Terrence Malick‘s Tree of Life has grossed $54 million worldwide and continues to enjoy strong Oscar buzz. But beneath the good vibes, the film has endured a messy dispute over its distribution in the UK.
Much of the legal proceedings have been conducted in secret. But we’ve obtained a copy of a Nov. 30 arbitration decision that discusses the rocky delivery of the film starring Brad Pitt and orders UK-based Icon Film Distribution to pay $1,277,835 for failing to make good on a distribution guarantee. The award has come to light because Icon is now accusing arbitrator Jack Freedman of bias, an allegation that has the potential to shed some light on the often shadowy world of entertainment arbitration.
For rights to distribute the film in the UK, Icon agreed to pay Cottonwood Pictures, through its sales agent Summit International, an advance of $2.25 million plus certain contingent overages. The first payment for $450,000 was to be made upon the execution of the agreement and the second payment for the $1.8 million balance was to be made within 14 days of the delivery of the film materials.
