Obsession EP Sues Over Promised Profit Participation From Horror Hit
Deadline • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Leonora Ann Darby has filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Tea Shop Productions and its executive producers James Harris and Mark Lane, alleging a seven-year pattern of unequal treatment and broken compensation promises related to the hit horror film Obsession.
- Darby claims she was promised equal producer status and a one-third share of net profits on films she lead-produced, including Obsession, but was ultimately cut out of the film's substantial profits despite her significant contributions to its success.
- The complaint details Darby's extensive role in rescuing and managing Obsession, which grossed nearly $510 million worldwide on a budget under $800,000, yet she received only a single initial payment and an additional $300,000, which she asserts was insufficient and accompanied by demeaning treatment.
- Darby seeks unspecified damages, equitable accounting, and a jury trial, also requesting financial review of other projects under the same agreements; the lawsuit targets Harris, Lane, and Tea Shop entities but not Focus Features or fellow producer Jason Blum.
- Tea Shop Productions has not responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.
