Tube movie firm plans to sue LU

London Underground was paid location and advertising fees for the film

The distributor of Tube movie Three and Out is planning legal action against London Underground (LU) for its "derogatory" comments about the film.

It follows an internal memo written by LU managing director Tim O'Toole claiming it "did not endorse" the film.

But distributor Worldwide Bonus Entertainment (WBE) said LU suggestions were included in the final film script.

Transport for London said: "Clearly the producers are doing everything they can to try to promote their product."

'Poor taste'

TfL's spokesman added: "We shall not oblige them with further comment."

Three and Out features a driver who witnesses two accidents and is told if a third person dies he will lose his job but get a "huge payoff".

Mr O'Toole's memo, posted on a blog, said: "Clearly the film does not reflect reality and is in poor taste in attempting to make a suicide event 'funny'.

"We cannot control the script or scenes shot elsewhere.

"In hindsight, we may have been better off refusing co-operation... LU has provided no endorsement for the film, and there is no doubt that it would have been made and released whether or not LU had co-operated."

A WBE spokeswoman said it had taken the first stage of legal action by notifying Mr O'Toole and LU of its intention to sue.

'Unjustified criticism'

She added that LU was paid �200,000 in location and advertising fees for the film.

A statement from WBE said: "In response to Tim O'Toole's disingenuous and derogatory comments, WBE was forced to take out full page adverts in a number of national and London newspaper titles (on Thursday) by way of a response to the unjustified criticism it has received."

The adverts highlighted the "positive feedback" on the film from senior LU officials and outlined "the extent of LU's involvement" during its production.

WBE said LU had objected to one scene of the Tube driver taking drugs and also suggested the inclusion of a scene showing a traumatised driver being accompanied while working. WBE said it incorporated both suggestions.

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