Member-Author Group explores issues surrounding ‘Truth and Lives on Film’ on October 20 at 7 p.m.
John T. Aquino plans to discuss the second-and-updated edition of his book "Truth and Lives on Film: The Legal Issues in Depicting Real Persons and Events in a Fictional Medium" at a virtual event on Thursday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m.
The event, sponsored by the Member-Author Group of the National Press Club, is open to everyone. To be admitted, you must RSVP by email to Heather Forsgren Weaver at [email protected] to receive the link and be put on the guest list. Only those on the RSVP list will be admitted t"o the event.
Real people have been portrayed in film since the early days of the motion picture. In 1917, Theda Bara played Cleopatra but, of course, Cleopatra was not around to sue.
Other people are around to sue, and the book gives a history of litigation concerning fictionalizations in fact-based films and television, and an analysis of the legal issues of these lawsuits. For example, Jerry West has said he plans to sue HBO for defamation for the portrayal of him in the current series “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.” West’s lawyers sent a letter demanding a retraction.
"Jerry West was an integral part of the Lakers and NBA's success. It is a travesty that HBO has knowingly demeaned him for shock value and the pursuit of ratings. As an act of common decency, HBO and the producers owe Jerry a public apology and at the very least should retract their baseless and defamatory portrayal of him,” reads the letter according to Fox News.
Aquino is an attorney and writer. He is a member of the District of Columbia bar, the Maryland Bar and the Supreme Court bar. He is also a member of the Mystery Writers of America and the Science Fiction Writers of America.
The Member-Author Group produces events for Club members to promote their recently published books. The group currently meets virtually at noon on the second Tuesday of the month. To inquire about the group, contact Joe Motheral at joegm35@ aol.com.