Do protests help or hurt a film is the question
By Nadine Jolson
- Kill Speed under fire
SANTA MONICA, CA (Hollywood Today) 11/7/09 — You may have heard about “Kill Speed,” perhaps the most talked about film at AFM 2009.
There is a negative campaign circulating. According to Eric Norwitz, the attorney representing Epic Pictures Group, Inc., and Patrick Ewald, “The allegations ’Kill Speed’ is a stolen film are ridiculous and without any merit whatsoever. The Bass Entertainment Pictures’ high-flying film, ‘Kill Speed’ was conceived, written, and directed solely by Kim Bass.”
Break ins, print theft and duplicitous name changes? That’s what Michael Belt and FilmTheft.com are claiming in an email news release just sent out to media and industry attendees of the American Film Market. Here’s the complete text of the email:
Epic Films is accused of selling stolen movie KILL SPEED
Foreign Sales Agent Patrick Ewald and Epic Pictures Inc are offering a film under the thinly disguised name KILL SPEED-FAST CASH. The film is embroiled in litigation including copyright claims and police reports of stolen property.
The AFM world-premiere for “Kill Speed” was last night at the today, Friday November 6, 2009, at the Fairmont 1 theater. Director Kim Bass and attorney Mr. Eric Norwitz were in attendance at the screening.
“Kill Speed” stars: Andrew Keegan; Natalia Cigliuti; Nick Carter; Tom Arnold; Robert Patrick; Greg Grunberg; Shawnee Smith; Brandon Quinn; and Reno Wilson. The film features music by: Steppenwolf; Tears for Fears; Nick Carter; Jada Pinkett-Smith’s Wicked Wisdom; and world-renown bass guitarist Nathan East.
“Kill Speed” is a high-octane, youth-oriented, “Fast & Furious” meets “Top Gun” type tale about Hollywood bad-boys, who use high-tech experimental planes to deliver crystal meth thoughout Southern California in order to fund their live-fast, die-hard, rock star lifestyle.
Bass is an Emmy-nominated writer and a NAACP Image Award recipient (Best Writing) for the hit Fox television series, “In Living Color,” and has a co-created by credit for ABC’s and The WB’s television series, “Sister, Sister,” and a sole created by credit for the Nickelodeon sitcom, “Kenan & Kel.” Having a passion for aviation, Bass is also a commercial rated pilot.
Writer-director Kim Bass has two films at this year’s AFM. “Junkyard Dog” starring Vivica A. Fox and Brad Dourif world-premiered yesterday.
3 responses so far ↓
1 Linda // Nov 7, 2009 at 10:28 am
Sad story indeed.
Even if the claims are ridiculous the lawsuits cause a problem for buyers in legitimate markets. No one wants to buy into a fight.
Taking your lawyer to the premiere is in interesting step.
2 Tony Tiscareno // Nov 7, 2009 at 10:54 am
It says the lawyer is Epic’s, not Bass’s, dummy. Read the details. If I’m being accused a lawyer would be prudent anyway. And google the ex-con making the accusation “David Riggs” and “Tampa Bay Business Journal” and “videotape”. The accuser is a twice-convicted con artist.
3 The Terminator // Nov 8, 2009 at 10:47 am
After lengthy investigations, Mr. Riggs performance as a con-man is extensive. As a tax evader, he is causing all of us to pay more than our fair share. He has also been convicted of defrauding investors, and was permanently enjoined by the SEC not to violate securities law. Additionally, one of the videos of the accident of “Wild Child” shows clearly (w’audio), that he caused or at least contributed to the death of 2 pilots (Fregley & Hoss) and continued to video the resultant fireball and death scene. What a film maker. All of the evidence will come forward, and this piece of human garbage will eventually be unable to hurt anyone again. Unfortunately, he will probably kill somebody’s kid when his aircraft slams into a school. But then it will be the fault of someone else in the government that failed to take action. BTW, see the article in the LA Times, 11/8/2009 on pages A-43 & A-50 (California Section) and don’t forget to watch the video.
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