Dallas-based EchoLight Studios filed a lawsuit Sept. 30 against two recently terminated executives for what the Christian film production company calls a “campaign of sabotage.”
The suit was filed in Tarrant County (Texas) Court against two former executives—Christopher Morrow, who served as EchoLight’s chief global strategist, and Bobby Downes, who was president of the company. The executives were fired in late September by former U.S. senator and Republican presidential nominee Rick Santorum, who was hired as the company’s CEO in June.
The suit alleges that Morrow and Downes colluded to damage EchoLight’s reputation by making negative comments to the company’s partners and licensors, as well as hijacking its corporate Facebook account last weekend. The filing further claims that Morrow refused to turn over financial documents for an upcoming film—Hoovey, the story of a high school basketball player with a brain tumor, which received $1 million in studio money.
“At least two other partners/licensors of important EchoLight movie projects have communicated their desire to end their business relationship with EchoLight,” the lawsuit states.
The company seeks damages and an injunction against the former executives for breach of contract, conversion and breach of fiduciary duty, according to Courthouse News Service.
Despite the lawsuit and the issues that led to its filing, the studio’s leadership remains optimistic.
“EchoLight Studios is in a positive position and we are growing and expanding every day,” a spokeswoman for the company said.
Echolight’s recent DVD releases include Undaunted, Welcome to Paradise, Beyond the Heavens and 25 Hill. The studio is planning red-carpet premieres of The Christmas Candle in Dallas and Orlando, Fla., on Oct. 21, with a national release in November.
