In late 2006 I was hired by Good News Holdings to perform a rewrite of a Christian horror screenplay they were planning to produce. My film agent negotiated terms with GNH's attorney, and GNH flew me to L.A. To begin work.
Prior to working on their screenplay, I had been writing for GNH under the direction of a GNH co-founder. After finishing the screenplay in January of this co-founder called to congratulate me on my work. This was my last positive experience with GNH.
GNH subsequently refused to honor the screenplay contract, going as far as refusing to cover my expenses incurred while I stayed in L.A. Working on their screenplay. As of February GNH owes me approximately 20k for the script, 10k for previous work, and approximately 7k in expenses. Reading the previous report on another employee's negative experience with GNH came as little surprise—while GNH promotes itself as a Christian company operating at a higher moral standard, their behavior proves otherwise. Prior to working on their screenplay, GNH had owed me 10k for months, delaying payment by telling me I would receive my 10k once "their investors completed a wire transfer."
My attorney and I were approached by GNH a few months ago, with an offer of a one-time 20k settlement. According to both my film agent and my attorney, this was a dupe—if I accepted GNH's low offer, I would also have to waive all claims to the screenplay. And while I could have used the money, I wasn't willing to nix the terms that GNH had previously agreed to: namely, my receiving a cut of film profits and a production bonus—standard Writer's Guild terms—if the screenplay is ever produced.
GNH then told me they were in the process of selling the company, as they were relocating to New England to open a new film production studio under a different name. GNH said if I didn't accept their offer I would never see my money. My attorney and I didn't agree, so we turned down their offer. And now we're waiting to see if they ever produce that film.
I am filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau to warn other potential employees of GNH. They have owed me approximately 37k for over a year, and I have an extensive email trail along with recorded phone conversations to back up my claim. I don't want to file a lawsuit because lawsuits take up enormous time and money, and GNH has far more resources than I. But it appears that I have little choice.
Anonymous
Anonymous
U.S.A.
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