'This lawsuit is one more step in a desperate effort': Movie financing drama surrounds films starring Kate Beckinsale and others

It seems that Hollywood lawsuits aren't limited to the red carpet. "They fell victim to a shell game," reads a lawsuit brought by Matthew Dwyer and his production company, Rescue Dog Productions, against producer Jeff Elliott and his company, Bricknell and Broadbridge International. The legal battle has revolved around three films, including Kate Beckinsale's Canary Black, and centers on alleged unpaid commissions and false promises.

"Every Film Has Its Drama, But Off-Screen?"

The dispute began when Dwyer and Rescue Dog Productions, drawn by Elliott's promises, helped raise funds for three upcoming movies, including Canary Black. Elliott had supposedly promised a return of 12% to 12.5% commission on funds raised and 3.5% equity in the first film, Poolman. However, Dwyer and his company allegedly received only $150,000 in commissions, and Dwyer was denied the promised acting role.

"In the End, Promises Weren't Kept"

The saga continued as Dwyer raised $1.1 million for the next film, The Dating Game, with the promise of a juicy role across from Anna Kendrick. However, some of the money was allegedly diverted to the production of Canary Black. Dwyer and Rescue Dog received no commissions, and the promised acting role never materialized. When it came to Canary Black, starring Kate Beckinsale, Elliott allegedly needed $4.4 million in financing and again made grand promises to Dwyer. Yet, after raising only $2.05 million, Dwyer and Rescue Dog were left without the agreed compensation.

Lawyers for Elliott dismissed Dwyer’s legal action as "completely without merit. In fact, this lawsuit is one more step in a desperate effort to extort money from my clients." After the funds raised for Canary Black reached the defendants' bank account, Dwyer’s calls were reportedly ignored. The defendants' counsel concluded their statement, asserting, "We intend to vigorously defend this lawsuit and fully expect that it will be dismissed."

The ongoing legal battle is a grim reminder that even the glitz and glamour of Hollywood isn't without its off-screen drama. For the cast and crew of Canary Black, the hope is to keep their focus on the film, despite the tumult.

As reported by Deadline on December 26, 2022.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)