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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Claims of Tornado Film Trespass Blow Over

(CN) - A Michigan farmer has withdrawn claims that New Line and Warner Bros. trespassed on his land while shooting a new movie about a tornado that hits a small town.

Originally known as "Category 6," the in-production tornado movie cited in the complaint is directed by Steve Quale and scripted by "Slumdog Millionaire" writer Simon Beaufoy.

Farmer Paul Smith's attorney, Karie Boylan of Boylan & Associates, told Courthouse News that the case had been dismissed soon after it was filed on Sept. 18. Boylan described the complaint as a dispute between that got "out of hand."

Warner spokesman Paul McGuire also wrote in an email that the matter had been resolved.

Smith, of the Armada Township, Mich., sued New Line Productions, location manager Tom Moisides and Warner Bros. Entertainment in Macomb County.

He claimed that the makers of an "Untitled Tornado Project" trespassed on 60 acres of his farmland.

"During filming, defendants realized they would not be able to shoot some scenes without having access (both use and entry) to the property next to, on the west side of, the film location," the five-page lawsuit stated.

Production damaged trees, landscaping and crops, and the crew flew a helicopter over the farm "as low as 25 feet" after Smith had ordered them off the property, he claimed.

"Defendants' low flying helicopter interfered with plaintiff's quiet use and enjoyment of his property and caused wildlife on plaintiff's land, stream and forest to vacate thereby causing plaintiff damage," the complaint states.

Smith also claimed that Moisides promised to pay for any damage but then later withdrew that offer.

Moisides previous credits include "The Avengers" and "Real Steel," according to IMDB.com.

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