Source: https://www.scribd.com/doc/100972339/Modern-Family
Timestamp: 2016-12-06 23:24:11
Document Index: 500776787

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 2', '§ 4', '§ 2855', '§ 11', '§ 2855', '§ 11', '§ 2855', '§ 11', '§ 21', '§ 106', '§ 2', '§ 2855', 'ART\n6']

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QUIN""N EMANUEL URQU1-IART & SULLIVAN, Jeffery D. Mcf'urland (Bar No. 157628)
jen'ncfarJand@qulnnemanuel.com Colin B. Vandell (Bur No. 240653)
co1invandc1!@quinncmanuel_c·om 865 South Figueroa Street, 101h Floor 4 Los Angeles, California 90017·2543
Jotlli i\.- CUiJ';;~, exec ive U!IimfClerk BY c:p~ty
3-. . .-1'
Helmet, lnc., Eric Stonestreet, Eric Stonestreet,
Inc., Julie Bowen, Apparently So, lnc., Ty
fur Sofia V ergara, Sofia Vergara Enterprises, lnc., Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Cape and
8 Burrell, and Desert Whale Productions,
SUPERIOR COURT OF THF STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF I_·OS ANGELES CENTRAL DISTRrCT
~ 12 13
BC4SS70G
SOFIA VERGARA ENTERPR1SES, INC., JESSE TYLUR FERGUSON, CAPE'A ND HELMET, INC., .t:RIC STONESTREET, ERIC STONESTREET, INC., JULIE BOWEN, i\PPARRNTLY SQ, INC., TY BURRELL, AKD DhSHRT WHALE PRODUCTIO}';S, INC.,
Plai nti ITs,
COMPI ,/\1 NT IfOI{ DECLARATORY RELIEF
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION, INC., DBA TWFNTJETH CENTURY FOX
lELEVI$ION,
CE~TURY FOX FILM CORP.,
j\ UNIT OF TWE\TTIETJ-I
-----------.-,,_._---------------
COMI"LA1NT
fOR DCCLAR.ATORY
Plaintiffs Sofia Vergara and Solid Vergara Enterprises, Inc., Jesse Tyler ferguson and 2 Cape and Helmet, lnc., Eric Stonestreet and Eric Stonestreet, lnc., Julie Bowen and Apparently 3 So: lnc .• and Ty Burrell and Desert Whale Productions, Inc. (collectively "Plaintiffs"), allege as
4 follows: 5
THE rARTIES
Plaintiff Sofia Vergara is an individual residi ng in Los Angeles, California; an
actress: and the President of Sofia Vcrgara Enterprises, Inc., which is a lender of Ms. Vergara's
Plaintiff Sofia Vergara Enterprises, Inc. is a corporation
organized and existing
10 under the laws of the State of Florida, and is and was at all times mentioned herein qualified to do 11
business in Cal ifornia. J. Plaintiff Jesse Tyler Ferguson is an indi vidual residing in Los Angeles, Cal ifornia;
13 an actor: and the President
and Helmet) Inc., which is a lender of ~'''''1 Ferguson's services. r,
Plaintiff Cape and Helmet, Inc. is a corporation organized and existing under the
15 laws of the State of California, and is and was at all times mentioned herein qualified to do 16 business i 11 California. 17
Plaintiff Eric Stonestreet ls an individual residing in Los Angeles, California; an
18 actor: and the President 19 20 laws 6.
or Eric Stonestreet,
Inc .• which IS (I lender of Mr. Stonestreet's
Plaimiff Eric Stonestreet, Inc. is a corporation organized and existing under the of Illinois, and IS and was at all limes mentioned herein qualified to do business
PlaintiffJulie
Bowen is an individual residing in Los Angeles, California; an
actress; and the President of Apparently So, Inc., which is a lender
Gowen's services,
Plainti ITApparently
So, Inc. is a corporation
of California, and is and was at all times mentioned herein q ual i fied to do business in
002~1.0tM().'4 7+ I ~u J
Plaintiff'Ty Burrell is an individual residing in Los Angeles, California; an actor;
and the President of Desert Whale Productions; Inc., which is a lender
r :'vIr. Burrell's
COMPf.A1NT FOR DECLARATORY
10_ 2 3
Desert Whale Productions,
Inc. is a corporation
and ex [sting
under the laws of the State of Delaware, do business in California. Defendant Century Twentieth
and is and was at all limes mentioned
herein qual ificd to
Twentieth principal
Century Fox lnternational
("Fox"), is a unit of Twentieth
Television: Inc) doing business as
film Corp., with a 90035.
