A Busted Daily Exclusive!

A Cautionary Tale of Doing Business in Hollywood

In 2004, Charleston-based real estate developer Richard C. Davis had an idea for a reality show based on his experience "flipping" houses.  He and his company, Trademark Properties, produced a pilot called "Worst to First" which they brought to A&E Television Networks.  A&E not only picked up his show, renaming it "Flip This House!" – they cast him and his co-workers to star in the first season, which proved to be a hit.  Based on a handshake-deal, Davis says his company invested millions of dollars to purchase and renovate the homes featured in the show.

In complaints filed in Charleston SC, Davis is charging the cable network with fraud, breach of contract, misappropriation, and unfair business practices.  Davis alleges that A&E "never got around to paying him one penny" under their agreements.  The $30 million case is set to go to trial in Federal Court in the next couple of weeks.

According to an internal A&E email discovered as part of Davis’s lawsuit, the premiere broadcast was "the highest-rated, most-watched series premiere among all A&E lifestyle programs."   Davis proved to be a colorful character, building a fan base with his folksy sayings such as "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner" and "What the heck, write a check."

From the beginning, Davis insisted he was interested only in a 50/50 deal with A&E, and based on assurances he went ahead with the show.  He says he was strung along by promises that the paperwork was being prepared and would be delivered soon.  No contracts ever arrived.

After a successful first season, A&E dumped Davis and moved the show to San Antonio and New Haven with new casts.  They later expanded locales to include Los Angeles and Atlanta.

Davis has since developed "The Real Deal" for rival network TLC — this time with contracts in writing. Last week a judge threw out A&E’s motions to dismiss the charges, and trial is set to begin November 4.