Gene Kelly's Interviews
In September 2015, I signed a contract with a nonprofit university press to edit a collection of Gene Kelly's interviews.
My book would be part of this longstanding series of collected interviews from respected filmmakers like John Ford, Alfred Hitchcock, Martin Scorsese, and Spike Lee. Lest anyone forget, in addition to being a bankable Hollywood star, dancer, and choreographer, Gene Kelly was a director (and co-director) with nearly 20 films and television specials under his belt.
In the process of seeking permissions from those who claim to own copyright of Gene Kelly's interviews, the university press and I were sued for copyright infringement. During this time, my book was necessarily put on hold.
On August 16, 2016, the judge in California granted our motion to dismiss the lawsuit.
Despite the judge’s ruling in our favor, I have decided not to move forward with the book. After much frustration and deliberation, I realize I have neither the time nor the resources to endure another potential lawsuit. I regret this for my research. I regret this for academia and the university press. But mostly, I regret this for the fans of Gene Kelly.
Thank you to all who supported me throughout these proceedings. I will continue researching and writing about one of Hollywood’s finest song-and-dance men in other capacities.
Image: "Umbrella" by Ian D. Keating. (CC License)
My book would be part of this longstanding series of collected interviews from respected filmmakers like John Ford, Alfred Hitchcock, Martin Scorsese, and Spike Lee. Lest anyone forget, in addition to being a bankable Hollywood star, dancer, and choreographer, Gene Kelly was a director (and co-director) with nearly 20 films and television specials under his belt.
In the process of seeking permissions from those who claim to own copyright of Gene Kelly's interviews, the university press and I were sued for copyright infringement. During this time, my book was necessarily put on hold.
On August 16, 2016, the judge in California granted our motion to dismiss the lawsuit.
Despite the judge’s ruling in our favor, I have decided not to move forward with the book. After much frustration and deliberation, I realize I have neither the time nor the resources to endure another potential lawsuit. I regret this for my research. I regret this for academia and the university press. But mostly, I regret this for the fans of Gene Kelly.
Thank you to all who supported me throughout these proceedings. I will continue researching and writing about one of Hollywood’s finest song-and-dance men in other capacities.
Image: "Umbrella" by Ian D. Keating. (CC License)
