Netflix’s ‘Under Paris’ Shark Thriller at Risk Amid Lawsuit Over Original Story

French filmmaker Vincent Dietschy is embroiled in a legal battle with Netflix over the release of the Seine-set shark thriller “Under Paris.” Dietschy claims the film was developed without his knowledge from an original idea he registered with France’s rights management body SACD in 2011. An initial hearing on June 14 will determine if the film’s release will be suspended pending further legal proceedings.

The concept of parasitism, as outlined in France’s Civil Code, is at the center of the dispute. It involves one party benefiting from another’s efforts and know-how without permission or compensation. Dietschy alleges that the producers of “Under Paris,” Sébastien Auscher and Edouard Duprey, obtained information about his project after he pitched it to a French agent in 2014. The film, directed by Xavier Gens and starring Bérénice Bejo, revolves around a killer shark in the Seine during the Paris Olympics.

Auscher and Duprey deny Dietschy’s claims, stating that they were unaware of his project until receiving a formal notice. They assert that “Under Paris” is an original work and plan to defend themselves in court. The legal battle involves accusations of parasitism and defamation, with Dietschy seeking damages for the alleged infringement of his idea.

Dietschy’s lawyer, Maître Héloïse de Castelnau, is pursuing legal action against the producers, Netflix, and talent agent Laurent Grégoire. The lawsuit aims to suspend the film’s release and address the alleged exploitation of Dietschy’s screenplay. While Netflix is named in the lawsuit, de Castelnau clarifies that the focus is on the producers and other involved parties.

The legal proceedings are expected to be protracted, with de Castelnau emphasizing the meticulous record-keeping of Dietschy regarding the development of his project. The lawsuit details the timeline of events, from the initial registration of the idea in 2011 to the present dispute over similarities between “Under Paris” and Dietschy’s concept.

The case sheds light on the challenges faced by creators in the film industry and the importance of protecting intellectual property. De Castelnau, a specialist in IP and labor law, highlights the significance of defending against unauthorized use of creative work. The outcome of the legal battle will have implications for the future of “Under Paris” and the rights of filmmakers to safeguard their ideas.

As the June 14 hearing approaches, all eyes are on the courtroom as the fate of “Under Paris” hangs in the balance. The dispute underscores the complexities of intellectual property rights in the entertainment industry and the need for legal recourse to address alleged infringements.