Actress Ini Edo and filmmaker Chineye Nworah, collaborators on the successful Netflix series “Shanty Town,” are currently in a dispute regarding ownership rights for the project.
Following the show’s positive reception, the Netflix team in Africa reportedly initiated discussions with Nworah and Giant Creative Media (GCM). This is regarding a potential second season. However, on January 15th, 2024, Edo filed a legal notice with Netflix. She demanded they cease communication with Nworah and GCM concerning the show’s continuation.
Edo’s legal challenge contests Nworah’s claim of sole ownership over “Shanty Town,” citing several key points:
- Shared ownership: Nworah is not the sole owner of the series and should not hold exclusive rights concerning its future.
- Pre-existing agreement: Before working on “Shanty Town,” Edo, Nworah, and a third partner, Joy Odiete, established a joint agreement on December 13th, 2019, outlining a collaborative effort to produce five films over ten years.
- Revised agreement: In June 2021, a new agreement was established involving Minini Empire Productions, GCM, Nevada Bridge TV, and Champion One Entertainment, who collectively signed the “Shanty Town Investment Agreement.”
- Intellectual property and profit sharing: As per this investment agreement, ownership of the intellectual property (IP) rights for “Shanty Town” is shared by both Minini Empire Productions and GCM. Additionally, both parties are entitled to a 5% share of the project’s overall profits.
The full cease-and-desist notice issued by Edo is available below for further review.
Chineye Nworah has directly responded to the claims made by Ini Edo’s lawyers through a press release. In the statement issued on February 22nd, 2024, Nworah asserts her position as the sole creator and copyright holder of “Shanty Town.” She urges the media to refrain from spreading “false claims” regarding ownership of the Netflix original movie.
Additionally, Nworah’s production company, Giant Creative Media (GCM), implores the audience to disregard Edo’s claim of intellectual property rights for the series.