Film Company Granted Use of ‘The Butler’ ONLY If Title Is Revised; Could Face Fines Up to $500K Ms. Bels Wednesday, July 24, 2013 5-4-3-2-1, The Script In a previous article [HERE], we informed our readers of the lawsuit pending against the filmmakers of the Oscar-worthy ‘The Butler’. Well, a final decision is forthcoming which requests that the title be changed a little bit. The film, which is based off of the true story about Cecil Gaines and his 34-year career as the head butler in the White House, should soon be granted to opportunity to begin its fully revamped promo run. The Motion Picture Association of America overruled a previous ruling given to the Warner Brothers Co. The Weinstein Company was ordered to not use the original title ‘The Butler’, but instead could use add additional verbiage like “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” or “The White House Butler”. Also, the MPAA has ordered them to use the same size font throughout the full title (ex. “LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER” not “Lee Daniels’ THE BUTLER”). The Weinstein Company has submitted their two choices to the MPAA and will soon announce the new name. However, if they decide to not comply with the ruling, the Weinstein Company will face some harsh financial penalties. The MPAA faulted The Weinstein Company for “continuous use of the unregistered title ‘The Butler’ in willful violation of the TRB rules” and said the company is “permanently prohibited from any use of the title.” The Weinstein Company will have to pay $400,000 to the Entertainment Industry Foundation for its violations, an additional $100,000 to the EIF and pay up to $150,000 to Warner Bros. for legal fees. (via Eurweb) Until the final ruling and title is set in stone, the Weinstein Company is not allowed to use the title in any marketing materials. If they do, they will face a fine of $25,000 per day. The film stars Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, Jane Fonda, Robin Williams, and other big name actors. It is scheduled to hit theaters on August 16, 2013.
