The Checkout case goes to trial

A legal dispute over The Checkout will head to trial in the NSW Supreme Court in February.

As first revealed by TV Tonight last November, the stoush surrounds executive producer Julian Morrow of Giant Dwarf and production company Cordell Jigsaw.

Both used to make The Checkout together for ABC but last year became locked in a feud over company documents, future royalties, full disclosure and -yes- consumer law.

Giant Dwarf claims Cordell Jisgaw, breached its contract and stopped Giant Dwarf from getting two extra seasons of the series made. It is seeking compensation.

CJ asserts it was not advised about discussions between ABC and Giant Dwarf about possible further seasons when it transferred a 50% share of a joint venture company to Giant Dwarf.

The Age now reports last week in the NSW Supreme Court, Cordell Jigsaw failed in its attempt to get a bank account frozen.

In court last week, Justice Trish Henry also said she was “satisfied that it was seriously arguable that Giant Dwarf and Mr Morrow had engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct as alleged in the cross-claim” by not telling Cordell Jigsaw of its discussions with the ABC.

Last November ABC indicated it was looking at a new consumer affairs show rather than a return to The Checkout.

The trial is scheduled for February 1 next year.