place of business at 10201 Wcs: Pico Boulevard,
8 9 10 11 12 12_ most successful
GENERAL ALLEGA nONS Since its debut on AllC in the fall of2009, shows on television. A scripted comedy television
Modern Family has been one of the
about three interrelated fami lies, it two
became the top-rated
new sitcom on broadcast
in 2009, and in the subsequent Modern Family also has Comedy
seasons has been the third-rated bevy of awards, including
sitcom on broadcast
the Ernmy Award for Outstanding
Series in 2010 and 2011; 14
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 ~ . ...1
(the most of any sitcom)
for the upcoming 2012 Emmy Awards, including Series - Musical or Programs from
Comedy Series; the Golden Globe Award for Best Television
and Peabody Awards for being one of the Top 10 Television
Modern Family is the model of an ensemble interconnected through
Jay Pritchett (Ed O'Neill) ami his children, Claire Dunphy
Jay is married to a much younger Gloria and a
(Julie l3owen) and Mitchell woman - his. second her son Manny.
Pritchett (Jesse Tyler Ferguson).
wife. Gloria (Sofia Vergara) - and lives with the very passionate
mother married 10 Phil Dunphy
Claire i.s a diligent homemaker
(Ty Burrell), Finally,
real estate agent always aiming to be a "cool dad" 10 his and Claire's three children. Mitchell Cameron is a serious and worrying Tucker (Erie Stonestreet),
attorney who, with his longtime (and far more carefree)
has adopted a Vietnamese baby, Lily. success, That
Modern Family has been a breakout however: has been bui It upon a collection
critical and financial
SUC(;CSS,
of illegal contracts: Century Fox Television
The Modern Family cast's ("Fox"),
J4 1-101
employment agreements with Twentieth
behind the show, violate the "Seven- Year Rule" under California
Labor Code section nS5{a).
oo:m 0664014
COMPLAINT F01~DECLARATORY RELIEF
That provision dictates that contracts to render personal service "may not be enforced beyond 2 3 4 5 6 se v en years from the commencement of service under it.
Cal. Labor Code § 2HS5(a); $t:e (.IlsoDt:
Haviland y. Warner Oros. Pictures, 67 Cal. App. 2d 225, 235 (1944)
C Seven years of
as the maximum time for which [employees] may contract for their services without the right to change employers or occupations").
five of the six central cast members of Modern Family, together with those cast
7 members' affiliated lender corporations (collectively "Plaintiffs"), have brought this action for 8 declaratory relief: Sofia Vergara and Sofia Vergara Enterprises, Inc., Jesse Tyler Ferguson and 9 Cape
Helmet, Inc., Eric Stonestreet and Eric Stonestreet, Inc., Jul ic Bowen and Apparently
So, Inc., and Ty Burrell and Desert Whale Productions,
Fad Plaintiff has an employment agreement with Fox, which has produced
of the show began in 2009.
1Z Modern Family since production 13
Fox sells Modern Ftlmily to ABC,
which broadcasts the show to the public.
Plaintiffs' employment agreements (the "Agreements")
are personal service
15 contracts which bind Plaintiffs to work on Modern Family (and preclude them from other work) 16 beyond sewn years after the execution of the Agreements, which marked the cornmcnccrnent of 17 Plaintiffs' services under the Agreements.
18. California law,
Plaintiffs seek a judicial declaration that the Agreements are illegal and void under
Sofia Vergara has played Gloria on Modem Family since the show's premiere on
September 2), 2009. Ms. Vergara has received critical acclaim Jar her role, including Emmy
nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2010, 20 II and 2012.
l).l ,j!i, .\ l).l
Ms. Vergara has been contractually bound under her current employment On that date, Sofia Vergara Enterprises, Inc. and American
agreement since March 22, 2007
Broadcasting Companies, Inc, ("AI3.C") executed a holding agreement for the services of Ms. Vergara (the "Vergara Holding Agreement," attached hereto as Exhibit I together with other
documents incorporated by and into the Vergara Holding Agreement: a signed Inducemcnt, Test
002FOC(.101~7~ 1~oI COMrLA1NT FOR DEeLA RATOR Y RELI FF
Option Agreement [with "Exhibit A" as a header], Standard Terms and Conditions: find a Rider to
the Test Option Agreement [the "Test Option Agreement Rider"]').
