Sony Music Pursues Unpaid Debt from Creation Stories Producer
In a significant development, Sony Music is actively seeking to recover an outstanding debt from the producer of "Creation Stories," the UK indie film executive-produced by Danny Boyle. This movie narrates the life of Alan McGee, the founder of the iconic record label Creation Records.
Sony Music has filed a "winding-up petition" against Creation Stories Ltd. In the UK, this legal action is typically a last resort for creditors aiming to recover debts. Essentially, Sony is petitioning the court to liquidate Creation Stories Ltd, the special-purpose company set up for the film’s production.
The directors of Creation Stories Ltd, Shelley Hammond and Hollie Richmond, previously managed Burning Wheel Productions, credited with producing the film. They now operate under the name Herd International. According to the most recent financial statements filed for the year ending April 30, 2021, Creation Stories Ltd reported debts totaling £502,408 (approximately $668,000) and additional liabilities of £79,813.
A spokesperson for Creation Stories stated: “The production was completed several years ago. Now that this issue has come to our attention, we are committed to resolving it swiftly to prevent any further legal action.”
"Creation Stories" draws inspiration from McGee’s autobiography, The Creation Records Story: Riots, Raves and Running a Label, which chronicles the triumphs and challenges of managing Creation Records, known for launching hits from legendary bands such as My Bloody Valentine, Primal Scream, and Oasis. Notably, Sony Music is the current owner of Creation Records.
The film features Ewen Bremner, known for his role in Trainspotting, as Alan McGee, alongside a talented cast that includes Suki Waterhouse, Leo Flanagan, Jason Isaacs, Jason Flemyng, comedian Ed Byrne, Paul Kaye, Perry Benson, Thomas Turgoose, Steven Berkoff, Rufus Jones, and Mel Raido. Directed by Nick Moran, the screenplay was penned by Irvine Welsh, the celebrated author of Trainspotting, in collaboration with Dean Cavanagh.
As of now, Sony Music has not responded to requests for comments regarding this situation.
For those interested in the intersection of music, film, and the complexities of financial management in the entertainment industry, this unfolding story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by production companies and their stakeholders. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation.
