BSG:RAZOR To Hit Select Theaters

If this story is true, the theatrical screening of BSG: Razor would directly violate the exclusive movie rights of original Galactica creator Glen Larson to any, and all, big screen versions of Battlestar Galactica. NBC/Universal will most certainly be facing a major lawsuit by Glen Larson in the immediate future. Look for Larson to claim that such a release directly ignores his exclusive rights to produce, and thus create, any and all, new theatrical incarnations of Galactica--but by its knowing predatory actions and practices, NBC/Universal and their subsidiary networks, USA Cable and The Sci-fi Channel conspired to damaged the worth of any future theatrical Galactica productions which he, Glen Larson, may produce or license in the future. In addition, by releasing BSG: Razor theatrically, NBC/Universal, et al, weakened the value of any merchandising and product tie-in promotional campaigns Larson may wish to pursue in the future...with interested outside parties or corporate entities, by putting his ownership rights into question. Larson will be demanding sizable punitive damages...perhaps in the hundreds of millions of dollars, or more!!! In fact, he could have a multi-billion claim on his hands. First however, Larson's legal team will send a formal letter of warning to NBC/Universal...after that...should they ignore the epistle, they, NBC/Universal, won't have a leg to stand on in court.

It's free. No charge for admission, no lawsuit.

Whether its free or not, Larson can clearly argue that the theatrical release of BSG: Razor serves to negatively impact his plans to create and produce a Galactica based theatrical film...effectively undermining the worth of his production through unfair competition. The fact that this BSG: Razor movie is being released free of charge...actually serves to underscore any claims that Larson will certainly have against NBC/Universal as he can argue more effectively in court that they have knowly acted, in collusion, to downgrade the value of his copyright, not only by consciously and proactively infringing on those rights with respect to BSG: Razor's film release in theatres: but the explosive highlight of such a claim will be brought home through the point that they are charging no admission to audiences. Now...Larson need only target that fact...using case law. By illegally using Galactica's name, characters, etc., in the marketplace of film theatres, it will only cause would-be paying audiences to be reluctant to pay to see any Galactica film, or films, that he, Larson, may produce in the future...if they, general audiences, are asked to pay the going standard rate for ticket prices. Once that precedent is established by NBC/Universal...the damage will be done to Larson's copyrighted materials and their marketability. I mean, what major studio or film distributor is going to want to partner up with Larson on a new Galactica film if NBC/Universal can come along at anytime and release a freebee movie in theatres at any moment they like??? Answer??? It ain't gonna happen. A parallel argument can be made to illegal music file sharing. If you can get the Beatles for free online....why pay for it...via I-Tunes or on CD??? Yes...no matter how it is argued in court, this will only help, not hurt Larson's case. Whether there is a charge at the box office for admission, or no charge--unless NBC/Universal, et al...have Larson's signed permission...they will be hit with a sizable lawsuit. In Closing: If let's say, you owned the exclusive rights to distribute a product called Coca Cola in The United States and the rest of North America...and then the person who owns the European rights...decides to distribute their version of Coke in North America, violating your copyrights and trademark...by giving it to people for free, if only in limited distribution--that undermines you rights...and the marketplace you serve or intend to serve--especially if your competition is marketing a different version of Coke, i.e., New Coke...vs. your original formula. It also creates unnecessary market confusion, thus damaging your rights even further. Point is, there is no way Larson can lose in court.

Metal, Are you assuming that Larson hasn't already approved this action? After all, Larson is a credited producer for this film. He has been paid for Razor and contract details have been worked out in terms of his rights for this film. Universal-NBC didn't even okay this movie until they had Larson's stipulations first.

I never assume, Dark Jedi...as you'll see by checking my post, I included the stipulation and caveat regarding Larson's signed permission. BTW...if it is indeed true that Larson is acting as a producer of BSG: Razor...then it won't be long before we can expect a big budget New Galactica theatrical film--with Larson and Ron Moore serving as co-producers--if not, lawsuit time.

It's free. It's one night. It's in NINE cities. Save your energy for something that matters, Metal.

Once again, Metal, you are assuming that Larson hasn't already agreed to this Nine City Free Theater Release. The stipulation for this Razor film was that it air on television before hitting the DVD market. You do not know that Larson hasn't already given full approval on this nine city release. Universal and Larson have already agreed on this Razor film and all principal decisions made for it including the dvd release. Larson is a credited producer, under his WGA stipulations, for this Razor film and his terms have been fully met or this film wouldn't be happening. He's an acting producer. You are assuming that Larson hasn't already agreed to this free nine city theater release as a consulting producer for the film. If Universal has had Larson's approval before anything else relating to this movie, why would they do this nine city tour without first consulting him, Metal?

Sometimes due to pre-existing agreements, you may see a persons name appear on a screen credit simply in service of an older agreement...perhaps in this case, having something to do with the same contract that divided the original rights between Universal and Larson in the first place. That said...I must point out that I was the first person on AICN.com...and the only person, to point out that if Ron Moore released Razor on DVD...without first airing it on the Sci-Fi Channel that he and Universal, may be in violation of Larson's contract, since Universal and Moore had been promoting Razor as a direct to DVD movie release. The key word...being "movie" here. Being that Universal only has tv rights...I instantly knew that they must air the movie on tv first...and then release it on DVD. Well...to my surprise, on another web site...which one, I have since forgotten, Moore commented on that circumstance. Instantly Universal did a complete reversal of their releasing and distribution strategy, claiming that they were going to air Razor on TV first...and then...two days later, or so, they commited to putting it out on DVD...just as I advised them...almost to the letter...except, I never suggested the two day term between the broadcast airing and the DVD sale--just simply that they must air Razor on TV first, ahead of the DVD release. Later, I read an article...where Moore pointed out that he'd like to do a New Galactica theatrical movie...but Universal had not negotiated a deal with Larson. He seemed unsure if it would ever happen, but he remained cautiously optimistic, yet more on the cautious side...since he was more than aware that Larson had, has, his own plans to make a Galactica movie of his own...using the Atlantis, or a ship of a similar name, to hunt for Galactica. Eventually the ship finds Earth, during the Jurassic age.

What are you his lawyer?

Right now...I'm acting as a lawyer for both Larson, et al, and Ron Moore, NBC/Universal, et al. One screw up on the contract by either side...and its off to court we go. Wouldn't you all prefer a settlement instead...and Galactica movies and tv series for years to come, or do you prefer an end to it at the hands of a lawsuit??? Ever heard the word, injunction before(???), and the term..."cease and desist order" (???), well...that could all happen here if the contracts aren't straight on every aspect of this matter--just like how I previously enlightened Universal on this subject in respect to the legal minefield which Razor represent....enlightenment they quickly learned from and followed. As for their own legal staff, they never even saw it coming, but I did--and that is a fact. Now...Mr. Larson and NBC/Universal...if you just cut me in on some of the money, it would be more than appreciated. After all, your own lawyers aren't even giving you advice this good. Ah...the irony???!!!