What's Happening?
Marc Beckman, the producer of the documentary 'Melania' about former First Lady Melania Trump, is defending the film's use of music from the 2017 film 'Phantom Thread.' This comes after composer Jonny Greenwood and director Paul Thomas Anderson, both Oscar nominees, claimed that the use of Greenwood's score in the documentary breached his composer agreement. Beckman insists that the documentary had the legal right and permission to use the music, stating that all protocols were followed and artists were compensated. The controversy centers on the claim that Universal, the studio behind 'Phantom Thread,' did not consult Greenwood about the third-party use of his music, which Anderson and Greenwood argue is a breach of contract. Despite the dispute,
Beckman maintains that the documentary's production team acted within their rights.
Why It's Important?
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in the film industry regarding intellectual property rights and the use of music in films. For filmmakers and composers, the case underscores the importance of clear agreements and communication regarding the use of creative works. The controversy also brings attention to the documentary 'Melania,' which is Brett Ratner's first film since facing allegations of sexual misconduct in 2017. The film's financial success, having grossed $13.3 million globally, and Amazon's significant investment of $75 million for its acquisition and promotion, indicate its commercial impact. The outcome of this dispute could influence future negotiations and agreements between filmmakers, composers, and studios, potentially affecting how music is licensed and used in the industry.
What's Next?
The next steps may involve further legal discussions or negotiations between the involved parties. Anderson and Greenwood have requested the removal of the 'Phantom Thread' score from the documentary, which could lead to potential edits or legal actions if the request is not honored. The response from Universal, the studio implicated in the alleged breach, will be crucial in determining the resolution of this dispute. Additionally, the film industry will be watching closely to see if this case sets any new precedents for music licensing and intellectual property rights in film production.