Under the Vergara Holding Agreement
ABC paid Sofia Vergara Enterprises
$450~O(}() having sole rights tu Ms. Vergara's services in a television series of ABC's choice lor for
,) one year after ABC released Ms. Vergara from her employment agreement regarding the 6 television series Knights oj Prosperity. (Vergara Holding Agreement, ~~ 1(a), 2(.1).)
The Vergara Holding Agreement provides ABC an exclusive option to compel Ms.
Vergara to render services as a "Series regular" in a to-be-named television series for six seasons,
9 or seven seasons if the series "has a so-called 'Mid-Season" start. (Test Option Agreement, ~ 2
["Options for Additional Contract Ycars'tj.) ABC would simply exercise its option lor each
I I season by providing "written notice to [M,>, Vergara] at any time on or before June 30 of the 12 Contract Year immediately preceding the Contract Year for which such option is exercised. 13
Od,)
On October 7, 2008, A Be informed Ms. Vcrgara that it was exercising its
"Program Option" under the Vergara Holding Agreement to compel Ms. Vergara
t 5 services in the pi lot episode (and subsequent episodes and seasons, at ABC's choosing) of My 16 American Family, which subsequently
17 If!
was renamed as Modern Family. ~
Letter from r\ He ro
Sofia Vergara et al., dated 10/7/oB, attached hereto as Exhibit 2,) 24. On October 10) 200l~, Sofia Vergara Enterprises, lnc. and AnC executed an (the "Vergara Program Option Amendment"),
]9 20 21
arncndmcnt to (he Vergara Ilolding Agreement
ABC's exercise of its Program Option on October 7,2008, [or Ms. Vergara to
render services on Modern Family. (The Vergara Program Option Amendment is attached hereto as Exhibit 3.)
At some point prior to June 18,2009, ABC assigned the Vergara Holding
Agreement to T\'..entieth Century Fox Television ("Fox"), which had become the company ' responsible for production of Modern Family. 26. On June IS) 20OS), Fox exercised its option to compel Ms. Vergara to render
'·l .\_
services on Modern Family for the" Initial Order of the Series for the First Contract Year." Subsequently, Fox exercised its options to compel Ms. Vergara's continued services
'CIl 002~7D6('40,'~ /41
5COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY REllEr
Farni ly for the first through fourth contract 2 through third contract
years, with a full slate of 24 episodes
years. The n.)urth season
Family has not yet begun fi lrning.
Agreement Options"
5, 2009, Fox faxed a purported amendment
of the Vergara Holding with Pilot and Series
to Ms. Vcrgam) entitled "Standard (the "fox Standard Terms," attached and restrictions
hereto as Exhibit 4). The fox. Standard Terms then-existing employment agreement. (The Vergara
added further requirements
to Ms. Vergara's
7 The Fox Standard Terms were not and have not been signed by fox or Ms. Vergara.
8 9 lO 11 l2 Holding Agreement collectively 28. [with its affiliated materials in Exhibit
and Fox Standard
are referred Tapings
10 as the Vergara
Agreerncnt.) Family have begun in the summer and run
for each season of Modern
through the spring, show broadcasts
have begun in late September and run through lute May} and
publicity and related services by the Modern Family cast, including Ms. Vergara} have occurred
1} year-round. 14
Under the Vergara Agreement,
Ms. Vergara's
"Casting Project" Iike Modern Family is capped at a 5% increase per year for the second through
seventh contract years) and may only further be increased discretion, (Vergara Holding
by ABC (and now fox)
at its exclusive
Agreement. § 4(u)(xjv)~ Test Option Agreement,
~l ("Series 3
Compensation'T) 30. numerous The Vergara non-episode-based Agreement services also requires Ms. Vergara to. at Fox's demand. engage in
for Modern Family, "for the purpose exploiting" the television
or advertising,
networks or other 4( d)
of Series"),
promoting, publicizing
series, affiliated
exhibitors, and so on. (Standard
("Publicity 31. Services'lj.)
