Thanks to their films, the whole of Germany can enjoy themselves in the cinema. But when it comes to money, the fun stops.
SHE is the successful German author: Anika Decker (46). She wrote the screenplays for films such as “SMS für dich” and “Rubbeldiekatz”, and she also directed “Traumfrauen” and “High Society”. But the basis of their success was laid by “Keinohrhasen” (2007) and “Zweiohrkuen” (2009).
He is regarded as the most commercially successful filmmaker in Germany: actor Til Schweiger (58). He played the leading role in both romantic comedies, he is also credited as a screenplay co-writer.
► SHE wants more money. The lawsuit against Schweiger’s “Barefoot Films” and the film company Warner Bros. has been pending before the Superior Court of Appeal since 2020, the reason: inappropriate fee in relation to the mega success of both films. The basis for this is the so-called fairness paragraph (§ 32a Copyright Act).
HE sees it differently. But the court decided: Warner and Barefoot must disclose what they earned from both films. On the other hand, the film companies appealed. So now the process again.
SHE sits elegantly in front of the judges. Blonde ponytail all in black, a lawyer by the side.
He is not coming. Only his brother Florian is there, in the midst of a crowd of lawyers.
DER RICHTER says: “The appeal is likely to be unsuccessful.” There are “clear indications” that the remuneration for the screenplays was “unacceptably low” afterwards. 50,000 euros for “bunny with no ears”, 157,000 euros for “chicks with two ears”. One film brought in 70 million euros at the box office, the other 43 million euros.
The income would be in “conspicuous disproportion” to their fees.
SHE contradicts “energetically” that Til Schweiger is said to have been involved in the scripts. “At most slightly,” says her lawyer.
also read
► “Keinohrhasen” process – heavy defeat for Til Schweiger in court
► Til Schweiger sued by Anika Decker – Zoff about “two-eared chicks”
HE can’t defend himself, he’s not there. His lawyers say she became a millionaire through their collaboration, which extended beyond both films. Then they meekly withdraw the appeal.
The verdict is final: you have to tell her what the films brought in.
SHE is relieved. “Not easy, such a large corporation on the other side,” she says. How much money you are entitled to will be decided in the next process.
On July 7th, 2022 her new film “Liebesdings” starts, produced by Constantin-Film…