From: Trilling, Wendi
Sent: Monday, August 30, 2010 4:51 PM
To: 'Diane Archer'
Cc: Tassler, Nina
Subject: RE: Follow-Up to Phone Conversation RE: CBS News/Bill Geist Piece
Dear Bill –
I assure you that the project you pitched to CBS (“Twits”) was not the basis or inspiration for our series $#*! MY DAD SAYS. As I’m sure you know, our series is based solely on the well-known Twitter feed entitled “Shit My Dad Says” written by Justin Halpern. The idea to base a pilot/series project on “Shit My Dad Says” was independently conceived by Warner Bros. Television. Warner Bros.’ pitch to CBS was neither suggested nor solicited by CBS. In sum, CBS’ development of this project was entirely appropriate from a legal and an ethical standpoint. I trust this fully addresses your concerns.
Sincerely,
Wendi Trilling
DEAR WENDI:
"In sum," your note does not "fully" address my concerns. Would it fully address your concerns? I guess what you're saying to me is that if you say it's legal and ethical - being the lawyer and ethicist that you are - then it must be, right? What a great concept: Something's true because you say it is. No more need for the rule of law, facts, courts or any of those other 'encumbrances' on justice.