Golden Globes Lawsuit Puts 2012 Show at Risk

Lawyers for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association say that litigation with show producer Dick Clark Productions may not be decided in time to ensure next year’s TV broadcast.

NEW YORK – The controversy surrounding Golden Globes host Ricky Gervais may not be the biggest headache for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
A legal dispute between the organizer of the awards and its longtime production firm, Dick Clark Productions, is threatening next year’s Golden Globes ceremony as it may not be concluded in time to pick a new producer, find a network and bring in advertisers, the New York Times reported.
In court filings last week, lawyers for Dick Clark Productions and the HFPA said the likely trial date is Dec. 1 and March 5, 2012, respectively.
Neither date would allow “sufficient time to take reasonable commercial steps for the production and distribution of the television broadcast of the 69th annual Golden Globes Awards Show,” the association’s lawyers said. Next year’s show is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 8 or 15.
The HFPA’s legal team said it may have to ask the court for a preliminary or expedited ruling.
Late last year, the press association sued the Globes producer, arguing it unilaterally reached a new eight-year broadcast deal with NBC. Dick Clark Productions responded by asking a judge to dismiss the complaint.