Eva Green ‘unrealistic’ with expectations before film was dropped, court says

Actress Eva Green is sometimes “unrealistic” with her expectations and wants to hire expensive employees for an indie sci-fi movie that has since been shut down, the film’s director told the Supreme Court.

The Casino Royale star, 42, allegedly made “excessive creative and financial demands” and had “incompatible” expectations with the budget of the movie A Patriot, which was shuttered in October 2019.

She is suing production company White Lantern Films, claiming she was entitled to a one million dollar (£810,000) fee for the abandoned film, even though it was cancelled.

White Lantern Films is filing a protest against the French actress, accusing her of sabotaging the production of the independent film.

On Friday, Dan Pringle, the writer and director of the shuttered film, gave evidence at the High Court in London during the second day of the trial.

In witness testimony, Mr Pringle said Ms Green was “our first choice for the role” in the dark thriller when considering actresses for the lead role.

The film also stars Game Of Thrones star Charles Dance and Twister star Helen Hunt, with Oscar winner Kathy Bates having been in the series at one point.

Mr Pringle said the proposed budget had been reduced from the $10m (£8m) discussed with Ms Green to a lower estimate of €5.3m (£4.6m).

The court was told that the production had received no subsidy from Irish film development agency Screen Ireland and that a $1.2 million (£970,000) funding deal with Sky had been lost.

Max Mallin KC, for White Lantern, thinks there is “a difference between what Ms. Green wants on the one hand and what the budget can afford on the other”.

Mr Pringle said in his written evidence: “We are also looking for talented people and Eva has her own high standards. This is what causes a certain amount of frustration for all of us.

“It is time for me to consider that we may have to lower our sights on experienced people at a slightly lower budget and with less pedigree in our particular genre, though However Eva looks forward to us continuing to strive to ensure those meet our initial requirements. “

Mr Pringle told the court that Ms Green would say they should “reach for the stars” and that if a bid for a particular person failed they would “move on to another potential target”.

“I don’t know her well enough to know how serious she is with some of her proposals,” Mr Pringle added.

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One idea, he said, was to hire a director of photography known for working with Dark Knight director Christopher Nolan.

The director continued her written evidence: “I think it’s fair to say that Eva has at times been a bit unrealistic about some of her suggestions about key department/team heads because of the individual is too famous and/or too expensive. for an independent production of our genre with a director for the second time has made a significant leap forward.”

However, Mr Pringle added: “Ultimately, I think Eva’s selection of key members that we can secure has demonstrated that she is willing to accept actual candidates that she cannot afford. the manufacturer can pay, in accordance with the financial resources we have available during the working time. planned to shoot in Ireland.

When questioned by Mr Mallin, Mr Pringle said he did not think asking for specific crew members was a breach of contract and that Ms Green was “committed to this film in a way that is more than just an act”. tablets”.

At the start of Thursday’s trial, Mr Mallin claimed that Ms Green, who is due to appear in court on Monday, had “hatred” over the vision of the film by one of the film’s executive producers. , Jake Seal holds.

The lawyer said that in speaking to her agent and Mr Pringle, Ms Green claimed that Mr Seal was planning to make a “cheap B-movie”, describing him as “devil” and ” evil”, executive producer Terry Bird is “asshole”. ***** idiot”, and the local crew members were “bad farmers… from Hampshire”.

But on Friday, Mr Pringle said: “The farmer’s comments are not necessarily related to Jake’s staff at Black Hangar. [Studios], it was a comment on the crew from the locals. It’s a comment on whether Jake hires people who know the role well.”

Edmund Cullen KC, Ms. Green’s lawyer, previously said the actress “stooped down” to make the film but “financial planning will never work”.

He later told the court that Ms Green had been painted “as a singer to win headlines and damage her reputation”.

The nine-day trial continues, and Mr Justice Michael Green is expected to give his decision at a later date.