In 2011, I wrote and directed a no-budget movie called “Memory Lane”. I shot it in my grandma's garage with a camera from Wal-Mart and my roommates as actors.
Somehow, it was good enough to world-premiere at Sci-Fi London in May 2012 and ultimately be released in 13 (I think) countries on VOD and wherever DVDs were sold (pretty awesome to see our little movie on shelves at Target next to big, Hollywood releases).
Fast forward to August 2021. I get a text: “Bruh. I just watched your movie on HBO Max. It's called 'Reminiscence'.”
I headed over to HBO Max, turned on “Reminiscence” and was blown away.
Not because it was good.
But because it was my movie.
Same character names. Same plot points. Ads for their movie used my film's title and retooled tagline.
I contacted attorneys immediately.
None of them would take the case mainly because you're only allowed to sue for profits or the sale price of the screenplay and “Reminiscence” flopped.
They wouldn't take my case because the amount of work it would take to confront a major studio wasn't worth the money they'd be able to recover.
Back in September, I made a video to plead my case to attorneys. Since none of them are taking the case, I figured I'd just share it with you.
Here's the viral website the studio made to promote “Reminiscence”. It's fucking called “Memory Lane Services”…
Here's an ad Tweeted by the film's “writer” and director… The tagline for my film was “Some die to forget. He dies to remember.” This ad copy for “Reminiscence” is “Some are addicted to memory. Others will do anything to forget.” Not the same, but c'mon…
Writers, artists, producers, and creators of all kinds: look out for yourselves. Because these employers do not give a fuck about you whatsoever.
TL;DR –It looks like a major studio has stolen my movie and remade it.