Friday, October 4, 2024

EXCLUSIVE UPDATE: Woody Allen’s Publisher Sends Letter to HBO Over Unauthorized Use of Audio Book in Documentary

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As I told you first on Saturday, Woody Allen‘s book publisher, Skyhorse, didn’t grant permission for use of audio from Woody’s book, “Apropos of Nothing,” in the HBO doc “Allen v. Farrow.” The audio segments take up quite a bit of the doc series, and make it seem as if Woody was interviewed for it. He was not. Until last week, Skyhorse didn’t know that HBO had used the audio segments.

Below is a copy of the letter sent by Skyhorse’s lawyers to HBO. Skyhorse’s lawyer writes: Skyhorse accordingly is giving notice that if, after viewing the documentary, it deems the documentary’s use of audiobook excerpts to exceed legitimate fair use, it will seek full compensation from HBO and the producers for willful copyright infringement.”

In other words, a lawsuit may be imminent. I’ve seen the remaining episodes, and there’s more of “Apropos” all through them. All without permission.

Here’s the letter:

Roger Friedman
Roger Friedmanhttps://www.showbiz411.com
Roger Friedman began his Showbiz411 column in April 2009 after 10 years with Fox News, where he created the Fox411 column. His movie reviews are carried by Rotten Tomatoes, and he is a member of both the movie and TV branches of the Critics Choice Awards. His articles have appeared in dozens of publications over the years including New York Magazine, where he wrote the Intelligencer column in the mid 90s and covered the OJ Simpson trial, and Fox News (when it wasn't so crazy) where he covered Michael Jackson. He is also the writer and co-producer of "Only the Strong Survive," a selection of the Cannes, Sundance, and Telluride Film festivals, directed by DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus.

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