Catherine Corcoran, known for her role in the horror franchise “Terrifier,” has filed a lawsuit against the film’s producers, citing allegations of fraud and sexual harassment. The legal action, which was initiated in a California federal court, brings to light Corcoran’s experiences, describing them as indicative of exploitation often faced by young actresses in the low-budget film industry.
Corcoran asserts that producer Phil Falcone, director Damien Leone, and several production companies agreed to compensate her with one percent of the profits from the “Terrifier” films and associated merchandise. This deal came after she accepted a daily payment that met the minimum standards set by the Screen Actors Guild. However, the lawsuit claims that Corcoran has not received the compensation she was promised as the franchise has grown rapidly, amassing impressive profits after its initial release.
Her allegations also include that Falcone and Leone failed to secure written consent for her participation in several nude scenes, which directly breached stipulations laid out in her contract. Corcoran was notably cast in a gruesome scene where her character, Dawn, is horrifically tortured. In her complaint, she details the extreme conditions under which the scene was shot, encompassing long hours in frigid environments and instances of unsanitary practices, including the use of actual rat feces in prosthetics.
Corcoran states that despite her protests for a more acceptable level of attire, she was pressured to shoot topless, and her consent for various still photographs taken of her nude body was never obtained. The lawsuit further reveals that Corcoran was the only female present during the lengthy shoot, leading to health complications stemming from the physically demanding nature of the scene.
Financially, the lawsuit points out that while Corcoran initially received her due share of royalties, subsequent payments became increasingly sparse as the franchise’s success skyrocketed, particularly with “Terrifier 2,” which grossed $15.8 million on a modest budget of $250,000. Although Corcoran’s involvement in the sequel is minimal and she did not appear in “Terrifier 3,” she claims she is entitled to more than the approximately $8,000 she has received.
In her legal filings, she alleges violations of California civil code concerning nonconsensual distribution of sexual images and is seeking a comprehensive accounting of the film’s profits to substantiate her claims for financial restitution. This lawsuit not only highlights individual grievances but also reflects broader issues of ethics and proper conduct within the film industry, especially regarding the treatment of actresses.