Writer Asks Disney To Disclose Hannah Montana Finances 6/9/08

A writer suing the Walt Disney Company, claiming he was the brainchild behind hit TV show Hannah Montana, has ordered the firm to disclose the program's finances.

Buddy Sheffield filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court in August (07) alleging breach of contract, breach of confidence, unfair competition and unjust enrichment.

Sheffield claims he came up with the idea of a sitcom featuring a young girl who moonlights as a pop star - and has accused Disney of using his idea and cutting him out of the royalties. And now his legal team have lodged a motion asking the company to reveal detailed financial reports of just how much revenue is being made from all areas of the show, including merchandising and licensing deals.

Bosses at ABC Cable Networks, a subsidiary of the Disney group, have denied any wrongdoing on their part. A hearing to disclose the money-making potential of Hannah Montana has been set for 19 June (08). A trial for the case will begin on 26 August (08) if the two sides fail to settle their differences in mediation.