Man Who Sold Producers The Airbus Used In The Movie Now Seeks Co-Authorship Designation

A legal battle over the movie "Sully" has been moved to federal court, as the businessman who sold the A320 used in the movie continues to claim he was not properly compensated for his role in its production.

Scott Heger, CEO of Blair Adhesive Products, sold the airplane to the movie's producers for $1.25 million. In his lawsuit against Warner Bros., Village Roadshow Films, RatPac-Dune and others, Heger claims that he was asked to serve as "Aerial Coordinator" for the film so that it was accurate, but was never paid for his consulting services. He is also now asserting a copyright claim, seeking to be named a coauthor of the movie.

The Hollywood Reporter reports that Heger would need to show that the movie was a "joint work" to be named a coauthor, and that the authors involved intended that their contributions be merged into an "inseparable work". The producers have asked the federal court to dismiss the copyright claim, saying Heger was trying to "overcomplicate what is at best a garden variety action for breach of contract by asserting claims that veer into the frivolous."

Heger claims he exerted control over "Sully", and that the shared intent to be coauthors was manifested by the parties. He also says the appeal of the movie to audiences was attributable in part to his contributions. The producers say that's "nonsense."

No trial date has been set to hear the case.

FMI: Original Report