NSW: Former Bardot manager sues Popstars creators over sacking

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2004
NSW: Former Bardot manager sues Popstars creators over sacking

By Kylie Williams

SYDNEY, April 19 AAP - The creators of reality show Popstars had no idea how to work
in the music industry, the former manager of girl group Bardot claimed in court today.

But the show's producers, Screentime Pty Ltd, said Grant Thomas mismanaged their pop
group creation and missed opportunities to capitalise on Bardot's success.

Mr Thomas is suing Screentime and fellow Popstars producers Australian Media and Sport
Pty Ltd and Five Divas Pty Ltd, in NSW District Court.

He is claiming $750,000 for breach of contract and lost earnings.

Mr Thomas says he is entitled to 24 per cent of Bardot's earnings while he managed
the group, plus damages for the lost opportunities to work with them for the three years
he was contracted.

An all female group spawned from a reality television talent quest, Bardot had a number
one hit with their debut single Poison in April 2000.

The five-member group disbanded in April 2002 after the release of their second album.

Popstars, which aired in early 2000, was described by Mr Thomas' counsel Richard Cobden
as "perhaps one of the earliest manifestations of reality television programs".

Mr Thomas, who has also managed Crowded House and Alex Lloyd, helped select the finalists
in the competition and sourced the band's songs, he said.

Mr Cobden said it was Mr Thomas' expertise in the music industry that helped the band
become more than a reality show concept.

"(The producers) had no expertise at all in the music industry ... and the key to that
was my client," he said.

But in November 2000 Mr Thomas received a letter signed by the Bardot members requesting
his dismissal.

Mr Cobden said Mr Thomas officially his terminated his contract in August 2001.

While his client conceded there were tensions between himself and the group, they were
"typical and entirely forseeable", Mr Cobden said.

One disagreement arose because Mr Thomas wanted the women to perform a New Year's Eve
concert in Singapore while they wanted to stay at home.

"His professional advice was they should be there," Mr Cobden said.

But counsel for Screentime, Anthony McGrath, said Mr Thomas mismanaged Bardot by failing
to capitalise on the program's popularity when he delayed their national tour by months.

"The opportunity was lost by the gap," he said.

Mr McGrath said Mr Thomas also failed to make arrangements for Bardot to play at Olympic
Games-related events and made contact with a former member asked to leave the group by
producers.

Screentime also claimed Mr Thomas set up an unauthorised bank account that received
revenue from the band as well as his commission.

Outside the court, Mr Thomas said the episode had not affected his career and he was
on good terms with the members of Bardot.

"I think it re-establishes that I do the very best I can for the artist I represent," he said.

The hearing continues tomorrow.

AAP klw/ka/lb/bwl

KEYWORD: THOMAS NIGHTLEAD

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.