Corday Productions Sues 'Days of our Lives' Co-Owner Sony for Breach of Contract and Fraud

Corday Productions filed a breach of contract and fraud complaint filed this morning accusing Sony Pictures Television, as well as its Columbia Pictures and Screen Gems divisions, of deliberating hanging Days of our Lives out to dry in international distribution markets to the advantage of their 100% owned The Young and the Restless. Corday and Sony jointly own Days.

The Corday action also alleges that Sony "treachery" has led to the majority of Days' back seasons left "completely unexploited for over five years" in an attempt to starve off the soap and pump Y&R.

"While the domestic ratings for Days of our Lives have remained largely constant, Sony’s distribution receipts have decreased by over 50%," the 33-page complaint asserts as it seeks of damages of over $20 million and significantly taking back control of the show. "This dramatic decline is directly attributable to a decision at the highest levels of Sony management to eliminate any competition to its own wholly-owned Series The Young and The Restless also distributed by Sony," the suit from the company founded by Days creators Ted Corday and Betty Corday states.

"In the annals of Hollywood television, it is difficult to identify a distributor more guilty of blatant conflict of interest, deceit, perfidy, and abuse of market power," the swashbucklingly phrased filing declares of what it also calls the “audacious” behavior of Sony TV. "The only effective remedies are massive compensatory and punitive damages and immediate termination Sony's exclusive, perpetual distribution agreement."

Victoria Rowell Ends Lawsuit Against Sony Pictures, Corday Productions

Victoria Rowell has ended her lawsuit after reaching a settlement.

Victoria Rowell, who played Drucilla Barber Winters on The Young and the Restless for 14 years, is no longer continuing her lawsuit against Sony Pictures and Days of our Lives producer Corday Productions in court for failing to hire her. On Monday, a judge dismissed the case after being informed of a settlement.

Two years ago, Rowell filed claims alleging that her outspoken advocacy for African-Americans both in front of and behind the camera had cost her a chance to be cast again on the soap. Her complaint discussed communications with CBS CEO Leslie Moonves and Sony's former chief Michael Lynton and presented statistics about racial discrimination in the soap industry.

Victoria Rowell Lawsuit Versus 'The Young and the Restless' Moves Ahead

Victoria Rowell

The ongoing lawsuit Victoria Rowell is pursuing against CBS and Sony, which she claims has prevented her from resuming her role on CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless, has taken another step forward in the legal system.

The actress’s original complaint was stalled in November, 2015, but after an amended version was filed, a judge has ruled that the lawsuit can proceed.

In the latest version, Rowell charges that when she expressed interest in a role on DAYS, also owned by Sony, her name was omitted from the audition list.

Rowell played Drucilla from 1990 to 2000, then returned in 2002. She left on her own accord in 2007 but claims her desire to come back has been intentionally blocked, which she alleges is in response for advocating for more diversity in soaps.

RELATED:
- Former 'The Young and the Restless' Star Victoria Rowell Sues CBS, Sony For Retaliation

Former 'The Young and the Restless' Star Victoria Rowell Files Amended Complaint Against Sony, CBS

Victoria Rowell

Last month, we report a judge had dismissed a lawsuit filed by former The Young and the Restless actress Victoria Rowell against Sony Pictures Television and CBS. The judge did, however, allow a future filing under certain conditions, and now Rowell's attorney have filed an amended complaint in an effort to prove the actress was systematically discriminated against during her time on the the soap.

"On my behalf, my counsel filed an amended complaint to strengthen and clarify my claims of retaliation and discrimination against Sony, CBS and other defendant,” Rowell revealed in a statement. "We intend to vigorously prosecute these claims."

The actress left Y&R in 2007 after 17 years playing Drucilla Winters.

Below, watch Rowell's press conference from earlier this year when she announced the lawsuit.



RELATED:
- Former 'The Young and the Restless' Star Victoria Rowell Sues CBS, Sony For Retaliation

Judge Dismisses Victoria Rowell Lawsuit Against Sony Pictures Television and CBS

Victoria Rowell

On Tuesday, California District Judge John A. Kronstadt dismissed a lawsuit filed by former The Young and the Restless actress Victoria Rowell against Sony Pictures Television and CBS. Y&R's production company and the network that airs it won their bid to dismiss the case alleging she was systematically discriminated against during her time on the soap.

The judge dismissed six causes of action against Sony with leave to amend.

“Plaintiff’s first and second causes of action for failure to rehire on Y&R are dismissed, with leave to amend, if Plaintiff can do so in good faith and in conformance with the analysis in this Order,” the judge told Rowell.

