A brewing legal feud has erupted between Nigerian actress, Ini Edo, and filmmaker, Chinenye Nworah, collaborators on the acclaimed Netflix series, “Shanty Town,” as they grapple over the rights to the series.
The genesis of this conflict traces back to discussions initiated by the Netflix team in Africa regarding a potential second season of “Shanty Town” with Nworah, buoyed by the resounding success of its debut season. However, tensions flared on January 15, 2024, when Ini Edo’s legal representatives issued a stern warning to Netflix, demanding an immediate cessation of discussions with Nworah regarding the second season.
At the heart of Ini Edo’s legal challenge lies her contention against Nworah’s purported exclusive ownership rights to the series. Edo argues that Nworah cannot unilaterally dictate negotiations for a second season as she does not possess sole ownership of the intellectual property.
The intricate web of their collaborative efforts unraveled in a contractual agreement forged on December 13, 2019, which laid the groundwork for producing five movies over a decade. However, the landscape shifted in June 2021 with the introduction of a new agreement involving Minini Empire Productions, Giant Creative Media, Nevada Bridge TV, and Champion One Entertainment. This consortium inked a pivotal “Shanty Town Investment Agreement,” stipulating joint ownership of the intellectual property rights by Minini Empire Productions and GCM, entitling them to a five percent share of total project profits.
In response to Edo’s legal volley, Nworah vehemently refuted the claims, asserting her sole initiation and copyright ownership of “Shanty Town.” A press release issued by Giant Creative Media on February 22, 2024, unequivocally rejected Edo’s assertions, urging the media to disregard her purported ownership claims and reaffirming Nworah’s exclusive rights as the initiator and copyright holder of the acclaimed Netflix original.
The escalating dispute underscores the complexities inherent in collaborative ventures within the entertainment industry, as legal wrangling ensues to ascertain rightful ownership and control over creative works. As the courtroom drama unfolds, the fate of “Shanty Town” hangs in the balance, casting a shadow over its anticipated second season and leaving stakeholders anxiously awaiting a resolution to this contentious battle over intellectual property rights.
