British director Hamish Hamilton and his companies filed suit Wednesday (April 20) against Madonna and her Tadpole Film Inc., seeking more than $330,000 in unpaid compensation and expenses related to the 2004 "Re-Invention Tour."
The complaint, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges that Hamilton entered into oral agreements with Madonna to produce and direct a European television program based on her tour.
Hamilton has a long list of TV directing credits for concerts featuring such artists as Usher, U2, Peter Gabriel and Britney Spears. He also directed the Brit Awards 2005.
The deal with Madonna was based on "pay-or-play" terms, Hamilton alleges, requiring payment whether or not she decided to actually use the services or to continue with production and recording of the program.
The complaint says that Hamilton performed significant services for Madonna in the summer of 2004, including filming her dress rehearsal and shows in Manchester and London. He also attended, at her request, various shows in the United States, France and England.
The suit notes that Madonna paid about $94,450 of the production expenses; however, it alleges that although she has acknowledged that other fees are due, she refuses to pay. The complaint seeks $175,000 for director's fees and more than $155,000 in production fees and expenses.
Hamilton's lawyer, Louis "Skip" Miller in Los Angeles, tells Billboard.biz, "We look forward to taking her deposition and moving forward with this suit." Representatives for Madonna could not be reached for comment.
The complaint, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges that Hamilton entered into oral agreements with Madonna to produce and direct a European television program based on her tour.
Hamilton has a long list of TV directing credits for concerts featuring such artists as Usher, U2, Peter Gabriel and Britney Spears. He also directed the Brit Awards 2005.
The deal with Madonna was based on "pay-or-play" terms, Hamilton alleges, requiring payment whether or not she decided to actually use the services or to continue with production and recording of the program.
The complaint says that Hamilton performed significant services for Madonna in the summer of 2004, including filming her dress rehearsal and shows in Manchester and London. He also attended, at her request, various shows in the United States, France and England.
The suit notes that Madonna paid about $94,450 of the production expenses; however, it alleges that although she has acknowledged that other fees are due, she refuses to pay. The complaint seeks $175,000 for director's fees and more than $155,000 in production fees and expenses.
Hamilton's lawyer, Louis "Skip" Miller in Los Angeles, tells Billboard.biz, "We look forward to taking her deposition and moving forward with this suit." Representatives for Madonna could not be reached for comment.
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