818-909-6800

Why is it that everything about this situation smells fishy? Is it just me? I would think that the logical approach would be a full class action lawsuit for all investors regardless of residence. How is this going to be conducted? Will they be forced to turn over all files pertaining to investors contact information? Will they be required to supply actual accounting records of the money raised and where it went? I was also curious is the production fee that Alpine charges, I think it is 20%, is off the top ( meaning the total amount raised) or only a percentage of the actual money allocated to the production. Since the are conducting business over the phone and through the mail does wire fraud come into play? If money was moved from ECOZ to DOZ to pay off investors is that co-mingling of funds? How does this whole commission thing work? Are you an investor or are you part of a legal team hired to handle this? You ask for succinct answers from the investors but it seems Centineo should be doing that. We were lied to, we lost money and it was raised illegally. No accounting records are available. Have you contacted the FBI? Is this a Global Scam? Is Interpol involved?

Ok, I have no experience in the industry, but from what research I have done, there  isn't really anything that out of the norm for the production of an independent film.  It seems like it is taking forever, but not uncommon especially for independents.

What independent film has a major studio buy the film without  having to release it yourself first or take it to film festivals etc?  

What independent film has licensing agreements with several companies, including Bandai.  Bandai showed samples of the toys at a 2012 toy fair.

When did the virtual world fail?  I did not see it released into the marketplace.

This deal is still scary as hell and can most definitely fail.  I have no more of an idea about how they spent the money than you do, but what I do know is that they made a movie(I have seen it).  To say with absolute conviction that the project is dead and there will be no attempt by Alpine to release it makes no sense.  They made the movie.  If they refuse to release it, we would have a claim to damages, if they release it and it tanks, well, that is called taking a risk.

They did take a lot of money up front no doubt.  But, they told us they were going to do it, why did you give them the money if the "commission" is so unreasonable for you?

What is the point of a lawsuit.  They said they were going to make a movie and they did.  They have not released it yet, but what earthly reason would they have not to?

You obviously have no experience with Alpine or you would not be defending them or giving them the benefit of doubt or whatever it is you are attempting to do here (it is not clear to me). I rue the day they called me. The deal for toys with Bandai is incidental to all of this.  Speaking for myself I would like to think that this film will come out, be an artistic and financial success thus making the stock I bought worthwhile rather than worthless.  But having seen so many films be made and then just die by Alpine aka as Box Office Productions aka as Summertime Entertainment aka as what they call themselves this year, I highly doubt that is going to happen.

I was hoping for more information from William Baker concerning the alleged efforts he mentioned is his post. Why is everything about this always so fishy? I can not understand why more people are not concerned and voicing their opinions? There really should be a website created so that all of the investors from alpine and the  names they have worked under could collectively speak, share information, and voice concerns. I unfortunately have no idea how o do this, but wish I did. This site is obviously a poor arena for this type of discussion and has a very limited audience. There should be something easy for everyone to find and use. I mean if there were to be a class action lawsuit I imagine that there may be investors from other scams that might be interested in finding out how to include them under this so that they can have a voice and chance as well. It would also help to identify this group under RICO rulings

I "invested" $5K back in 1999 in Alpine Pics. I met the Carrolls myself who talked up their projects. Kept getting the runaround and was paid lip service every time I made post-investment enquiries.  By 2004 or so I had given up and let it go as a learning experience.  I accepted I would never see any return at all.  The dint to my ego at being sucked in hurt more than the $5K.
Anyway I am gobsmacked that this group is still surviving and still conning people.
Denial is an amazing thing.  To those that invested in recent films I am really sorry to say that you will see zero return.  Myself and hundreds others have a spot ahead of you in the queue - we know we will not get a cent so face reality - accept your losses and that you made a mistake and move on and let it go.

I had the opportunity to see the complete film several weeks back in Delray Beach / Boca Raton, Fl.  Film looks great but that is where it ends.  From what I was told by Greg and team they need to raise another 20 to 30M to even get a distribution deal.  I know they are doing the road show nationwide to showcase the film and use it as a tool to bring in more investment.  I am not investing more, sad to say but my bet is that I will lose what I have in will have to file a suit to get the investment back. Face it, all investors have been lied to.  When myself and others have asked for documentation to verify anything we get nothing but a bunch of lies.  The rumor at the event was that Greg and his wife are separated and I wonder if it has to do with Greg's wife family realizing that they also have lost their investment.  At the early fund raising events I was at Greg would say that his family and friends have 10M invested.

Interesting post on Dorothy of Oz Facebook today.  A reference from EW 2010, if and when Dorothy of OZ is in theaters all the other Oz movies will have been out for a few years.  Does the the posting of info from 2010 when we are in the end of 2012 seem strange.
FB:
With the announcement of several other Oz-related projects Entertainment Weekly asks its readers “Which Wizard of Oz Project are you most looking forward to?” Results were Dorothy of Oz at 53%
December 2010

I wonder how the Carroll brothers, Neil Kaufman and all the rest sleep at night?   With the amount of money that investors have put into their projects without a return, I can't  imagaine that just everyone is going to write it off and move on as was recommended earlier by a writer here.  I would think more than a few folks have invested substantial amounts (hundreds of thousands of dollars and more) and that some of them will strive to get even. It is not just that investors went into a project where risk is involved, we all gamble and lose sometimes, it is just that the Carroll Brothers and Kaufman et al seem to not have a conscience about it.  I remember speaking to whichever Carroll brother it was and he was talking about setting up college funds for his kids and feeding his family.  You know, just like you and me making an honest living.  In retrospect I realize he was talking about buying a university and a grocery store as I am sure his salary derived from investor funds is enormous. Yes, I wonder how they react when things go bump in the night.

