Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Conflict over "Californication"


Should there be any doubt as to the justification for the Writers' Strike, this would most likely terminate it.

Why would an Executive Producer going by the name of Tom Kapinos produce a TV comedy/drama series titled "Californication", about a novelist named "Dani California", (played by David Duchovny) without authorization nor a hint of credit to the band that made both the title and lead characters' name famous?

Either he's an ignoramus when it comes to music, or he banged his head somewhere and is now suffering from partial amnesia; at least where the Red Hot Chili Peppers are concerned. Now, there is something he might remember for a long time that could probably cost him a fortune; one that his partial imbecility....err, amnesia, will not cover.

Anthony Kiedis, the leader of the band claims that "Californication" is the title of their 1999 album with a single of the same name. It is their signature song! And dig this, "Dani California" is the title of another song they released in 2006! However, Mr. Kapinos claims that a bumper sticker in the 1970s (DONT CALIFORNICATE OREGON!) referring to Oregon warning Californians visiting the state, was his inspiration for the series title. He most probably regards songwriters as idiots. Its uncanny how he can presume that everyone is like himself.

Perhaps Mr. Kapinos should replace his lawyer, one with a better set of brains that doesn't atrophy when confronting facts. The "inspiration" claimed by Kapinos is too much of a stretch. I doubt if anyone in Oregon remembers that sticker, if ever there was one! It didn't even say Californication. And what about the name Dani California? This is all coincidental? Give me a break!

The lawsuit filed by Anthony Kiedis alleges unfair competition, unjust enrichment, and dilution of the name's value; since their group made these titles famous and distinctively associated with the band. Seeking a permanent injunction barring the producers from using the title, Kiedis also asks for damages, restitution, and disgorgement of all profits obtained by the producer and the production companies.

Ironically, the song "Californication" is a warning to all those people with Hollywood fame and celebrity dreams, since they will fall prey to the only thing Hollywood sells - SEX. Little did they know that they too would be screwed. This thing Sucks! I hope the band cleans out Kapinos and his ilk. And David Duchovny? He doesn't have a sixth sense, he doesn't have any sense at all!

Haaaaarwk...Twoooooph..Ting!

3 comments:

MS said...

Maybe it's because the word Californication has been around long before The Chilie Peppers. Also David Duchovny's character is NOT named Dani California. Geez people get your facts straight!!! Mr Duchovny's character is named HANK MOODY!!!!!!!!!

ZenDenizen said...

Californication was the band's finest hour and it's a shame it was tarnished so quickly. It's not like another name wouldn't have sufficed.

Anonymous said...

Seriously, Californication's been a word for bringing the force of California's culture upon the rest of you hapless masses for decades. It was used as an attempt at making California feel bad for replacing your culture with our glorious own but largely failed because, just as one does not blame a man for giving food to the poor, one does not blame California for bringing culture to its lesser 49 cousins.

Your biggest clue to something being off about this story:
It requires the belief that the Red Hot Chili Peppers did something creative.