Michael Mann is gearing up to begin production on the highly anticipated sequel, “Heat 2,” slated to start filming on January 19. However, the acclaimed director faces a legal dispute as he seeks to reclaim the copyright to his original screenplay for the 1995 film “Heat,” produced by New Regency.
Legal Dispute with New Regency
New Regency filed a lawsuit on Friday asserting its claim to the copyright of the original screenplay, arguing that the project was a “work made for hire.” This designation suggests that Mann, despite his pivotal role in writing, producing, and directing, may not have legal grounds to terminate the rights he assigned back in the 1980s.
Earlier this year, Mann’s legal team sent termination notices to New Regency, invoking the right under the Copyright Act that allows authors to reclaim their works after 35 years. In response, New Regency is seeking a court declaration to deem these notices void, claiming they cloud the company’s ownership of the original film.
Mann’s Defense
Mann’s representatives have stated they intend to “vigorously” contest New Regency’s lawsuit. A spokesperson emphasized confidence in the legal process, asserting, “We will vigorously defend this action and are confident that the courts will vindicate Michael Mann’s statutory rights under the Copyright Act.” They note that Mann’s work on the screenplay spans back to the 1970s and evolved into the iconic film that premiered in 1995.
The lawsuit reveals that Warner Bros. acquired the rights to the screenplay in 1994, under what New Regency claims was a work-for-hire agreement. Consequently, they argue this arrangement cannot be reverted or terminated.
Contentions Over Oral Agreements
According to the suit, Mann’s lawyers initially indicated that rights were assigned to Mann’s loan-out companies as far back as 1988 and sought to terminate that agreement. However, upon New Regency requesting documentation of this assignment, they were reportedly informed it was based on an oral agreement. The lawsuit humorously notes the nature of this claim, stating, “The Oral Assignment on which the First Termination Notice is based supposedly derives from an oral agreement that Mann allegedly made with himself.”
Following this, Mann’s team issued two additional termination notices citing different agreements, both of which New Regency argues are also invalid.
Remaining Impact on ‘Heat 2’
While Mann’s legal battle unfolds, it is crucial to note that the dispute should not impede the production of “Heat 2.” Although Warner Bros. initially planned to produce the sequel, they stepped back last year, with Amazon MGM Studios now at the helm. Both New Regency and Mann have made arrangements with Amazon regarding this copyright matter, as Mann has reportedly assigned any rights he might reclaim to the studio.
“For clarification, this is unrelated to the production of Heat 2, which will begin shooting on January 19,” Mann’s representative stressed in a statement.