My law firm represents Alpine Pictures, Ryan Carroll and the production team behind the “Dorothy of Oz” film. I have reviewed the disparaging statements that have been posted on this thread about the film and about the individuals involved with the film. The statements are not true and they constitute defamation and tortious interference with my clients’ right to contract.

The “Dorothy of Oz” film is in the final stages of production and has been screened for audiences. The film was directed by Daniel St. Pierre, formerly of Walt Disney Feature Animation and DreamWorks Animation and nominee of an Annie Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement for Production Design in an Animated Feature Production. The film was produced by Bonne Radford, formerly of Universal Pictures and Dreamworks Animation. The movie stars the voices of Lea Michele, Martin Short, Kelsey Grammer, Jim Belushi and Bernadette Peters with music by Bryan Adams. The teaser trailer can be found on the official website (www.dorothyofoz.com).

Greg Centineo has been involved in the fundraising aspect of the film and has extensive experience and knowledge of the financial services industry. Allegations that he has personally made tens of millions of dollars in commission are baseless.

Potential investors were fully informed about the investment opportunity and all material business risks before they invested funds. Investors have had adequate opportunity to ask questions about the production budget, use of funds, commissions and production fees, and any other matters of concern. Investors have been regularly updated on the progress of the film, and no investor funds have been hidden or misused.

There have been no legal findings or even allegations asserted against my clients suggesting the misuse of funds or the improper commingling of funds. Orders have been issued in the past limiting my clients’ ability to offer and sell securities in certain states and they are fully complying with those Orders.

My clients take all statements that are made about the film and the individuals involved with the film very seriously.  They have instructed me to review all disparaging statements to determine if legal action is warranted. This statement is not intended to, and does not, foreclose or limit any rights or remedies to which my clients may be entitled, all of which are expressly reserved.

If anyone has any questions or concerns regarding the “Dorothy of Oz” film or related matters, you may contact me at ozinfo@marcjlane.com.

Marc J. Lane

Marc,

What you are saying is almost all true. While no one other the perpetrators themselves truly know the commission and compensation schedule, what we do know is that these "investments" were sold to too many unqualified and  not accredited investors (in violation of SEC rules) who did not have the necessary experience or knowledge to accurately evaluate the risks or withstand and resist the golden tongue of Centineo and his crew. That is the main problem with the production. What should be done abut that......

Tar & feathers?

Marc,

Your statement "Orders have been issued in the past limiting my clients’ ability to offer and sell securities in certain states and they are fully complying with those Orders."  is also almost true. The truth is that over the past decade or so (since 1997) several states including their home sate of California have stopped your clients from improperly selling these "investments" to unqualified, not accredited, uneducated and gullible general population using improper means and methods to do so. Contrary to the above statement your clients apparently also violated  a 1999 California order to stop selling these "investments" resulting in subsequent orders, sanctions and fines as well as a 2009 refrain and desist order.

For a very interesting read  all Dorothy of Oz Investment Victims should follow this link:
                    http://www.corp.ca.gov/ENF/pdf/a/AlpinePictures_Judgment.pdf

These fundraising techniques are also illegal in all the other states in the union and would be  vehemently objected to if they only came to light as they did in your clients home town. Congratulations to your law firm on securing this particular client as it should prove to a very lucrative case for you.

Does any one have a tar kettle?.

My personal opinion is that someone has hired a truth squasher:
http://www.ripoffreport.com/dorothy-of-oz/producers/burbank-california-c7820.htm

Marc J. Lane Wealth Group™offers successful people a strategic, multidisciplinary approach to legal, tax, investment, corporate, estate and insurance planning.

Insulting people is not necessary, and is unprofessional.  I have seen the completed movie and it is very good.  Zig Ziglar was a great man.  He said “There has never been a statue erected to honor a critic.”  When you dig for gold, you have to move a lot of dirt, but youre not looking for dirt, youre looking for GOLD!

Good movie, I wish all involved much success, and hope it entertains and inspires you all.

what are you doing about  your  investment in dorothy of oz.  or  anybody  else for that matter ? i'm paralyzed this was very important to me, in fact i'm going to be homeless pretty soon 18 degrees out  metal in my back, chest  and legs ...im having to go thru equity trust and there charging fee  that takes away from buying food. im feel that thats not right having to pay aprox 200.00 a year  paperwork  and they have complaints about there services and the movie                          mbarringer56@yahoo.com

im filling a complant with the sec, you should to, those who filles will get a reward if there prosecuted, these scammers stole my pension, to fille go here http://www.sec.gov/about/offices/owb/owb-tips.shtml

I will buy your shares

So what do you think about the Name Change of the movie and it now being listed as TBA 2014?

I like the name change to "Legends of OZ: Dorothy Returns" as I think it will appeal to a wider audience.

Not so sure I like the early 2014 release date, another Halloween and Christmas shopping season missed but this new distributor will do what they feel will give them the biggest bang as far as timing of other movie releases.

What other successful major movies has this new distributor Clarius Entertainment been involved with? I cant find any box office success history. Sounds like another rookie company.