Wagner

Robert Wagner individually and as trustee of his children’s trusts brought this action against Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc., claiming he and the trusts are contractually entitled to share in the net profits Columbia earned from two motion pictures it produced based on the Charlie’s Angels television series. The trial court concluded the contract did not entitle Wagner and the trusts to share in the profits from the movies and granted Columbia’s motion for summary judgment. Wagner filed a timely appeal from the judgment. We affirm.

FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS BELOW

Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood (the Wagners) entered into an agreement with Spelling-Goldberg Productions (SGP) “relating to Charlie’s Angels (herein called the ‘series’).” The contract entitled the Wagners to 50 percent of the net profits SGP received as consideration “for the right to exhibit photoplays of the series and from the exploitation of all ancillary, music and subsidiary rights in connection therewith.” SGP subsequently sold its rights and obligations with respect to the Charlie’s Angels series to defendant Columbia Pictures. Thirteen years later Columbia contracted to obtain the motion picture…