Just a few weeks in the past, Lionsgate revealed it had another Blair Witch film within the works. The collection, which began with 1999’s The Blair Witch Project, has been on and off over the a long time, and each of its sequels have been about how individuals have been formed by that first film. Now, forward of Undertaking’s twenty fifth theatrical anniversary in July, the solid behind that movie have determined they’d prefer to instantly profit from that monumental movie, and provides just a little like to future filmmakers.
On Saturday, actors Heather Donahue, Michael Williams, and Joshua Leonard launched a joint assertion to Lionsgate asking for retroactive and future residual funds for his or her roles within the unique movie. These residuals are claimed to be equal to the sum they might’ve gotten had they been correctly represented by SAG-AFTRA (or by a authorized crew) again within the late ‘90s. The trio additionally made an excellent greater ask: getting to supply “significant session” on future Blair Witch tasks, be they prequel, sequel, reboot, video game, and so forth—something that would fairly characteristic their likenesses, whether or not they’re really within the factor or simply getting used to market it.
“Our movie has now been rebooted twice, each occasions had been a disappointment from a fan/field workplace/essential perspective,” they wrote. “Neither of those movies had been made with vital artistic enter from the unique crew. Because the insiders who created the Blair Witch and have been listening to what followers love & need for 25 years, we’re your single biggest, but thus-far unutilized secret-weapon!”
Lastly, they referred to as on Lionsgate to pay a yearly $60,ooo grant (the funds of the Blair Witch Undertaking) for “an unknown/aspiring style filmmaker” making their first characteristic movie. And because it’s a grant, Lionsgate wouldn’t find yourself proudly owning any of the rights to stated undertaking.
To additional plead their case, Donohue, Leonard, and Williams posted a public assertion from administrators Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, plus producers Gregg Hale, Robin Cowie, and Michael Monello, which we’ve posted in full under.
As we close to the twenty fifth anniversary of The Blair Witch Undertaking, our satisfaction within the storyworld we created and the movie we produced is reaffirmed by the latest announcement of a reboot by horror icons Jason Blum and James Wan.
Whereas we, the unique filmmakers, respect Lionsgate’s proper to monetize the mental property because it sees match, we should spotlight the numerous contributions of the unique solid — Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard, and Mike Williams. Because the literal faces of what has turn out to be a franchise, their likenesses, voices, and actual names are inseparably tied to The Blair Witch Undertaking. Their distinctive contributions not solely outlined the movie’s authenticity however proceed to resonate with audiences all over the world.
We rejoice our movie’s legacy, and equally, we consider the actors should be celebrated for his or her enduring affiliation with the franchise.
Sincerely, Eduardo Sanchez, Dan Myrick, Gregg Hale, Robin Cowie, and Michael Monello
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