Los Angeles, March 19 (IANS) “Star Wars: Episode VIII” director Rian Johnson’s former agent Brian Dreyfuss has sued him over a 10 percent commission for the film.
Dreyfuss is suing Johnson for breach of implied contract, claiming the director is refusing to pay him his 10 percent commission, according to the complaint filed on Friday in Los Angeles county superior court, reports hollywoodreporter.com.
Producer Ram Bergman is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit. Dreyfuss claims Bergman “orchestrated much of Johnson’s business life” and “adopted a course of conduct to marginalise Dreyfuss and limit his influence”.
According to the complaint, Dreyfuss began representing Johnson early in his career and helped him land writing and directing projects, including “Looper” and “Breaking Bad” that launched him into the spotlight.
Dreyfuss claims in 2002 he agreed to represent Johnson for a 10 percent commission on any and all projects that he facilitated, including “renewals and/or options that are exercised or contracts that have been renewed”.
The suit claims Johnson agreed to pay that commission whether or not the employment contracts were procured as a result of Dreyfuss’ efforts and whether or not the employment continued after the end of their agreement.
