Here's what you need to be aware of.
#1 Larson owns a large portion of merchandising rights for Knight Rider in any of it's forms be it made for tv or a spin-off series. Likewise with Battlestar Galactica.
#2. Larson must give his permission or an alternative offer for ANY property he created, whether it's a remake, sequel, or whatever else applies. Just because he doesn't choose to get directly involved in said project, he must still be given a option and given proper credit if he chooses to do so.
#3. Larson owns all the theatrical/motion picture rights to his created properties. While Universal (and NBC now) owns the television rights to make as many spinoffs, remakes, and sequels as they choose for television they cannot present these properties theatrically without giving him compensation or being given permission to do so. Although they have found a loophole to show these "television events" in a theater (BSG: Razor), by not charging people money to see it. It's petty but legal.
#4. Larson must be given credit as executive producer on any of his television properties regardless of his level of involvement. NBCU chose to exclude him from the production process making his ability to offer executive producer services not possible hence an "empty" credit.
Larson receiving credit for "characters" is essentially an empty credit, no money is exhanged for this credit it's just a nod to his involvement in the creation of said property. A stand alone "Created by" however is a stronger credit and does require compensation. "Created by Glen A. Larson" is a stronger credit then, "Based On Characters/Story By" which is not an official required screen credit.
If you want to see an example of this look at the credits for any Batman property in which Bob Kane is given a full "Created By Bob Kane" or "Batman Created By Bob Kane" credit.
#5. Larson's contracts contain stipulations that were written in back in the 80's that still hold up in court today. A seperation between motion picture rights and television rights that no longer exists in modern day contracts.
His rights are older but valid. In present day the studios seek to own all rights including both motion picture and television series rights as well as video game and merchandising under one banner. Not the case back in the 80's.
Times may change, but contractual obligations remain valid. This is why Larson can own motion picture rights (theatrical) and NBCU can own television rights which allows there to be two seperate Knight Rider properties from two different companies. One is television, one is feature film.
They think that by putting his name in the credits, he is "ok" with it which he clearly is not. He was not asked to contribute anything to this backdoor pilot and any (exec producer) credit he is given is an empty credit just so NBCU can believe they are covering their legal obligations.
Glen received three credits in the NBCU Knight Rider back door pilot.
Based on Characters Created By Glen A. Larson
Executive Producer - Glen A. Larson
Music by Stu Phillips and Glen A. Larson (people missed this one in the end credits)
Unlike TKR or Knight Rider 2000, Glen has not given his consent at this time to this project in any way, shape, or form despite what NBCU might be trying to imply. Whether you choose to believe me is up to you.
Hope that clears up some confusion.
=VK=
