TRENTON, N.J. — A federal jury was told Wednesday that “Sopranos” creator David Chase got help in developing HBO’s Emmy-winning mob drama and owes a former municipal judge for that assistance.
But a lawyer for Chase countered that when compensation was discussed, Robert Baer declined payment.
At issue is whether Baer performed services in 1995 during conversations with Chase and a three-day tour around northern New Jersey, and if so, what those services are worth.
Baer lawyer Harley Breite told the jury his client had reasonable expectations for payment, but “David Chase never compensated Mr. Baer for his services.”
Peter Skolnik, a lawyer for Chase, told the panel that Baer told Chase several times he didn’t want compensation.
In addition, when Chase’s script was rejected by Fox Broadcasting, Chase didn’t seek help from Baer, Skolnik said. “That’s when David decided he needed a true Mafia expert,” he said. That expert, Dan Castleman, wasn’t paid for his services during the writing of the pilot, Skolnik said.
Baer sued Chase in 2002, claiming he suggested a TV show about organized crime in New Jersey and gave Chase a crash course on the North Jersey mob. He wants acknowledgment and compensation.
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