Just show us how you're exploiting our creative work and pay us a fair share.
#FairnessRocks
If you're a fellow creator, the information on this site may be of interest.
The rights campaigners listed here may well be able to help you.
Good luck.
Sounds like he's livin' in a hell hole (sorry) so best of luck in whatever happens from here. At least he's making his point.
Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook.