Sienna Miller acts over paparazzi "harassment"

British actress Sienna Miller's life has been made intolerable because of a "campaign of harassment" by photographers, her lawyer told London's High Court on Thursday.

Miller, 26, star of movies such as "Alfie" and "Layer Cake," is taking legal action against photographic agency Big Pictures (UK) Limited and its founder, Darryn Lyons, claiming they are guilty of harassment and invasion of privacy.

At a preliminary hearing, her lawyer David Sherborne said the actress had been caused "substantial alarm, fear and enormous distress" by their conduct, the Press Association reported. The agency and Lyons are contesting the claims.

Miller's private life and particularly her romantic liaisons have been a staple fodder for the tabloid press, with barely a day going by without her picture appearing in newspaper show business gossip columns.

Sherborne said the actress had endured "a campaign of harassment" since the end of June which had continued "despite requests to desist." He told the court the "relentless pursuit" had reached such a level that it violated her human rights.

The court heard Miller, who did not attend the hearing, was chased while driving and there were "other forms of physical and verbal intimidation or abuse in their attempts to obtain photographs of her for commercial exploitation."

Other incidents included being confronted outside her house in the Maida Vale area of London in June, being chased to Heathrow airport on a number of occasions and pursued as she attempted to walk her dogs in the park with her mother.

She also claims harassment continued when she was abroad.

Judge Justice Eady said a trial should be heard on the first available date after January 12.

It is not the first time that Miller has publicly voiced her anger at media intrusion.

In February, she told a court how paparazzi photographers had chased her car across London after a night out as she tried to stop them finding out her new address.

She said the photographers had driven like "lunatics" during the "frenzied" chase.

The actress was giving evidence in defense of her ex-boyfriend's brother Otis Ferry, who was cleared of criminal damage by forcibly removing the keys from two photographers' cars.

Announcement from Digital Railroad

To view this email as a web page, go here.

October 28, 2008

To Our Valued Members, Customers and Partners,

We're sorry to inform you that Digital Railroad (DRR) has shut down.

On October 15th we reported that the company had reduced its staff and was aggressively pursuing additional financing and/or a strategic partner. Unfortunately, those efforts were unsuccessful. Therefore Digital Railroad has been forced to suspend all operations.

Digital Railroad has attracted a loyal set of members. Thank you for allowing us to serve the photographic community these past few years.

All questions pertaining to claims should be addressed to: Digital Railroad, Inc. c/o Diablo Management Group 1452 N. Vasco Road, #301 Livermore, CA 94551

Zac Efron's Paparazzi Hate

Zac Efron hates being followed by the paparazzi - because he has to plan his every move just to avoid them.

The High School Musical star is currently dating co-star Vanessa Hudgens.

And he is so fed up with the attention he receives from photographers, he often just stays at home.

Efron says, "My day used to be a lot more spontaneous.

"Now it requires a lot more planning. Now I am like 'Oh, do I really have to go outside?"

Civil trial of Keanu Reeves begins over paparazzi incident

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — A civil trial on allegations actor Keanu Reeves tried to run over a celebrity news photographer with his Porsche 911 has got under way, with opening arguments heard by the jury.

The plaintiff's lawyer Joseph Farzam said on Monday his paparazzi client Alison Silva fell to the ground and hurt his hand when Reeves drove his car into him on March 19, 2007. He claimed 40,000 dollars in medical expenses for the injury.

Reeve's lawyer Alfred Gerisch, in turn, said Silva was three meters (yards) from the actor's car during the alleged incident in a posh neighborhood in southwest Los Angeles. He accused the photographer of aggressive behavior.

The star of "Matrix" and "Speed" is expected to take the stand on Tuesday.

In September, a Los Angeles judge dismissed assault claims filed against Reeves by Silva, saying there was no evidence to support the allegations, ruling out a criminal trial.

The judge said Silva had fallen when he tripped over his own feet and that Reeves himself appeared to have been the victim of an assault by Silva when the photographer put his hands on the actor's car.

ASHLEY OLSEN - OLSEN SLAMS 'SCARY' PAPARAZZI

ASHLEY OLSEN has lashed out at the paparazzi - blaming aggressive photographers for turning her into a nervous "wreck".

The 22-year-old actress is fed up with flashbulbs because her small stature makes it difficult to escape snappers desperate to take her picture.

She tells the New York Times: "Honestly, I'm a wreck, Every time I see a camera, I'm a wreck. I don't tend to react as though 'I have to do this, it's my job.' I am reacting as a woman who is five-foot-one whose space is being invaded by a bunch of men whose aggression I can literally feel."

And Olsen insists her fears extend beyond her own safety - defending celebrity mums and innocent civilians who can get caught up in dangerous car chases.

