Producers White Lantern Film and SMC Specialty Finance have reacted to the loss of a High Court case against actress Eva Green in the UK over the collapse of their sci-fi film a patriot.
In a joint statement released Friday afternoon, the producers said they were “understandably disappointed” with the ruling in the case and are “carefully considering” their options, including a potential appeal.
Later in the statement, White Lantern and SMC Specialty Finance criticize what they describe as Green’s suggestion that the lawsuit against her was “motivated by or represented gender-based bullying,” describing her claims. as “completely unjustified”.
“This in no way reflects the judgment, nor the evidence that was heard in court,” the statement said.
Green won the High Court case against White Lantern and SMC Specialty Finance over the collapse of a patriot Friday morning. The case stems from the collapse of the UK project at the end of 2019, in which Green was to star and produce. The case was essentially about determining which party was responsible for the collapse, with both sides having competing stories on the matter.
Green, whose credits include 2006 Casino Royale and that of Robert Rodriguez city of sinclaimed she was entitled to a $1 million fee she agreed to at the start of the project, arguing that since she had a “pay or play” contract, she owed the money regardless of the collapse of the film before the cameras roll.
White Lantern alleged that the actress’ conduct was unreasonable and in violation of her contractual obligations, so she was not entitled to her fees. According to their closing argument, producer and financier SMC alleges that Green had no intention of completing production, and they claimed millions in losses allegedly caused by Green’s conduct.
As part of her evidence, White Lantern loaned messages sent by Green that she discovered through a court-ordered discovery process. The email and Whatsapp messages revealed that Green called a producer a “fuckin’ moron” and the backers “holes.” She also jokingly referred to herself as “Cruella” when talking about the production team.
Green has vehemently denied allegations that she derailed the film. Her attorneys previously said, “Mrs. Green was at all times ready to perform her contract, and she remained willing and able to proceed on the basis of it. It was the bridge financiers and White Lantern who unilaterally stopped production in early October 2019.”
In a judgment Friday morning, Judge Michael Green ruled in favor of Green, saying she was entitled to the $1 million costs, and dismissed the productions counterclaim, PA reported.
Read the full statement from White Lantern and SMC below:
We are understandably disappointed with today’s judgment and the court’s findings. We are carefully considering our options for potential next steps, including appeal.
Eva Green’s suggestion today that this legal action was motivated by or represented gender-based bullying is completely unwarranted. It does not in any way reflect the judgment or the evidence that was heard in court.
Eva Green has sued to be paid $1 million for a film that was not made and for which she provided no acting services. The evidence presented in court that Ms Green is now complaining about is things that she herself wrote and said. Her comments, emails and WhatsApps were reviewed to establish whether she intended to leave the project or if she would have continued with it. This was the main evidentiary issue in court.
SMC has a long and proud track record of funding and promoting producers, directors, screenwriters and acting talent of all genres, from Academy Award winners to aspiring female directors. It is absurd to suggest that Ms. Green’s gender played a role in our decision to defend ourselves against this lawsuit.
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