‘Batman’ Director Asks Court for Help

LOS ANGELES (CN) - "Batman" trilogy movie director Christopher Nolan asked a judge to resolve a dispute over which of his talent agencies is entitled to commissions for his work.

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Nolan, 42, and his wife and frequent collaborator, producer Emma Thomas Nolan, filed a complaint in interpleader against their current agency, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment; and their former agent, Creative Artists Agency, in Superior Court.

The Nolans' company, Syncopy Inc., is also a plaintiff.

The filmmakers do not dispute that they owe one of the two agencies commissions, but say that choosing one over the other will expose them to "multiple liabilities or litigation or both."

"CAA asserts that it has a right to receive commissions on sums received by the plaintiffs in connection with all engagements or projects entered into during the time CAA was plaintiffs' talent agency," the complaint states.

"WME asserts a right to a portion of the commissions on the grounds that it is plaintiffs' current talent agency of record and that it is presently servicing the projects in connection with which plaintiffs are being paid sums and for which the commissions are presently being generated," the 5-page complaint states.

The Nolans say they set aside money for the commissions, are mere "stakeholders," and are "ready and willing" to pay.

"The plaintiffs take no position with respect to which of the defendants are entitled to their agency commissions and simply wish to discharge their obligations through this complaint in interpleader," the complaint states.

The Nolans co-founded Syncopy Films, credited as co-producer on all Nolan's films since 2006's "The Prestige," including the British director's wildly successful "Batman" trilogy.

Nolan's company is also co-producing the latest Superman incarnation, "Man of Steel," with "Watchman" director Zack Snyder at the helm.

The Nolans are represented by Bryan Freedman with Freedman & Taitelman.

William Morris declined to comment.

Creative Artists did not immediately respond to an emailed request for a statement.

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