‘A Patriot’ Producers Weigh Appeal in Eva Green Case, Deny ‘Bully Boy Tactics’

Producers White Lantern Film and SMC Specialty Finance have responded to the loss of a legal battle against actress Eva Green in the UK over the collapse of her sci-fi film A patriot.

In a joint statement released Friday afternoon, the producers said they were “obviously disappointed” by the ruling in the case and were “carefully considering their options,” including a possible appeal.

Later in the statement, White Lantern and SMC Specialty Finance criticized what they called Green’s suggestion that the legal action taken against them was “motivated by or representative of gender-based bullying,” describing their claims as “completely unfounded.”

“It in no way reflects the verdict or the evidence that was heard in court,” the statement said.

Green won the lawsuit against White Lantern and SMC Specialty Finance over the collapse of A patriot friday morning The case stems from the collapse of the UK project at the end of 2019, which Green was set to star in and perform. The main issue in the case was determining which party was responsible for the collapse, with both sides giving conflicting testimony on the matter.

Green, whose credits include those from 2006 Casino Royale and that of Robert Rodriguez city ​​of sinclaims she is entitled to a $1 million fee, which she agreed to when the project began, arguing that she is owed the money as she had a “pay-or-play” contract, regardless of the outline of the film before the cameras rolled.

White Lantern claimed the actress’ behavior was inappropriate and in breach of her contractual obligations and therefore not entitled to her fee. According to her plea, producer and financier SMC claims that Green had no intention of completing production and allegedly claimed millions of dollars in losses caused by Green’s actions.

As part of his testimony, White Lantern borrowed messages sent by Green, which he unearthed for discovery through a court order. The email and WhatsApp messages showed Green calling a producer a “fucking jerk” and supporters “A-holes”. She also jokingly referred to herself as “Cruella” when talking about the production team.

Green has strongly denied allegations that she derailed the film. Her lawyers previously said: “Mrs Green was always ready to honor her contract and she remained willing and able to rely on it. It was the bridge financiers and White Lantern who unilaterally stopped production in early October 2019. “

In a ruling Friday morning, Judge Michael Green ruled in favor of Green, declaring that she is entitled to the $1 million in damages and dismissing the production’s counterclaim, PA reported.

Read White Lantern and SMC’s full statement below:
Of course, we are disappointed with today’s verdict and the findings of the court. We are carefully evaluating our options for possible next steps, including an appeal.

The suggestion made today by Eva Green that this lawsuit was motivated or depicted by gender bullying is completely unfounded. It in no way reflects the judgment or the evidence heard in court.

Eva Green has filed a lawsuit to get $1 million for a movie that wasn’t made and for which she did no acting. The evidence presented in court that Ms Green now complains about was things she herself wrote and said. Her comments, emails and whatsapps were examined to determine if she intended to end the project or continue with it. This was the main point of evidence for the court.

SMC has a long and proud record of funding and nurturing producers, directors, writers and acting talent of all generations, from Oscar winners to aspiring women directors. It is absurd to suggest that Ms. Green’s gender played a role in our decision to challenge this legal claim.