EXCLUSIVE: Paramount’s UK broadcaster, 5, finds itself embroiled in a legal battle with a renowned supplier following the cancellation of a crime drama series.
Blackbox Multimedia, known for producing shows like The Ex-Wife and Benidorm is Murder for 5, claims that the network improperly ended their production agreement and still owes them money. It’s quite rare for a UK production company to sue a major network, especially one that it has previously collaborated with closely.
The controversy revolves around a show that was nearing completion before being abruptly halted earlier this year. The series was inspired by real-life events involving abuse and crime. To protect someone’s identity, Blackbox and 5 have kept specific details about the series under wraps.
Blackbox asserts that it fulfilled all its contractual responsibilities and deserves to be paid for its efforts on the project. The company, co-founded by Guy Avshalom, a former executive at Lionsgate UK, has hired the legal firm Sheridans in the UK to present its case.
However, 5 disputes this, claiming that Blackbox never completed delivery of the drama. The network decided to cancel the series after an individual involved raised concerns during production, stating that the drama threatened their safety and well-being.
According to 5, Blackbox did not communicate these issues before production began. The broadcaster believed cancelling the project was necessary due to its obligation to protect the complainant. 5 has retained the media law firm Lee & Thompson to defend its stance.
On the other hand, Blackbox refutes the claim that it neglected to communicate concerns. The production company states that it was selected as a trusted supplier for the project initially developed by 5 and Spirit Studios. It soon became apparent that the individual did not want to be involved, and Blackbox contends that 5 knew about the person’s hesitation to be portrayed in the series.
In its legal filing, Blackbox will argue that it transformed the project into a fictional drama, ensuring that no characters, relationships, or plotlines directly represented any real individuals or incidents. Conversely, 5 insists the series was intended to be a factual drama.
Ex-Mas Movie Limited, a company specifically created for this unnamed drama and co-owned by Blackbox and Spirit Studios, is also involved in the legal claim against 5.
Jeremy Roberts, a lawyer with Sheridans, stated: “We can confirm that our clients, Blackbox Multimedia Limited and Ex-Mas Movie Limited, have initiated proceedings against Channel 5 Broadcasting Limited concerning the alleged wrongful termination of a production and license agreement for a fictional drama series.
“Our clients have adhered to all their contractual duties and are seeking to recover what they are rightfully owed through the legal system. Since the legal process is still ongoing, it is not appropriate for us or our clients to make any further comments at this time.”
A representative from 5 commented, “We do not comment on ongoing legal matters.”
Previously, Blackbox Multimedia has successfully produced two seasons of The Ex-Wife for 5, and more recently, the John Hannah-led drama Benidorm is Murder was launched last month. Blackbox also played a role in the 2023 series The Castaways, featuring BAFTA-winner Sheridan Smith.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
His sharp analysis and investigative reports make complex financial topics accessible to all readers.