Terms and Conditions, ~~ 2 ("Promo(jon
By its terms, the Vergara
limited Ms. Vergara's she can
employment rights, Since March 22, 2007, Ms. Vergara has been limited in the services provide, particularly
after the Modern Family series was picked up by Fox in 2009. (Sec Standard
\,. 1>..'
Terms and Conditions, ~ 3 C'ExcluSLvity")~ Fox Standard Terms",
limited exceptions, Ms. Vergara's
'17 ("Ex~lu:;ivit)'rt).)
N< I'.
services me "exclusive to [Fox] in Television
radio,"
002~1.0664o.;47414{) I
-6COMPLAINT FOR DECLARAlOI{Y RELIEF
(Standard Terms and Conditions, '13(b).)
During the periods oftime "in which Fox requires the
2 services of [Ms. Vergara] per Contract Year." Ms. Vergara's services "shall be [wholly] exclusive J to Fox." (Fox Standard Tenus, ~ 7.) Moreover, the Vergara Agreement requires M:::;. ergara's V
4 services in television
be fully exclusive to Fox until the conclusion of Fox's option for such
5 services on June 30, 2015. (rd.; Test Option Agreement, ~ I.) And when Ms. Vergara is allowed 6 to pursue addi tional employment options under the Vergara Agreement, she only may do so after 7 "first notifying Fox and obtaining Fox's consent thereto." (Fox Standard Terms, ~ 7(a).) 32. The Vergara Holding Agreement continues to serve as Ms. Vergara's employment
9 agreement with respect to her services regarding Modern Family. Because the Holding 10 Agreement commenced on March 22, 2007, it is barred under the Seven- Ycar Rule (C<lL Labor II
Code § 2855(a)) from binding Ms. Vergara beyond March 22: 2014. 1r1fact, however, the Holding Agreement binds Ms. Vergara for six fun seasons of Modern Family, through June 30:
13 2015. (See Test Option Agreement, ~ 1 ("Contract Ycar]s] will mean the 12 month period 14 15 commencing upon (he expiration of the preceding Contract Year," which ends
011 JUllC
30), ~ 2
(ABC [and now Fox] has an exclusive six-season optionj.) The Vergara Agreement therefore-
I G illegal and void. 17
Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Jesse Tyler Ferguson has played Mitchell on Modern Family since the show's
19 premiere on September 23, 2009. Mr. Ferguson has received critical acclaim for his rote,
including Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2010, 2011
2 I and 20 l2. 22
23 24 25 34.
Mr. Ferguson has been contractually bound under his current employment
Helmet Ine. and Twentieth Century
agreement since January 23, 2009. On that date, Cape and
Fox Television ("Fox") executed an option agreement for the services of Mr. Ferguson on My American Family, later renamed as Modf!m Family. (The "Agreement for Test with Pilot and
o!;"
Series Options" [the "Ferguson Option Agreement"],
a rider to that agreement, and an affiliated Agreement"] is attached hereto as
soundtrack album agreement [collectively the "ferguson Exhibit S.) -7-
,I> .....
m~70(,(,401474140 I
cOrVlI'L!\II\"1
fOR DI.::CL;\!tATORY RELIH
The Ferguson Option Agreement is
Fox form agreement, substantively
to form agreements used by fox with Eric Stonestreet; amounts.
Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell except for
3 episodic compensation 4 5
The ferguson Agreement provides
Fox an exclusive option to compel Mr.
Ferguson to render services on the pi lot of Modem F amily, and then up to seven contract years of
§ 11[''Player grants Fox exclusive, irrevocable, in each Contract Y car of the
6 the series, (Ferguson Option Agreement,
consecuti ve, dependent
options to require Player to render services
8 Scrics"})
Fox: would simply exercise its option for each contract year by "June 30
applicable year." Oct,) 37.
Under the Ferguson Agreement,
Mr. Ferguson's compensation
is capped at a 4% by Fox "at its
increase per year atlcr the second contract year, and may only further b~ increased
12 sole election. 13 14 15 38. "publicity" "Publicity 39.
(Ferguson Option Agreement,
S IJ, "Guarantee/Episodic
family. (Ferguson
Compensation"}
The ferguson Agreement also requires and "related services" & Related Scrviccsv.)