She adds: "In L.A. it is even worse because they are running red lights behind you, and I worry all the time about something terrible happening, someone getting hurt because of me, how I could ever possibly live with that. I can't imagine what it would be like to have kids in the back seat and have to go through this and pretend for their sake that you are not scared."

MeetTheFamous.com Launches New Celebrity Website

Over 10,000 Celebrity Enthusiasts Rush to Become the Paparazzi During MeetTheFamous.com's First Week, Sharing Their Never-Before-Seen Celebrity News Stories with the World

NEW YORK, Oct 21, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- MeetTheFamous.com has announced the launch of its new website: the first and only to pay users who break celebrity news. The site is already creating a buzz amid celebrity gossip enthusiasts with its tagline: "Where You are the Paparazzi!"

MeetTheFamous.com takes a fundamentally different approach to celebrity gossip because 100% of the content is created by users instead of relying on mainstream news sources. The result is countless first person experiences, good and bad, that feature the biggest celebrities in the world.

"I started MeetTheFamous.com because so many people witness celebrity news breaking on a daily basis. Aside from tipping off the gossip sites or news outlets, they don't have anything to do with their photos or stories and then they go relatively unnoticed," said Jordan Osher, CEO and Founder of MeetTheFamous.com. "I saw a need in the celebrity news industry and filled that void with a fully interactive celebrity website that actually pays its users for breaking celebrity news."

In its first week, MeetTheFamous.com has already seen 10,000 visitors submit over 1,000 user generated celebrity news stories like "Donald Trump is Orange...Literally," "Scarlett (Johansson) is one Transtastic Starlet" and "I Witnessed Jessica Simpson Take a Stand for Autism." Other famous faces already featured on the site include Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and George Clooney. In total, over 600 celebrities have been showcased on MeetTheFamous.com thus far.

Selma Blair Wow's The Paparazzi!

Lawyer seeks to exclude use of `Paparazzo,' `Paparazzi' from trial

A lawyer for a photographer suing actor Keanu Reeves for negligence wants a judge to forbid the actor's attorneys from using the words "paparazzo" and "paparazzi" at trial, saying the terms are prejudicial, court papers showed today.

Alison Silva says his earning ability and job prospects have been diminished because of injuries suffered March 19, 2007, according to the lawsuit filed Nov. 5 of that year.

Video shows Reeves stopped in black 1996 Porsche 911 Cabrio and trying to pull away from a photographer on Avenida Tranquila in Rancho Palos Verdes Estates.

Silva maintains Reeves drove negligently and hit him, but the actor claims that assertion is untrue and that the photographer tripped on his own feet, then fell.

"In recent years, and especially since the death of Princess Diana, the term "paparazzo" has received a negative connotation," Silva's lawyer, Joseph S. Farzam, states in court papers filed Tuesday. "More recently, there have been several altercations between celebrities and celebrity photographers that have triggered a great deal of negative press regarding (paparazzi) and their conduct."

Paparazzi is the plural version of paparazzo. Both refer to photographers who take pictures of celebrities. Farzam maintains the two words should be replaced instead by terms such as "celebrity photographer," "reporter" or "photo journalist."

In support of his motion, Farzam has attached to his court papers a history

of the word "paparazzi" according to Wikipedia and an article in The Insider in which singer Seal describes the paparazzi as "scum" and accuses journalists of "ruining his life."

Farzam said Reeves had just visited his sister, who was being treated for an eating disorder, and that Silva was waiting outside to take photographs of the 44-year-old star.

Farzam also wants to stop Reeves' attorneys from making any mention of Silva's default for non-payment of an auto-purchase agreement with Ford Motor Credit Co.

If defense attorneys are allowed to use the words "paparazzo" or "paparazzi" and make mention of the default judgment the result would be "absolutely fatal to (Silva's) case," Farzam's court papers state.

The trial is scheduled Oct. 27.

Reeves starred in "Street Kings," released in April, and also is featured with Jennifer Connelly in "The Day the Earth Stood Still," set to be in theaters in December.

Taking a much needed vacation. Be back in October!

EVA MENDES - MENDES 'SCARED' BY PAPARAZZI

Hollywood actress EVA MENDES is terrified of paparazzi car chases - insisting some photographers go too far by driving dangerously in a bid to get a picture.

Mendes is often the focus of snappers when she is out and about in Los Angeles, and while she accepts that dealing with the media scrum is a part of life as a celebrity, she is adamant that some should take more care, especially on the road.

She says, "I've been followed and it's scary. You're a young woman alone in your car and you have a few guys in SUVs (sports utility vehicles) following you that won't let up. And the scary part is that they actually run red lights.

"I hate it when people say 'You're in this business, that's what you have to deal with'. No. You don't have to deal with harassment. You have to deal with your life being somewhat public.
"I heard George Clooney talking a few months ago about how he was being followed on a motorcycle and they were running lights and almost getting into accidents with other people and I've totally experienced that."

CANON 50D SPECS: CLICK TO ENLARGE

Two Malibu men charged with attacking paparazzo

Officials on Tuesday said they charged two Malibu men for attacking a paparazzo who was snapping pictures of actor Matthew McConaughey as he was surfing in the Pacific Ocean in June.

The attack on the photographer made headlines around the world and sparked calls by Los Angeles-area politicians for more controls over aggressive paparazzi.

Skylar Martin Peak, 24, and Philip John Hildebrand, 30, both of Malibu, were each charged with one misdemeanor count of battery for attacking Richid Altmbareckouhammou, who was working for a French news agency, the Los Angeles District Attorney's office said.

Officials claim the two men threw Altmbareckouhammou into the water from where he was taking pictures on the beach. Each faces up to six months in jail and a $2,000 fine.

The incident occurred while McConaughey was surfing near a cove in Malibu. About a dozen paparazzi were on the beach taking pictures of the actor, whose film work includes "Fool's Gold," "Failure to Launch," and the upcoming "Surfer, Dude."

The incident caused several local politicians to look for ways to curb the activities of the paparazzi. In late July, Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine held a hearing to consider ideas such as licensing paparazzi and creating personal safety zones around celebrities.

Paris Hates The Paparazzi

Paris Hilton became famous by the paparazzi who believed she had star quality. They made her a star and now she's really sick of them.

Paris says that she is fed up by being followed by the dudes that made her who she is.

She says, “It is annoying when they are always showing up at your house. I think it is fine at like a movie premiere or an event when they are supposed to be there. But when it is every single day it just gets really tiring.

“There is nothing you can do about it. They want you to lash out at them so I never do. I have never done that and I never will.”

She definitely does have a point. Imagine being followed all the time! It will get really old real soon. But then again, celebs usually start panicking when photogs stop taking their photos so it's sort of Catch 22.

Friend Won't Hesitate To Punch Paparazzi

KEIRA KNIGHTLEY's actor boyfriend RUPERT FRIEND has threatened to "knock out" any paparazzo who gets too close to him, because he's annoyed by the constant media hounding.

The 26-year-old, who has been dating his Pride + Prejudice co-star Knightley for more than two years, is a regular target for press photographers because of the high-profile romance - but the unwanted attention has left Friend fuming.

And he insists he wouldn't hesitate to hit out at a snapper if they overstepped the line.

He says, "There's 15 big hairy guys one foot in front of you, walking backwards with 15 flashes going off. It's right in your face, all the way to the shop, all the way through the process, and all the way back.

"I now understand entirely why people take swings at photographers, and if one gets within more than a foot of me I will do the same.

"I have absolute respect for anyone who manages to knock one of them out!"

Uma Thurman Defends Paparazzi

Actress Uma Thurman has stepped out in defence of the paparazzi, insisting celebrity photographers are "just doing their jobs".

The 38-year-old Kill Bill star has been plagued by swarms of photographers since starting out as a fashion model at the age of 15.

But she refuses to join the celebrity trend of bashing snappers - even when they catch her in unflattering poses.

Thurman says, "They can definitely be annoying, but at the end of the day these photographers are just doing their jobs - one they probably never imagined they would have."

Nicole Kidman: Don't shoot our baby

Nicole Kidman has asked photographers to take pictures from a distance.

New parents Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are hoping paparazzi will keep their distance during the family's trip to Sydney.

While Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt fetched $14 million from People magazine for pics of their new twins, Knox and Vivienne, Kidman and Urban are trying to keep little Sunday Rose under wraps.

"Keith and I are appealing to the press to give us a little space so we can walk around Sydney and show the baby our town," Kidman, a native Australian, said on Sydney's "Kyle & Jackie O" show.

Kidman is OK with some photos, she said, adding, "just not right in our face or her face because it's scary for her. She's tiny. A tiny little thing."

Since the couple is keeping their bundle of joy out of the limelight, Kidman has revealed that her daughter looks like her daddy, but with a reddish tint to her hair, just like mommy.

Sarah Jessica Parker & Matthew Broderick moving to escape paparazzi

Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick are reportedly moving out of their New York apartment in an attempt to escape the paparazzi.

The couple have lived in their home in the West Village for a number of years but the Sex and the City star explained recently that the paparazzi attention has got out of control recently: “Photographers moved into apartments next door to us and we really found ourselves kind of living like a spy movie… I feel like they think they have to be there. Like they punch in or something.”

According to New York magazine, the pair have fallen for a new $18million home across town in the East Village and are hoping to make their move later in the year.

A source explained: “It’s two houses that have been knocked into one so it’s a lot bigger and has a huge backyard.

“They’re hoping it’ll be more private and give their son [James Wilkie] plenty of room to grow.”

