What's Happening?
Jonny Greenwood and Paul Thomas Anderson have called for the removal of music from their film 'Phantom Thread' from the 'Melania' documentary, citing unauthorized use by Universal Pictures. The documentary, directed by Brett Ratner, covers the period before the 2025 presidential inauguration and has been released internationally. Despite Greenwood not owning the copyright, the lack of consultation breaches his composer agreement. The documentary, which includes other notable music tracks, has grossed $13.4 million and is set to stream on Prime Video.
Why It's Important?
This situation highlights the complexities of music licensing in film and the potential for disputes over intellectual property rights. The involvement of high-profile figures like Greenwood and Anderson
brings attention to the importance of respecting creative agreements. The documentary's significant financial backing and controversial subject matter further amplify the stakes, as it reflects broader industry practices and the potential for political motivations in media production.
What's Next?
The resolution of this dispute could impact future licensing practices and the handling of intellectual property in the film industry. The response from Universal Pictures and the documentary's continued distribution will be closely watched. Additionally, the film's performance and reception may influence future projects involving politically charged content, potentially affecting how studios approach similar subjects.
