Writer sues over TV drama 'Lost' idea
A writer who claims he came up with the concept for hit television drama Lost has sued the producers claiming they stole his idea.
Anthony Spinner filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court alleging that he was hired to write, produce and develop the script some 30 years ago.
He sued US network ABC and Touchstone Television seeking unspecified damages for breach of contract and fraud, according to trade publication The Hollywood Reporter.
Spinner claims he was hired by Sid and Mary Krofft Productions in 1977 to develop an idea for an ABC series called Lost, about stranded plane crash survivors who encounter strange creatures and dangerous characters.
He alleges that his contract entitled him to writing and creating credits as well as royalties, producing fees and a percentage of the profits.
The court confirmed documents had been filed but said no date had been set for proceedings. ABC declined to comment on the lawsuit.
Lost has proved an instant hit in both the US and Ireland, winning several Emmy award nominations.
The glossy drama about a group of plane crash survivors attracted record ratings when it launched on Channel 4 earlier this month, and RTE 2 at the start of the summer.
The €4.5m pilot episode was the most expensive in history.
