Writer claims original idea was ‘Lost’ on ABC

Lawsuit filed over claim that series concept was developed in 1977

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Hollywood Reporter

updated 10:26 a.m. ET Aug. 22, 2005

LOS ANGELES - A Los Angeles writer has sued ABC and producer Touchstone Television for allegedly appropriating his 1977 television concept “Lost” for the network’s current hit.

Anthony Spinner filed the suit Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court, seeking unspecified damages for claims including breach of contract and fraud.

Spinner claims that he was hired by Sid and Marty Krofft Prods. in 1977 to write, produce and develop a script for a TV program to be produced by ABC that was titled “Lost.” It was about a group of airplane crash survivors who struggle to survive in a jungle where they encounter strange creatures and dangerous characters.

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Spinner said the assignment was memorialized in a written contract among himself, Krofft and ABC. He said he was entitled to a “written by” and “created by” credit as well as episodic royalties, producing fees and a percentage of the profits.

“Plaintiff has a right to payment and a right to royalties from ABC and Touchstone as a result of their profit,” according to the complaint.

ABC declined comment on the lawsuit. Both ABC and Touchstone are units of Walt Disney Co.