Mr. Ferguson to engage in numerous unpaid Option Agreement, SIll,
forModern
By its terms; the Ferguson
limited Mr. Ferguson's
17 employment rights, Since January 23, 2009, Mr. Ferguson has, with very limited exceptions, been
1 H precluded from providing any services on "television and series programming" outside of Modern
19 Family. (Ferguson 20 21
Option Agreement. ~ Ill, "Exclusivity"}
Further, he is barred from having
"outstanding commitments [Mr. ferguson's]
which will materially interfere with the complete performance of all of' into any comrn itrnent which
Obligations," and is further barred from "entcrjing] or interferes with [Mr. Ferguson's]
obligations to Fox (which shall at all limes
Agreement]." (Jd.)
be in first position) 40.
or with any rights granted to Fox pursuant to [the Ferguson
Fox has exercised
its option for Mr. [=crgm:on's services for a full 24-episodc slate
for each of the first three seasons of
Modem Family, with tapings beginning in the summer and
beginning in late September and running through late
running through the spring, show broadcasts
May, and publicity and related services by the Modern Family cast, including
ML Ferguson,
-!olCOMPLA1NT FOR DECLA RATOR Y REI.] Ef'
(;('2Fc,r,(..:l(ii47~ '~Ol
occurring year-round, 2 3
Pox also has now exercised its option for Mr. Ferguson's services for the
upcoming fourth season of Modern
Family, which has not yet begun filming.
The Ferguson Agreement continues to serve as Mr. Ferguson's employment
4 agreement with respect to his services regarding Modern Family. Because the ferguson 5 Agreement commenced on January 23, 2009, it is barred under the Seven- Year Rule (Cal. Labor 6 Code § 2855(13.)) from binding Mr. Ferguson beyond January 23, 20]6, ln fact, however, the
Ferguson Agreement binds Mr. Ferguson for the pilot plus seven full seasons of Modern Family, through June 30, 20] 6, while precluding Mr. Ferguson from pursuing other \.... during that lime. ork (See ferguson Option Agreement,
* lJ (agreement
compels ML Ferguson's services for the pilot
10 plus seven contract years, which begin on June 30 of the applicable year).) The Ferguson 11 Agreement 12 13 therefore is illegal and void.
Eric Stonostr~et.
Eric Stonestreet has played Cameron on Modern Family since the show's premiere Mr. Stonestreet has received critical acclaim for his rote, including the
14 on September 23,2009.
15 Emmy av..ard Jor Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 201 O~and Emrny ' 16 nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2011 and 2012. 17 43. Mr. Stonestreet has been contractually bound under his current employment On that date, Eric Stonesteeet, Inc. and Twentieth Century
18 agreement since February 3,2009.
19 Televi sian (''Fox'') executed an option agreement for the services of M r. Stonestreet on My
American Family, later renamed as Modern Family.
(The "Agreement for Test with Pilot and
Series Options" [the "Stonestreet Option Agreement"],
a rider to that agreement, and an aff liated
is attached hereto as
soundtrack album agreement [colleen vely the "Stonestreet Agreement"] Exhibit 6,)
The Stonestreet Option Agreement is. a FDX form agreement, substantively identical
form agreements used by Fox with Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell except [or
episodic compensation amounts.
'-.l \.
The Stonestreet Agreement provides Fox an exclusive option 10 compel Mr.
