Setback for Bac on TFM papers
September 30, 2002 - The Hollywood Reporter
PARIS—French distributor Bac Majestic has lost the latest round of legal wrangling in its bid to seize documents pertaining to the formation of TFM, the new French distribution company launched by Miramax and Gallic network TF1, Miramax lawyer Leonard Rosman said.
The overturned court order, issued Aug. 27 by a commercial tribunal in the Parisian suburb of Nanterre, had authorized a bailiff to seize documents at TF1 on Aug. 29 (HR 8/30).
The bailiff was denied entry, and the president of the tribunal overturned the original decision Friday.
This is the latest setback for troubled Bac, whose three-year distribution deal with Miramax was terminated in the spring, just before Miramax and TF1 announced the formation of TFM at Cannes.
Bac has claimed that TF1 used its strong position in the film and television industry to undermine the Bac-Miramax deal. The French distributor now must pick up court costs.
In Paris, Miramax lawyer Rosman called this “excellent news for TF1 and Miramax.”
BAC Majestic was not available for comment at press time. Calls to TF1 were not returned.