Rowell filed the lawsuit in February alleging that the producers of Y&R refused to rehire her for that show or The Bold and the Beautiful. The actress left Y&R in 2007 after 17 years playing Drucilla Winters, claiming she had suffered years of racial discrimination, harassment and resistance from CBS executives to increase diversity on the daytime soap.

CBS hit back in a statement saying the suit had “no merit and that they were going to “vigorously defend” the case. They moved to dismiss Rowell’s lawsuit contending, among other things, that her demands violate the First Amendment.

The judge rejected CBS and Sony's First Amendment and anti-SLAPP moves against her case, and it's possible Rowell could file again if she can come up with additional evidence to prove her claims.

Read the latest ruling here.

RELATED:
- Former 'The Young and the Restless' Star Victoria Rowell Sues CBS, Sony For Retaliation

'The Young and the Restless' Cast Member Speaks Out About Victoria Rowell, Anonymously

Victoria Rowell

Radar Online recently spoke with a "leading cast member" from The Young and the Restless about former star Victoria Rowell, who sued the show's producer Sony and the CBS network earlier this year, claiming racism kept them from hiring her back to play Drucilla Winters again. The cast member asked not to be named because of concerns they could be dragged into Rowell's lawsuit drama.

The cast member said, “This isn’t a set that has racism as part of the fabric of what makes up the cast and crew. It’s a very diverse cast, and the fact is that Victoria was just difficult to work with. She is tremendously talented, but like a lot of people in this business, there is a huge ego there. At times, Victoria did act like a diva. She would always count her lines and want to see other cast members’ scripts, and could be seen comparing on screen time."

"It’s truly a shame that Victoria is no longer a part of the show because she was wildly popular with the fans, however," the source said. "Scenes with her on-screen and off-screen nemesis Michelle Stafford were legendary! There was absolutely no love lost between those two.”

Would you like to see Rowell return to Y&R as Drucilla? Do you think it's still possible at this point?

CBS, Sony Say Lawsuit by Former ‘Young and the Restless’ Star Victoria Rowell Is 'Patently Absurd'

Victoria Rowell

CBS and Sony Pictures Television have filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit by former The Young and the Restless star Victoria Rowell (Drucilla Winters), who claims that she wasn't re-hired in retaliation for her “public and private complaints regarding the lack of diversity in front of and behind the camera on the show.” She further claims that she also attempted to join Y&R’s sister soap The Bold and the Beautiful, but was denied.

In the new legal papers, filed in U.S. district court in California on Wednesday, the two companies not only re-assert their earlier contention that casting decisions are protected by the First Amendment — they say that Rowell never actually applied or auditioned for a role on Y&R after her 2007 departure from the soap opera.

Charles Pratt, Jr. Named 'The Young and the Restless' Head Writer and Executive Producer

The Young and the Restless is bringing a familiar face on board to write for the top-rated daytime soap opera. Emmy winner Charles "Chuck" Pratt, Jr. will take over as the new head writer, replacing the team currently helmed by Shelly Altman and Jean Passanante, along with Tracey Thomson. Daytime Confidential is reporting that Pratt will also receive an executive producer credit, although Phelps will still reportedly be in charge.

Pratt is known for scripting primteime serials Melrose Place, Titans and Models, Inc., as well as daytime soap operas Santa Barbara, Sunset Beach, General Hospital and All My Children. His credits also include Pacific Palisades, Ugly Betty, The Colbys, Desperate Housewives, and Beverly Hills, 90210.

Pratt most recently created and produced The Lying Game for ABC Family, a solid effort starring Alexandra Chando that ran for 30 episodes from 2011-2013.

Highlight Hollywood first reported the news of Pratt possibly joning Y&R.

RELATED:
- Charles Pratt, Jr. Named 'All My Children' Head Writer and Consulting Producer (May 2008)

Sony's 'The Young and the Restless' and 'Days of our Lives' Renewed Through 2015-16 on Global TV in Canada

Sony Pictures Television and Shaw Media have reached an agreement that will extend the run of beloved daytime dramas The Young and the Restless and Days of our Lives on Global Television, a Shaw Media Network, through the 2015-16 TV season.

“Since their inception, The Young and the Restless and Days of our Lives have continuously revolutionized the soap opera genre and captivated generations of loyal and passionate fans. Sony Pictures Television is proud to continue its fruitful relationship with Shaw Media to bring these iconic daytime dramas to Canadian viewers for years to come,” says Kevin Byles, senior vice president, International Distribution, Canada for Sony Pictures Television.

Production Begins on Starz and Sony Pictures Television's OUTLANDER

Production began Monday on the Starz and Sony Pictures Television original series OUTLANDER.