Stonestreet to render services on the pilot of Modern Family, and then up 10 seven contract years
-9COMPLAlNT FOR DECLARATOR Y RELJ
UU2~7.u~~um'll ,10l
ofthe 2 3 4
(Stonestreet
§ II ["Player grants fox exclusive,
consecutive, Series"]")
dependent options to require Player to render services in each Contract Ycar of the
Fox would simply exercise its option for each contract year by "June 30 of the (ld,)
appl icablc year." 46,
Under the Stonestreet
Agreement, Mr. Stonestreet's compensation
is capped at a
6 4% increase per year after the second contract year, and may only lurther be increased by Fox "at 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 its sole election." 47,
(Stonestreet Option Agreement. § 11, "Guarantcc/Episodi
c Compensation'")
The Stonestreet Agreement also requires Mr. Stonestreet to engage in numerous
unpaid "publicity" and "related services" for Modern Family. (Stonestreet Option Agreement" IH, "Publicity & Related Services") 48_
employment By its terms, the Stonestreet rights, Since February Agreement has significantly limited Mr. Stonestreet's
3, 2009, Mr. Stonestreet
has, with very limited exceptions, outside 01"'
been precluded
from providing any services on "television
and series programming'
Modern Family. (Stonestreet
~ JlJ~ "Exclusivity'")
Further, he is barred from
having "outstanding
interfere with the complete performance
of all of [Mr. Stonestreet's] commitment
obligations:"
and ]::;further barred from "entc::r[ing] into
which materially
conflicts or interferes with LMr. Stonestreet's]
18 (which shall at all times be in first position) or with any rights granted to Pox pursuant
19 Stonestreet Agreement],
fox has exercised its option for Mr. Stonestreet's
services for a full 24-episode slate
for each of the first three seasons of Modern Family, with tapings beginning running through the spring, show broadcasts
beginning in late September
and running through late
23 May. and publicity and related services by the Modern Family cast, including Mr. Stonestreet,
25 occurring
Fox also has now exercised
its option I'or Mr. Stonestreet's
upcoming IOLJnh season of Modern Family which has not yet begun filming. 50_
"1;1 I),) I..
to serve as Mr. Stonestreet's
with respect to his services regarding on February 3,2009,
Modern Family- Because the Stonestreet
Agreement commenced
it is barred under the Seven- Year Rule (CuI. Labor
COMPLAIKT
I·OR DFCLARATOR
Y l~~UEF
Code § 2855(a)) from binding Mr. Stonestreet beyond February J; 2016, In fact) however, the 2 3
Stonestreet Agreement binds Mr. Stonestreet for the pilot plus seven full seasons
Family, through June 30, 20 l6, while precluding Mr. Stonestreet from pursuing other work during
that time, (Sec Stonestreet Option Agreement, § J1 (agreement compels Mr. Stonestreet's services
5 for the pilot plus seven contract years, which begin on June 30 of the applicable yearj.) The 6
Stonestreet Agreement therefore is illegal and void,
,J lllic 80\\'en.
Julie Bowen has played Claire on Modern Family since the show's premiere on Ms. Bowen has received critical acclaim Jar her role, including the Emmy
September 23,2009.
10 award lor Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2011, and limmy nominations 11 [or Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2010 and 2012. 12
52, Ms. Bowen has been contractually bound under her current employment agreement
13 since February 25, 2009, On that date, Apparently So, Inc, and Twentieth Century Fox Television 14 C'Fox") executed an option agreement for the services of Ms. Bowen on My American Fami{y,
15 later renamed as Modern Family. (The "Agreement for Test with
and Series Options"
16 "Bowen Option Agreement"], a rider to that agreement, and an affiliated soundtrack album 17 agreement [collectively the "Bowen Agreement"] is attached hereto as Exhibit 7.) 18
The Bowen Option Agreement is a Fox form agreement, substaru ively identical to Eri c Stonestreet and Ty I3tLrre 1except 1
19 form agreements used by Fox with Jesse Tyler ferguson,
for episodic compensation
The Bowen Agreement provides Fox: an cxcl usive option to compel Ms. Bowen to
render services. on the pilot of Modern Family, and then up to seven contract years ofthe series. (Dowen Option Agreement, § 11[T'layer grants: Fox exclusive, irrevocable, consecutive, dependent options to require Player to render services in each Contract Year of the Scricsvj.) Fox would simply exercise its option for eaeb contract year by "June 30 ofthe applicable year." (Id,) 55,
Under the Bowen Agreement, Ms. Bowen's compensation is capped
increase per year commencing with the second contract year, and may only further be increased by
(H)187.066~O,'4
2!ol Fox "at its sole election,
741 4U 1
(D-owen Option Agreement, § Il, "Guarantee/Episodic
Compensation'")
RELJ EF
The Bowen Agreement also requires Ms. Bowen to engage in numerous unpaid
"publicity" and "related services" for Modern Family. (Bowen Option Agreement,
S IU,
3 "Publicity & Related Services!")
By its terms, the Bowen Agreement has significantly limited Ms. Bowen's
5 employment rights: Since February 25, 2009, M~. Bowell has, with very limited exceptions, been 6 precluded from providing any services on "television and series programming" 7 Family, (Bowen Option Agreement, § Ill, "Exclusivity'vj outside of Modern
Further, she is barred from having
8 "outstanding commitment'; which will materially interfere with the complete performance of all of
9 [Ms. Rowell's] obligations," and is further barred from "enterling] into any commitment which
materially conflicts or interferes with [Ms. Bowen's l obligations 10 Fox (which shall at all times: be (Id.)
