Movies

Randall Emmett removed from WGA strike list after paying long-standing debt

BBG News

The Writers Guild of America West has taken Randall Emmett off their “picketing list” following the movie producer’s payment of $630,000 to settle an old disagreement regarding unpaid wages in a prolonged argument about compensation.

The solution emerged over five years since Emmett’s previous production company, Emmett/Furla Oasis, neglected to provide health insurance benefits and other due compensation to four writers on a planned Arnold Schwarzenegger TV series titled “Pump.” Regrettably, the action hero decided to withdraw from the project in 2019, causing it to fall through.

On Monday, the Writers Guild of America announced that its members are now permitted to collaborate with Emmett, a development that comes five years after he was blacklisted by the guild because of unresolved debts from his previous company.

Originally, this was a financial responsibility linked to old businesses, as Emmett explained in a statement. But, out of personal conviction, I chose to assume this responsibility individually, as it felt morally appropriate.

Hollywood Inc.

The Writers Guild of America advises writers to avoid collaborating on a potential movie titled ‘The Wall of White,’ which is being developed by Randall Emmett alongside a renowned director. Emmett has stated that they plan to resolve any disputes related to this project within the upcoming weeks.

For quite some time now, Emmett/Furla Oasis has been out of business. However, their current production company, Convergence Entertainment Group, is working diligently to create a movie in partnership with Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese. The aim is to adapt the gripping tale of the 1982 avalanche that occurred near Lake Tahoe, titled “Wall of White,” for the big screen.

In March, the WGA advised its members to avoid the project due to unpaid debts, casting a shadow over Emmett’s efforts.

In 2022, an investigation by The Times and a following Hulu documentary brought forth accusations of Emmett’s mistreatment towards women, assistants, and business associates. These claims, however, have been refuted by him.

Emmett consistently produces movies on a tight budget, often featuring John Travolta and Sylvester Stallone as the main stars.

In the previous year, Emmett chose to keep a low profile by going by his middle name “Ives” instead of his usual identity.

Hollywood Inc.

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After scandal, movie producer Randall Emmett is flying under the radar with a new name

Regardless of whether he’s known as Emmett or Ives, the contentious movie producer, who was previously a cast member on ‘Vanderpump Rules’, persists in dealing with accusations about late bill payments and maintaining disorderly production environments.

In 2019, Emmett found himself breaking union regulations when he engaged the services of four screenwriters from the guild to produce scripts for a TV show inspired by Schwarzenegger’s youth in California.

Previously, the creators of the project expressed to The Times that “Pump” was intended as a heartfelt homage to Venice Beach during its heyday in the 1970s, and the emergence of contemporary bodybuilding culture.

Currently, it’s apparent from internal records examined by The Times that Emmett’s company was rapidly spending its funds at the given moment. Additionally, the writers were hired prior to Schwarzenegger officially signing on for the project.

In 2021, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) successfully secured a $541,464 judgment against Emmett/Furla Oasis. This action was taken following a claim they filed on behalf of writing professionals. Over time, the debt accumulated additional interest.

Hollywood Inc.

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The man who played Hollywood: Inside Randall Emmett’s crumbling empire

Lala Kent’s former fiancé is experiencing potential bankruptcy as his business encounters multiple legal issues, including accusations of fraud, civil lawsuits, and abuse claims.

The “Wall of White” initiative is inspired by a 2010 book and a 2021 documentary titled “Buried: The 1982 Alpine Meadows Avalanche.” In the spring of 1982, a massive snowfall hit Northern California. A vast amount of snow slid down a mountain and engulfed a village, trapping eight individuals at a ski resort. Regrettably, seven lives were lost, but one woman was miraculously rescued from the debris.

Screenwriter Petter Skavlan, a WGA member, was attached to the film, according to IMDb.

Book author Jennifer Woodlief also has been listed as a screenwriter.

For over a year now, Emmett has been dedicatedly working on this particular project. As reported in an article published in Tahoe Guide in March, it was him who suggested the Netflix documentary to Scorsese, highlighting that the local tragedy is being transformed into a movie.

The filmmakers are searching for a director.

Emmett stated that we anticipate securing a top-notch director by the end of summer, so we can begin filming on February 1st.

The project is expected to film in Nevada, Ohio and Canada, he said.

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2025-07-01 01:31

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