Season 2, Episode 3

We’re back in San Antonio with the Montelongo replacement cast again.  In S2E1 they were proud of being both incredible businesspeople and also being cheapskates at the same time.  This time, we’re watching the guys waste money on petty games between themselves and their wives, and their cheap contractors stole their cabinets.

For some reason, it was not a big deal when the wives stole their workers, but when they stole the wives’ workers, it was time to fire the contractor.  Additionally, for some reason, they got the beer barn chicks to pressure wash the house and clean up trash piles in the yard (I guess they are too cheap for a dumpster).  I still fail to see how their presence is going to “break up homes” as the wives claim, unless it will cause them to realize they married complete losers.

In what appears to be a common theme between the San Antonio and Atlanta replacement casts, it seems that the Montelongos also break into their houses before buying.  At least they didn’t make it so obvious as the ATL cast.

I, for one, am incredibly disappointed in A&E.  I watch a number of their shows, but after seeing what they’ve done to the Trademark Crew, I just turn off the TV.

It’s quite deceptive that A&E is airing Season 1 before each Season 2 episode.  We see a good version of Flip This House and then get stuck with absolute trash.


Lawsuit Press Release

Following is a press release issued shortly after filing the lawsuit.

TRADEMARK PROPERTIES FILES MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR CIVIL ACTION AGAINST A&E OVER “FLIP THIS HOUSE”

Martin Singer of Lavely & Singer Retained to Lead Case for Plaintiff

Charleston, SC (July 24, 2006) – Trademark Properties and its President/CEO Richard C. Davis have filed a multi-million dollar civil action against A&E Television Networks and Departure Films in connection with the reality television series “Flip This House,” which aired on the network this past season.

Among nine causes of action, the complaint alleges fraud, breach of contract, misappropriation of trade secrets and unfair business practices by A&E, which failed to codify deal points into a written agreement, paid nothing to Trademark Properties for its original series concept and involvement, and is now launching a second season “without Plaintiffs’ approval, participation, or otherwise providing any compensation.”  The civil action, which also requests a jury trial and an injunction restraining A&E from exploiting the series any further, was filed in the Court of Common Pleas, Ninth Judicial Circuit, State of South Carolina, County of Charleston by plaintiff’s attorney Frank M. Cisa of Cisa & Dodds, LLP.  Trademark Properties has retained well-respected entertainment attorney Martin Singer of Lavely & Singer to lead the case.

“In my over 25 years of practicing entertainment litigation, this case involves one of the most outrageous acts by a television network.  My clients’ television show that they have worked on for several years has been taken by A&E, and my clients have not been paid one penny by A&E. We are looking forward to the jury  vindicating my clients in this matter.”
According to the complaint, in April 2004 Davis and Trademark Properties created a digital video pilot originally titled “Worst To First,” which featured Davis and certain Trademark staff members going through the process of locating, acquiring, refurbishing and selling houses.  After a DVD of the pilot and written treatment were “enthusiastically” received by A&E, the network requested an in-person meeting, held in June 2004.  At that time, A&E expressed interest in producing and televising the series, subsequently renamed “Flip This House.”  At this meeting, Davis stipulated that Trademark and A&E must be equal 50/50 owners of the project, that they share equally in all net revenues and proceeds, and that A&E pay for all production costs, among other discussed provisions.  A&E explicitly agreed to these terms and, based on that agreement, Trademark permitted A&E to retain Departure Films to produce an initial 13 episodes of the reality series.

Trademark alleges that A&E promised to prepare a written agreement, yet despite repeated requests and assurances, no written agreement was ever prepared during the production and airing of the first season, nor did A&E provide any monetary compensation to Trademark.  “A&E never intended to prepare or deliver to Plaintiffs a written agreement,” according to the complaint, and willfully induced Trademark to allow A&E to use its “valuable concept and format.”  In effect, Trademark alleges, the network “misappropriated and stole Plaintiff’s project for A&E’s own use and benefit.”

Trademark Properties is headquartered at 1175 Folly Road, Suite C, Charleston, South Carolina 29412.


The first hints…

The following was posted in late late February or early March.

It’s a home ‘flip off’
The second season of A&E’s “Flip This House” show is on the horizon and producers are looking for a real estate company that buys homes, quickly renovates them, and sells them for a profit. The chosen company will be one that has a team of characters who can “walk & talk” the cameras through their daily adventures in “flipping,” according to the casting call announcement. Companies should flip at least 10 homes per year. If you think your company is a good fit, send an e-mail with contact info and a brief bio of yourself and the company to 813 Casting at fth2@813casting.com.
–Jessica Swesey, Inman News