11 in first position) or with any rights granted to Fox pursuant to [the Rowen Agreement)." 5K
Pox has exercised its option for Ms. Bowen's services for a full 24-cpisode slate for
13 each of the first three seasons of Modern Family, with tapings beginning in the summer and 14 running through the spring, show broadcasts beginning in late September and running through late
15 May, and publicity and related services by the Modern Family cast, including Ms. Bowen,
16 occurring year-round.
Fox also has now exercised its option for Ms. Bowen's services for the
17 upcoming lourth season of Modern Family, which has not yet begun filming.
The Bowen Agreement continues to serve as Ms. Bowen's employment agreement
19 with respect to her services regarding Modern Family. Because the Bowen Agreement 2{) commenced on February 25. 2009, it is barred under the Seven-Year Rule (CaL Labor Code § 21 22 23 24 25 26
2&55(a)) from binding M So. Bowen beyond February 25, 2016, ]n fact, however, the Bowen Agreement binds Ms. Bowen for the pilot pl us seven full seasons
f(~rthe
Family, through June
30.2016, while precluding Nl5. Bowen from pursuing other work during that time. (See Bowen Option Agreement, § II (agreement compels Ms. Bowen's services pi lot plus seven contract
years, which hegin on June 30 ofthe applicable year).) The Bowen Agreement therefore is illegal and void,
-12CO\1 ()Li\INT FOR DECLA RATORY RELl
W. ~7 W"~1()/47..11 ~oI
Ty Burrcl1.
Ty Burrell has played Phil on Modern Family since the show's premiere on
September 23, 2009. Mr. Burrell has received critical acclaim for his role, incl uding the Emmy
4 award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2011, and Emmy nominations for 5 Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2010 and 2012.
Mr. Burrell has been contractually bound under his current employment agreement On that dale. Desert Whale Productions, Inc. and Twentieth Century Fox
7 since January 16,2009.
8 Television (" fox.") executed an option agreement for the services of Mr. Burrell
Family, later renamed as Modern Family. (The "Agreement for Test with Pilot and Series a rider to that agreement, and an affiliated soundtrack
10 Options" [the "Burrell Option Agreement"],
11 album agreement [collectively the "Burrell Agreement"]
is attached hereto as Exhibit S.)
The Burrell Option Agreement is a Fox lorm agreement, substantively identical to
form agreements used by Fox with Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Eric Stonestreet and Julie Bowen except amounts.
14 for episodic compensation 15
The Burrell Agreement provides Fox an exclusive option to compel Mr. Burrell to
16 render services on the pilot of' Modern Family, and (hen up to seven contract years ofthe series, 17 (Hurrell Option Agreement, § II ["Player grants Fox exclusive. irrevocable. consecutive, 18 dependent options to require Player 10 render services in each Contract Year of the Scricsj.] Fox
19 would simply exercise its option for each contract year by "June 30 of the applicable year." (Jd)
Under the Burrell Agreement, Mr. Burrell's compensation
is capped at a 4%
increase per year after the second contract year, and may only further be increased by FDx "at its sole election,"
65. "publicity"
(Burrell Option Agreement, ~ 11, "Guarantee/Episodic
Compensation:")
The Burrell Agreement also requires Mr. Burrell to engage in numerous unpaid
and "related services" lOT Modern Family. (Burrell Option Agreement, ~ 111,
"publicity & Related Services")
66. By its terms, the Burrell Agreement has significantly
27 '~
limited Mr. Burrell's
employment rights, Since January 16~2009, Mr. Burrell has, with very limited exceptions, been outside
2 S precluded from providing any services on "television and series programming"
oon/.066~Oi4 7H
--'1-=3'-- __
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COMPLI\INT
fOR. [)ECLAIV\TORY
Family. 2 3
(Burrell Option Agreement, § Ill, "Exclusivity'")
"outstanding commitments
which will materially interfere with the complete performance
[Mr. Burrell's] obligations," and is further barred from "enler[lng] into any commitment
materially conflicts or interferes with [Mr. Burrell's] obligations to Fox (which shall at all limes be in lint position) or with any rights granted 10 Fox pursuant to [the Burrell Agreement]."
