Producer Alleges Unpaid Profits From Hit Horror Film in Lawsuit
Leonora Ann Darby filed a breach of contract lawsuit on August 28 in Los Angeles Superior Court against producers James Harris and Mark Lane of Tea Shop Productions. Darby claims she was denied promised compensation for her work on the horror film 'Obsession,' which she says she helped rescue and which became the fifth highest-grossing horror movie ever. The complaint alleges a seven-year pattern of unequal treatment and broken promises toward Darby as a younger female producer.
Darby’s lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, centers on her role in bringing the horror film *Obsession* to completion, a project she says she helped rescue before it became the fifth-highest-grossing horror movie in history. The complaint names producers James Harris and Mark Lane of Tea Shop Productions, alleging a seven-year pattern of broken promises and unequal treatment tied to her status as a younger female producer. The film stars Inde Navarrette and Michael Johnston.
The 135-page filing describes Darby’s work as material to the company’s growth, with her compensation allegedly withheld despite the film’s commercial success. The case highlights ongoing tensions in independent film production, where credit and profit participation often lag behind creative contributions.
This lawsuit may resonate beyond one film, as it underscores broader industry questions about how profit participation is honored, especially for women and younger producers who lack leverage. If the case gains traction, it could encourage more transparency in producer agreements and prompt studios or production companies to review their compensation practices. It may also embolden others in similar positions to pursue legal claims, potentially shifting power dynamics in independent horror filmmaking.