Catherine Corcoran Accuses Terrifier Producers of Unauthorized Nude Filming
An actor from the “Terrifier” franchise has initiated a federal lawsuit against the filmmakers, citing unauthorized usage of nude scenes and failures in paying residuals as part of the complaint. Catherine Corcoran, known for her role as Dawn in the original film, has raised concerns regarding her agreement and compensation.
Catherine Corcoran’s Allegations Against Filmmakers
Corcoran alleges that producers Phil Falcone and Damien Leone only compensated her with $8,341, a fraction of her entitled earnings. Her contract promised her 1% of the film’s profits and merchandise revenues, in exchange for a low per diem rate during filming.
Impact of the Film
The original “Terrifier,” released in 2015, became a major indie success and contributed to the emergence of a profitable horror franchise. Despite its acclaim, Corcoran claims she had not received the payment owed to her as outlined in her contract.
- Film Title: Terrifier
- Character: Dawn
- Profits Owed: 1% of film profits
- Initial Payment: $8,341
- Release Date: 2015
- Franchise Earnings: Over $100 million
Unauthorized Use of Nudity
Corcoran’s lawsuit asserts that the filmmakers did not obtain the necessary consent for her nude scene involving being suspended upside down and mutilated. According to the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) regulations, written consent must be obtained prior to filming nude scenes. Corcoran’s legal representation emphasized that she did not give such consent.
Merchandising and Further Claims
Additionally, the lawsuit points out that the filmmakers have been selling merchandise featuring images of Corcoran’s nude portrayal without proper authorization, which typically requires an additional nudity rider.
Corcoran’s legal team asserts that she remains within the statute of limitations to pursue her claims, highlighting potential legal repercussions for failing to secure written consent as per SAG-AFTRA agreements.
Seeking Justice
The lawsuit calls for compensatory damages for the owed revenues from the film and its merchandise and seeks an injunction against further use of her images. Corcoran’s case illustrates the ongoing debate within the film industry about consent and fair compensation for actors.
Franchise Success
“Terrifier” has gained a remarkable following since its release and has expanded into a significantly profitable franchise. The most recent installment, “Terrifier 3,” showcased this success, grossing nearly $89 million globally and becoming the highest-grossing unrated film ever.
As this legal battle unfolds, the implications for the industry could resonate widely, emphasizing the importance of ethical practices in film production and actor rights.