"Day One and the battle is joined," said executive producer Ronald D. Moore. "We fight to do justice to the material and the fans. We'll return with our targes or on them."

Adapted from Diana Gabaldon's international bestselling novels, the series is filming on location in Scotland and will air on Starz in 2014.

Sony Officially Announces Shelly Altman & Jean Passanante As New Head Writers For THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS With Tracey Thomson As Co-Head Writer

Shelly Altman has been promoted to Head Writer and Jean Passanante has been named Head Writer for THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, daytime's number one drama. Additionally, Tracey Thomson has been promoted to Co-Head Writer. The announcement was made today by Steve Kent, Senior Executive Vice President, U.S. Programming at Sony Pictures Television.

“Shelly has been an important part of the Y&R writing team since joining the show last year and Jean brings with her a wealth of daytime writing experience. We are excited to have these two talented daytime veterans leading our writing team at Y&R,” said Kent. “We are also thrilled to have Tracey take on a new role and we look forward to her creative input to the show.”

John Dahl To Direct First Two Episodes Of OUTLANDER

Starz in association with Sony Pictures Television announced today that director John Dahl (DEXTER, BREAKING BAD) has signed on to direct the first two episodes of the highly anticipated original series OUTLANDER. The series will be adapted from Diana Gabaldon's international best-selling books, with the first two episodes written by executive producer, Ronald D. Moore (BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE, STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION). OUTLANDER is set to premiere on Starz in 2014.

Maria Arena Bell: 'I’m Out On The Pitch Brigade'; Talking With OWN

A feature story about former THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS executive producer and head writer Maria Area Bell will appear in Sunday's New York Times print edition. The article talks about her career in and out of soaps, but the most interesting tidbits come out when she's talking about daytime drama and her future plans.

She formed a production company named Vitameatavegamin, after the I LOVE LUCY health tonic. She's also wrote a screenplay, a time-travel comedy with a Disneyland element, and a marquee comedian is “circling” it. She is talking to the cable network OWN about a show. And Bell has all kinds of ideas about online and mobile programming, like a Web soap about a woman trying to keep an old-line soap afloat (see TAINTED DREAMS, STEAMBOAT and others).

OUTLANDER Coming To Starz In 2014

Starz Chief Executive Officer, Chris Albrecht, announced today that Starz will partner with Sony Pictures Television to greenlight OUTLANDER, an original series adapted from Diana Gabaldon's international bestselling books. The network has ordered 16 episodes of the series which will begin filming in Scotland this fall. It is slated to premiere in 2014.

The series adaptation for OUTLANDER will be written by Ronald D. Moore (STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE, STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION). Moore is best known for his work on BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, which won him a Peabody Award in 2006. Ronald D. Moore and Jim Kohlberg are executive producers of OUTLANDER, which is produced by Tall Ship Productions, Story Mining and Supply Company and Left Bank Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television.

Sony Pictures Television Daytime Emmys Press Release

Sony Pictures Television Garners Five Daytime Emmy Awards Including Outstanding Talk Show/ Informational for The Dr. Oz Show and Outstanding Drama Series for Days of our Lives

The Dr. Oz Show Garners Third Consecutive Win for Outstanding Talk Show/Informational

Days of our Lives and The Young and the Restless Each Win Two Emmys

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., June 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Pictures Television, one of the television industry's leading content providers, garnered five wins at the 40th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards earlier this evening, nabbing top honors for Outstanding Talk Show/Informational for The Dr. Oz Show and Outstanding Drama Series for Days of our Lives.

The Dr. Oz Show, which will be entering into its fifth season in September, took home the Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show/Informational for the third consecutive year. The Dr. Oz Show production team is led by executive producers Mindy Borman and Amy Chiaro.

Mystified Maria Bell: I Never Dumbed Down The Storytelling

Maria Bell / Photo by Kevin Mulcahy Jr.

In a statement posted last night her Facebook page, exiting THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS and executive producer and head writer Maria Arena Bell shared that she was "mystified" over being let go from her post by Sony.

So it was announced today I am leaving Y and R... the show I have loved so much for so long. It is the legacy of my father in law... my mother in law... and all the Bells. The show has been my heart and soul. I loved working with the most talented writers in TV who were also the most wonderful human beings I know. They became a second family and my best friends. I loved the cast and crew. I am extremely sad to go because there are more stories I could have told. So much more I wanted to do. My ratings are strong... each week stronger than last year. The show is in a great place creatively. We are number one by the greatest margin in the show's history and have been consistently while I've been there. Under no one else's tenure as head writer exec producer have we won every demographic for so long. I am just shy of five years at the helm. It has been an amazing ride. So why am I leaving? I am mystified as are my cast and crew.