Man Claims Used Car Show Was His Baby

DALLAS (CN) - A Texas television production company sold another producer's ideas for the Dallas Car Sharks reality show to Discovery Communications without authorization, the Dallas man claims in court.

Bruce Kahn sued Dallas-based AMS Pictures in Dallas County Court.

Kahn claims he contacted AMS after he came up with an idea about the used car industry in Dallas, going so far as to identify local dealers to star in the show.

Kahn says he made it clear at a meeting with an AMS employee that he disagreed with the defendant's release form that would have him agree he was not entering into a confidential relationship with AMS by providing the unsolicited idea.

"After Kahn informed AMS that he was looking for a partner to co-produce his new show and that any deal would necessarily include a profit sharing arrangement, [Jessica] Schoenbaechler made no objection to the terms proposed by Kahn and requested that he make his pitch," the complaint states.

"Accordingly, Kahn described, in detail, his concept for a new TV reality show centered around the colorful characters in the Dallas used car market."

Kahn claims they both came up with the "Car Sharks" name for the show and that at least two networks expressed interest in the show.

"However, only after Kahn had disclosed his ideas to AMS, after he had introduced AMS to his characters and after AMS marketed the show concept to potential networks, did AMS inform Kahn that it was not interested in doing a deal with him which would include profit sharing," the complaint states. "Rather, AMS informed Kahn that if he worked on the set, he could get paid for the work he did. Kahn informed AMS that he was not interested in such an arrangement and would pitch the show to someone else."

AMS produced the show and sold it to Discovery Channel, Kahn claims.

The show now airs on Discovery's Velocity Channel.

AMS CEO Andy Streitfeld said he was unaware of Kahn's claims Wednesday evening.

"I have no idea who Bruce Kahn is or what any of this is about," Streitfeld said in an email message.

AMS also produces "America's Most Outrageous Backyards" on HGTV and "Road to Sturgis" on the Discovery-owned Destination America channel, according to its website.

Kahn seeks damages for breach of fiduciary duty.

He is represented by Baxter Banowsky in Dallas.

Follow @davejourno

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