On March 1, 2006, Bob Yari filed a suit against the Producers Guild of America and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences for not including him as a producer of the movie "Crash." Yari lashes out at both the Producers Guild and the Academy in his suit, criticizing the way both do business. He talks up his role in the production of Crash, and laments all the accolades and financial possibilities he is missing out on by not being included.
In an earlier open letter to Hollywood Reporter and Daily Variety, Yari compared himself to Edward R. Murrow standing up to Joseph R. McCarthy. He wrote:
"Murrow reported on and exposed a dark period in our country's history, when accusations and hearsay were enough to condemn. Unfortunately, the lessons then seem to be forgotten now."
Here are some highlights of his case:
p. 2: "Even in the abstract, the procedures of the Academy are patently unfair. But this is not a case about abstractions. It is about Bob Yari, an extraordinary filmmaker who has produced an extraordinary motion picture: "Crash."
p. 6: "'Crash' would never have been made, and never woulde have become an artistic and box office success, had it not been for the tireless efforts of Mr. Yari.
p. 12: "Simply put, there is no higher honor for a motion picture than to receive the "Best Picture" Oscar - and no higher honor for a producer than to appear on stage and be handed that Oscar.
p. 14: "Had he been given the "Producer" award credit to which the facts entitle him. Mr. Yari would have received, and would continue to receive, the accompanying recognition, prestige, financial and professional benefits attained by only the most successful motion picture producers. He has been deprived of each of these things."
... "His reputation has been tarnished.... [the Producer's Guild and the Academy] have labeled him a mere "money man" rather than the creative producer he is."
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