A legal dispute involving Kurt McLeod, the screenwriter of the film “Copshop,” and his management company, Zero Gravity Management, has been resolved. The core of the disagreement revolved around potential conflicts of interest and the appropriate compensation for McLeod, especially given a significant increase in the film’s budget after Gerard Butler joined the cast. The settlement details remain confidential.
“Copshop” Screenwriter Reaches Confidential Agreement in Compensation Dispute
In a significant development for the entertainment industry, screenwriter Kurt McLeod, known for his work on the 2021 film “Copshop,” has concluded a legal battle against his former representatives, Zero Gravity Management. On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, attorneys for both McLeod and Zero Gravity founders Eric and Mark Williams formally notified the court of a confidential settlement, bringing an end to a case that began in 2022.
The lawsuit originated from McLeod’s claims of breach of contract and fiduciary duty by Zero Gravity Management. Specifically, McLeod alleged that his initial compensation package for co-writing the “Copshop” screenplay was tied to a budget ranging from $3 million to $10 million, with a cap of $125,000. However, the film’s budget reportedly ballooned to over $45 million following the involvement of actor Gerard Butler, a fact McLeod claimed was not disclosed to him, nor was his compensation renegotiated accordingly. The case highlighted a critical issue in Hollywood: the ethical obligations of managers, who, unlike agents, are not permitted to serve as producers on their clients' projects but are still bound by a fiduciary duty to prioritize their clients' best interests.
A pivotal moment in the legal proceedings occurred when the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a previous dismissal, asserting that McLeod might have secured additional payment had he been aware of the budget increase. The court suggested that McLeod’s managers, the Williamses, could have reallocated their own producer fees to enhance the writer’s earnings by potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars. The lawsuit also touched upon a Writers Guild of America arbitration concerning writing credits for “Copshop,” where Mark Williams, despite being known for his work on “Ozark,” was accused by McLeod of fabricating documents to claim co-writing credit. The guild ultimately awarded “story by” credit to McLeod and Mark Williams, and “screenplay by” credit to McLeod and Joe Carnahan, the film’s director. A trial had been scheduled for March, but the recent settlement has preempted further court proceedings.
This case serves as a crucial reminder of the intricate relationships and potential pitfalls within the entertainment industry. It underscores the importance of transparency and the unwavering commitment of representatives to uphold their fiduciary duties. For artists, it highlights the necessity of vigilant oversight and understanding of their contractual agreements, especially when dealing with entities that may have dual roles. Ultimately, the resolution, while confidential, likely reinforces the precedent that client interests must always remain paramount, even when complex financial and production arrangements are in play.