67. (lQ.)
Pox has exercised its option for Mr. Burrell's services for a full 24-cpigode slate for
7 each of tbe first three seasons of Modern Family, with tapings beginning in the summer and
running through the spring, show broadcasts beginning in late September and running through late May. and publicity and related services by the Modern Family cast, including Mr. Burrell, Fox also has now exercised its option for Me Burrell's services for the
10 occurring year-round.
11 upcoming fourth season of Modern Family, which has not yet begun filming. 12 IJ
]4 68.
The Burrell Agreement continues to serve us Mr. Burrell's employment agreement
with respect to his services regarding Modern Family. Because the Burrell Agreement commenced
January 16,2009: it is barred under the Seven- Year Rule (Cal. Labor Code §
In fact, however, the Burrell
15 2855(a)) from binding Mr. Bum:11 beyond January 16.2016.
16 Agreement binds Mr. Burrell for the pi lot plus seven full seasons
1, (unity, through June
17 30, 20 16~ whi Ie precluding Mr. Burrell from pursuing other work during that time. (See Burrell
18 Option Agreement, § II (agreement compels Mr. Burrell's services for the pilot plus seven contract 19 years, which begin on June 30 of the applicable yearj.) The Burrell Agreement therefore IS illegal 20 21 22 and void,
FIRST CA USE OF ACTION [Ileclararnry Relief)
(Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 106U;Cal. Labor Code § 2S55(a») Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference each and every allegation 1-68.
contained in paragraphs
An actual and immediate controversy has arisen and now exists between Plaintiffs
I.. I~
and Fox regarding the legality and effect of the employment agreement (the "Agreements")
-14COMPl.AINT FOR DECLARATORY RELlEF
002S"] .Q664.;j... 7~ 140 1 4
between Plaintiffs and Fox related to Plaintiffs' services rendered in connection with the television
series Modern Family.
Plaintiffs seek a declaration of their rights under Cal ifomia Code of Civi I
Procedure section 1060, that the Agreements violate the Seven- Year Rule under California Labor
5 Code section 2855(a). and therefore arc illegal and wholly void. See Cal. Labor Code § 2855(a) 6 (personal service contracts are barred from having terms beyond seven years); Downex._Venture v. 7 LMl Jns. Coo, 66 CaL App. 4th 478,511 (1998) ("An illegal contract is void; it cannot be estopped
8 to deny its validity"); Homami v. lranzadi, 211 CaL App 3d 1 l04, 1109-10 (1989) ("The genera! 9 principle LS well established that a contract founded on an i llegal consideration, or which LS made
10 for the purpose of furthering any matter or thing prohi bitcd by statute, or to aid or assist any party l! therei n, is void. This rule applies to every contract which is founded on a transaction malum in se,
12 or which is prohibited by a statute on the ground of public pol icy. 11). 13
A judicial declaration is necessary and appropriate at this time in order that the
14 parties ascertain their rights and obligations to each other and to avoid the hardship caused on the 15 parties by a protracted dispute and further delay, particularly In light of the upcoming Modern 16
l!oj
Family season slated to begin filming this summer.
J~RAYER FOR RELIE~'
Plainf Ifs respectfully request the following relief: exceed terms 01' seven years, and
1\ declaratory judgment that the Agreements
violate the Seven- Year Rule under Califcrnia Labor Code section 2855(a)~
A declaratory judgment that the Agreements are wholly void; All costs and attorneys' fees associated with bringing; this suit; and Such other and further relief as this Court may determine to be just and proper.
Q6M0.:474 140 1
FO~ DECLARATORY
I~ELlEF
DATED: July 24, lOll 2
sur J_,IV AN,
EMANU EL URQUHART
6 7 89 10 11
UYJ~J
Sofia Vergara Enterprises, lnc., Jesse Tyler l-crguson, Cape and
Helmet Inc., Eric Stonestreet, Eric Stonestreet, lnc., Julie Bowen, Apparently So, lnc., Ty Burrell, and Desert Whale Productions, Inc,
4>!lI
1Jill.~) DM4DI4HI
-1 COMI'LAJNT FOR DECLARATORY RELIEF
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