Sundance Film 'Together' At Center Of Copyright Dispute Involving Alison Brie And Dave Franco

David

3 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

4.2

Share

Sundance Film 'Together' at the Center of Copyright Dispute Involving Alison Brie and Dave Franco

The indie darling of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, Together, starring and directed by real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco, finds itself embroiled in an unexpected controversy: a copyright infringement lawsuit. The quiet, character-driven drama, lauded for its intimate portrayal of a relationship under stress, is now facing legal challenges that threaten to overshadow its critical acclaim.

The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleges that significant portions of Together's screenplay are strikingly similar to an unpublished screenplay titled Parallel Lives. The plaintiff, an independent screenwriter named Anya Petrova, claims that she submitted Parallel Lives to various production companies, including several that have worked with Brie and Franco in the past. While Petrova's representatives refuse to comment further on the specifics of the alleged similarities, the lawsuit highlights several plot points and dialogue sequences that Petrova believes constitute clear evidence of copyright infringement.

The Core Allegations: Striking Similarities or Coincidence?

The heart of Petrova's claim rests on alleged similarities in the narrative structure, character arcs, and specific dialogue exchanges between Together and Parallel Lives. The lawsuit points to parallel storylines concerning a struggling couple navigating career pressures and personal insecurities, mirroring the central conflict in Together. Furthermore, Petrova's legal team contends that several key scenes, including a pivotal argument involving a broken vase and a late-night confession, are virtually identical in both screenplays.

While Brie and Franco's representatives have yet to issue a formal statement, sources close to the production have dismissed the allegations as "baseless" and suggested that any similarities are purely coincidental, arising from the common themes often explored in relationship dramas. They emphasize the creative differences between the two works and intend to vigorously defend against the lawsuit.

Implications for the Film's Future and the Indie Film Landscape

This legal battle has significant implications, not only for Brie and Franco but also for the broader independent filmmaking community. The case highlights the precarious position of independent filmmakers, often working with limited resources and facing the ever-present threat of copyright infringement claims. The outcome could set a precedent for future cases, potentially impacting the creative freedom of independent artists.

Furthermore, the lawsuit's timing couldn't be worse for the film's potential distribution. While Together generated positive buzz at Sundance, the ongoing legal dispute could complicate its release and impact its box office prospects. Distributors may be hesitant to invest in a film facing potential financial penalties and reputational damage.

What Happens Next?

The legal process is expected to be lengthy and complex. Both sides will need to present compelling evidence to support their claims. Experts will analyze the screenplays to determine the extent of any similarities and whether they constitute actionable copyright infringement. The case will likely involve detailed comparisons of plot structures, character development, and dialogue, a process that could take months, even years, to complete. The outcome will undoubtedly shape the future of Together and serve as a cautionary tale for filmmakers navigating the intricate landscape of intellectual property rights. We will continue to update this story as it unfolds.

Keywords: Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Together, Sundance Film Festival, Copyright Infringement, Copyright Lawsuit, Indie Film, Film Law, Intellectual Property, Anya Petrova, Parallel Lives, Film Distribution, Sundance Film, Legal Dispute.