Celebrity Agents Missing Out On Income – Allowing Paparazzi To Promote Their Stars Rather Than Monetizing Package Effectively

With the advent of blogs and websites, publicity and talent agents can take a more active role in marketing and managing their clients. But sadly some of them may be missing out. Rather than making photos readily available of their stars, they let the paparazzi capitalize. Some of the more famous photos may also be mugshots.

The other day Best Syndication was looking to embed the Jessica Simpson “Public Affair” music video on a story. YouTube was the logical first choice for our project. We found her video but were unable to embed it. Why? What does Jessica Simpson have to lose? They have already partnered with YouTube (Google) to monetize the video. They might as well have it placed on numerous sites around the Internet to increase revenue.

So rather than putting up the original Jessica Simpson video, publishers may opt to place a parody of her video. The parody, which may fall under fair-use (similar to Saturday Night Live parodies), will be disseminated among fan sites, blogs and bulletin boards in place of the original video. Adding insult to injury, Simpson and other talented stars do not receive one dime from Parodies.

Reuters, AFP and Associated Press have all signed-up as partners with YouTube. They have decided to join Google in a revenue sharing agreement where ads are placed at the bottom of their videos. The ads only run for a few seconds of the video, but if someone clicks on the ad they share in the revenue.

It would make sense for these agencies to allow embedding. Currently only the Associated Press (AP) allows publishers to embed videos. Both Reuters and AFP do not allow publishers to use their videos. The message provided is “Embedding disabled by request.” This means AP videos will be seen by more people increasing the potential for revenue.

Some talent management companies, public relations departments and agents might be doing a disservice to their clients. They should be providing the best images copyright-free for the public domain. This might be a better choice than allowing an image of their client without makeup moving to top of the picture list in Yahoo’s image search results.

News agencies, bloggers and fan sites may prefer to use the free image over an image they have to pay for, or one that can not be verified in the public domain. Rather than copyrighting the image, they may be better off to offer the pictures copyright-free. If the agencies already have copyright-free publicity photos, make them more readily available and make more of them.

This approach can help give their client a positive image. No more mug shots. No more bad-hair days. No more less-desirable paparazzi photos. Publishers will likely choose from your copyright-safe free images. It is a win-win.

Plan to crack down on aggressive paparazzi

A hearing will be held Thursday to decide what steps can be taken to reduce or penalize aggressive paparazzi.

Celebrities, law enforcement officials and city leaders are expected at L.A. City Hall for the hearing led by City Councilman Dennis Zine.

Members of the paparazzi follow stars, jump in front of cars and hide in bushes to get pictures of the rich and famous. Now there's an effort to clamp down on their aggressive behavior.

Councilman Zine wants a paparazzi task force to create a personal safety zone between the aggressive photographers and their celebrity targets. He proposed the ordinance after the Los Angeles Police Department spent $25,000 to transport Britney Spears from her Studio City home to UCLA Medical Center earlier this year.

Just last month there was a violent clash between surfers and paparazzi in Malibu when photographers tried to get pictures of actor Matthew McConaughey at the beach. Malibu is also trying to create a proposal to regulate unruly photographers, perhaps by creating a buffer zone.

But LAPD Chief William Bratton says the proposal is unnecessary.

"I have no intention of supporting any additional rules, regulations, or laws," said Bratton. "We have enough in this city without piling more on in terms of for one-time incidents. Sorry this thing doesn't rise to the need for that."

"I think the chief should listen to the concerns of the community, listen to the concerns of the celebrities, listen to what issues could be resolved," said Zine. "We have laws on the books, we're not denying that. And I have 40 years of service with the Los Angeles Police Department, I know there's laws. The problem is those laws are not working."

Bruce Willis drenches paparazzi

Bruce Willis threw water over a photographer's car on Tuesday (29.07.08).

The 'Die Hard' actor became angry when the paparazzo tried to take his picture as he left a medical building in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.

Irritated at how close the photographers were getting to him, he retaliated by throwing a bottle of water over one of their cars.

However, many of the photographers were pleased with his antics as they photographed him hurling the liquid.

Bruce is not the first celebrity to lash out at the paparazzi.

Last year, Britney Spears famously beat a photographer's car with an umbrella when she deemed he was being too intrusive.

She later wrote to the photographer's agency to apologise for the incident.

She said: "I want to apologise for the past incident with the umbrella. I was preparing a character for a possible movie role where the husband doesn't play his part so they swap places.

"Unfortunately, I didn't get the part. I'm sorry I got all carried away with my part."

In January, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin tackled a photographer to the floor outside New York's Mount Sinai Medical Centre.

The singer was with his wife Gwyneth Paltrow - who was rumoured to be pregnant at the time - and became enraged when the photographer shouted "congratulations Chris!"

Chris screamed: "Have some f***ing respect!" He then pushed the paparazzo to the ground and wrestled his camera from him