‘Terrifier‘ Actress Files Suit Alleging Unpaid Royalties, Exploitation During Grueling Scene
Los Angeles, CA - Jenna Corcoran, an actress featured in the 2016 horror film “Terrifier,” has filed a lawsuit against the film’s director and producer, Damien Leone, and financier Felix Falcone, alleging breach of contract, failure to pay agreed-upon royalties, and filming a nude scene without informed consent. The suit, filed [date not provided in source, but implied recent as of July 2024], details harrowing shooting conditions and a important financial dispute stemming from the film’s unexpected success.
Corcoran is widely recognized for her role in a notably graphic sequence in the original “Terrifier,” where her character was subjected to a brutal attack by the film’s villain, Art the clown. The lawsuit claims filming this scene required her to be suspended upside down by her ankles for “over 10 hours in below freezing temperatures.”
According to the complaint, Corcoran initially agreed to work on the low-budget project for a minimal per diem rate, contingent on receiving 1% of the film’s profits, including sequels, merchandise, and other intellectual property licenses. “Terrifier” has since spawned two sequels, collectively grossing over $105 million globally, alongside revenue from home video sales and fan events. The suit asserts Leone “agreed in writing to provide Corcoran with a share in 1% of all net sales generated from ‘Terrifier’ related merchandise.”
Though,Corcoran alleges that royalty payments became increasingly infrequent and drastically reduced over time. She claims she has received no payments since July 2024, totaling only $1816.35 up to that point, “with no clarification as to why the royalty payments ceased or where the remainder of the payments are.” Merchandise royalties are reported to total “approximately $6,408.26.”
The actress states she confronted both Falcone and Leone regarding the missing payments, receiving what she describes as dismissive responses. Leone reportedly directed her to Falcone for accounting matters, while Falcone allegedly responded with an “aggressive and defensive response saying he purportedly ‘doesn’t keep records.'”
The lawsuit further alleges a violation of Screen Actors Guild regulations regarding nudity. Corcoran claims producers never obtained her informed written consent to film the scene unclothed, despite her insistence on wearing underwear. She ultimately performed the scene topless without written approval. The suit details inadequate provisions for her comfort during breaks, stating she was initially provided only a horizontal platform and a blanket that became saturated with fake blood, losing its warmth.
Following the overnight shoot, Corcoran alleges she experienced illness and was diagnosed with cranial swelling and eardrum damage. the suit connects these health issues to the unregulated shooting conditions and alleges the defendants have profited from merchandise depicting her nude body from the scene.
