http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/02/05/macgyver-creator-trying-to-stop-release-of-macgruber/
MacGyver Creator Trying to Stop Release of MacGruber
The creator of the hit ’80s television series ‘MacGyver,’ Lee Zlotoff, envisioned the character to use his uncanny wit, brains and ability to defuse bombs to get out of hostile situations. Now Zlotoff is preparing MacGyver for another aggressive fight-in the court room, according to the Hollywood Reporter
With the scheduled April 23 release of the parody film ‘MacGruber,’ which is based on the ‘Saturday Night Live’ skit featuring Will Forte as a man who lets bombs blow up, Zlotoff is preparing to take legal action against Relativity Media, the movie’s production company. Zlotoff is trying to stop the company from premiering the parody movie, as he feels a full-length feature film is different from a short television skit.
The ‘MacGyver’ creator is currently developing a movie of his own with New Line based on the television series, and feels that if a parody of the drama hit theaters first, it will compromise its chances of success. Zlotoff’s lawyer, Paul Mayersohn, is hoping the courts will rule in his client’s favor and proclaim that ‘MacGruber’ is infringing on the rights of his show.
But Zlotoff and New Line haven’t filed legal action yet, as they are faced with the difficult task of convincing a court that the spoof falls outside the lines of fair use. But their attorneys have served Relativity Media with cease and desist orders in preparation for possible litigation.
Written by: Karen Benardello
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