Here is Jimmy's take on the subject.
* Many articles comment on how this film was shot illegaly on Disney property. Even the Director has made this statement. I doubt this film will see the light of day outside Sundance.
Illegaly is being used as a term of art in this context to mean nothing more than "in violation of Disney policies." As far as the actual law is concerned, there is nothing illegal about it.
* The film is a comedy from the reviews I have read with a disturbing final act. That kinda blows the whole dark storytelling angle people are trying to portray out the water. It's also a B movie, right up there with Attack of the Killer Tomatos, The Toxic Avenger and Snakes on a Plane. But it really don't matter, outside of Sundance, this thing won't play at any theatre.
I haven't seen it nor read any reviews...however I have a feeling the legality of the filming (what civil laws they might have violated...copyright or trademark) seems way more interesting.
* When, not if, Disney decides to kill this film, it does nothing to Disney's reputation. Disney does not look bad, Disney does not look like the huge media giant stopping the little guy from trying to make art. The are just sensible business men/women protecting their intrests.
Disney has no power here. Unless there is a copyright/trademark violation (and even then Fair-use could potentially apply), Disney is out of luck. They could always buy the film and shelve, but the filmmaker would have to be willing to sell it, first. And Disney is just barely the most profitable media giant...Comcast actually has larger revenue...which means they actually spend the money they make.
* Did I mention outside of Sundance this film won't see the light of day?
Remains to be seen. If Disney stays quiet, I have a feeling you're right. If Disney makes noise, I guarantee one of their competitors will buy it and release it.
* Calling the filmmaker a genuis is really a absurd statement. Putting some guy who filmed a movie that will never see the light of day outside of Sundance beside people like Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, George Washington Carver among others, is rather laughable. Ask yourself this question before calling someone a genuis. "Did someone create something more important than the modern toilet?". If the answer is no, then chances are calling them a genuis deserves to be flushed down that toilet.
I'll agree here. As someone who studied Chemistry and mathematics as an undergrad, it infuriates me when filmmakers/actors are called genius. The man who invented the camera: genius! The man who points it at something: lucky shot.
* The only way this movie will be seen, if it can be seen outside of Sundance, is if the filmmaker decides to put it online for free. Disney will block it when/if it happens, so keep your Youtube fingers at the ready.
My above-scenario is most-likely. However, should the filmmaker put it online and Disney raises an issue, at most they would get a Temporary Restraining Order...and then lose at the hearing to make it permanent.
* I believe the whole thing was designed to draw attention to the filmmaker, who in my opinion knew this film would never see the light of day outside of Sundance.
I'm not sure you entirely wrong there. It has the vibe that the filmmaker did this as a ploy. Not saying he did, but the way it's being reported definitely puts the filmmaking method above the film itself. And you keep saying it won't be seen outside Sundance. As I keep saying, if Diseny makes noise, I assure you that will not be the case.
