Bailey

INTRODUCTION

Michael Brewer and Brewer Media Associates, Inc., appeal from an order of the superior court denying their special motion to strike under Code of Civil Procedure section 425.16 (the anti-SLAPP statute). 1 Appellants contend the trial court erred in denying their anti-SLAPP motion because (1) respondent Stafford Bailey’s claims against appellants are subject to being stricken under the anti-SLAPP statute as they arose from protected activity and (2) respondent’s claims are barred by the litigation privilege in Civil Code section 47. Finding no error, we affirm.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

On November 24, 2009, respondent, doing business as 24/7 Productions, filed a complaint against Brewer and his wholly owned and controlled corporation, Brewer Media Associates, Inc., in Los Angeles Superior Court. In the complaint, respondent alleged that he is a documentary filmmaker who made a documentary film entitled, Blacks Without Borders: Chasing The American Dream In South Africa. Respondent had employed Brewer as a cameraman to shoot the film on a “deferred compensation” basis, which meant that Brewer would not be paid until the film was released. Respondent…