The Writers Guild of America is currently investigating a potential case of plagiarism involving screenwriter Simon Stephenson’s screenplay “Frisco” and the film “The Holdovers.” The dispute came to light when Stephenson reached out to the WGA to report his concerns about similarities between the two works.
According to email exchanges between Stephenson and the WGA, there are allegations that “The Holdovers” screenplay may have been copied line-by-line from “Frisco.” The controversy dates back to 2013 when one of Alexander Payne’s producing partners was given a copy of Stephenson’s screenplay.
Despite the evidence presented by Stephenson, the WGA has stated that plagiarism allegations are not covered under their legal protections. The case has sparked debate within the Writers Guild and is being closely monitored as it unfolds.
Complicating the situation is the fact that Payne, who is connected to the plagiarism allegations, is a client of the same agency as Stephenson, CAA. This has created tension within the industry and has raised questions about the protection of intellectual property in Hollywood.
“The Holdovers” is currently up for an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay, adding an extra layer of significance to the case. Plagiarism in the industry is rare, but with advancements in technology and pattern recognition, cases like this may become more common.
It remains uncertain how the case will be resolved and what impact it may have on future plagiarism claims in the industry. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting intellectual property and upholding ethical standards within the entertainment industry.
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