'The British Patient' Producer Saul Zaentz Sues Disney, Miramax for $20 Million (Exclusive)

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images The Saul Zaentz Co., producer in the 1996 best picture champion The British Patient, has punished distributor Miramax which is former owner the Wally Disney Co. for $20 million in profits within the hit drama. The suit, filed Thursday in La Superior Court, alleges a years-extended plan among Miramax, then run by Harvey Weinstein, which is former owner Disney to pay for revenue, improperly allocate and take away expenses and charges and take part in self-dealing concerning the film. British Patient made greater than $300 million worldwide, furthermore to sweeping the Academy awards in 1996. "To this day, no matter the good success in the film, [Zaentz] has not even received from Miramax payment sufficient to recoup [Zaentz's] costs of making The British Patient," the suit alleges. It states Miramax has saved 100s of vast amounts that was designed to visit Zaentz. This isn't the first time Zaentz has punished inside the film. The dispute remains happening for just about any decade, and Zaentz punished in 2006, making similar arguments based on an audit in the film's books and records. But that situation was overlooked in 2008 as well as the new suit states the parties have observed a tolling agreement (to prevent statute of limitations issues) in place. The suit alleges a conspiracy "to keep the look in the paper loss position to make sure that no matter the amount of money The Engligh Patient acquired, Miramax and Disney would reap all of the profits while" Zaentz wouldn't be area of the success. Zaentz states his company ponied up $15.75 million within the own money and deferred compensation to obtain the film made but got assurances from Miramax it might get yourself a better profits definition when compared to a standard deal. The sale allegedly gave Zaentz 10% of modified gross receipts, which rose to fifteenPercent after break-even, plus 60% of internet profits. However, Zaentz states Miramax later tried to keep his company with a a more compact amount favorable profits definition and contains been not wanting to create credits. Disney offered Miramax this season to many traders including businessman Ron Tutor and Colony Capital. Weinstein had left the business years before to start the Weinstein Co. The suit, filed by Marty Singer at Lavely & Singer, alleges causes of action including breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and seeks an accounting and declaratory relief. We've showed up at to Disney for comment. Email: Matthew.Belloni@thr.com