27th November 2007

Castles made of Sand

Everything slows down for Thanksgiving, but now that it’s over everything is forging ahead for the new Jimi Hendrix sound and vision experience. The shape of the project became a little clearer over the vacation as the harassment intensified even further. Sadly even more cheap bootleg CDs were prepared to flood the market.

Our lawyers are busy going over the contracts and planning to grapple with the growing law suits against those who thought they could pull the wool over our eyes. As Jimi said: “Castles made of sand fall gently into the sea”. As we uncover the truth, we progress regardless.

For immediate release                                              5^th of October, 2007

Elle von Lear is managing director and majority stock holder in DragonSlayer Films LLC in the States, and DragonSlayer Films LTD (UK) (no.06290699). Elle von Lear has suffered harassment, has been libeled and slandered. She has been blackmailed. There was an extortion demand made by Lawrence Miller of Purple Haze Records. Should Elle von Lear not purchase Purple Haze Records and its nonexistent rights for 3million pounds sterling, he would use an illicitly gotten series of contact lists of hers to use against her with the intent of maliciously interfering with her business and her private life. Everyone on the list has been sent relentless amounts of paper and e-mails of untrue and incorrect information. Her privacy has been invaded. There has been a website set up that is used as back-up. This website is owned by Bernard Stollman (ESPdisc), kept up by Lawrence Miller (Purple Haze Records) dissolved on the 15^th of August 2006, and used by Sandra Shulman (Slink Productions). Mr. Miller has also blackmailed John Hillman. Sandra Shulman making wild accusations set up an incident report with the Yonkers police. Elle von Lear and her family, the people that work with her such as, Kevin Saunders and his family, Gavin Medford and his family, Charlie Brown, Peter Miles and various other directors in DragonSlayer, the film directors Elle von Lear represents, her writer of choice for the Hendrix script Harlan Miller who has been bombarded, Lawrence Miller wanting to have lunch with him ect (?)  Pinewood Studios was contacted; head of legal read her a letter that came from Sandra Shulman with back-up material from Lawrence Miller. Of course, this did not affect Elle von Lear’s standing with Pinewood. It got more heated and Elle von Lear’s life was threatened, the hotels she stayed in were contacted, sent the site, people were sent in to interfere with her. She was attacked in a suite at the Ritz Carlton. Confused police were involved at least eight times.

  The problem that they have with their website is the site itself existing. Miller, Stollman and Shulman are responsible for libel, malicious interference with business and other offenses along with damages. It got to the point that she had to have two body guards and Nicky Duke, the coordinating producer and head of Security for her company to take her to where she was going, which was Skywalker Ranch. After they left Skywalker Ranch, Nicky Duke stopped everything, and they hid while researching. At this time they were able to verify many things. They hope that Christopher Sexton was paid well for his betrayal; Elle von Lear assumes Miller has also paid Brian Imponito ‘the hacker’ well.  Elle von Lear will deal with this pair immediately as well. She would also like to thank Brian for attempting to destroy her computer by putting virus after virus in it.  Adding via e-mail, worms and tunnels. If you open certain e-main mayhem ensues.  

It has now become very simple Elle von Lear will not tolerate abuse one moment longer and will proceed with criminal and civil action against Lawrence Miller, Bernard Stollman and Sandra Shulman immediately.

  Elvier von Lear has the exclusive rights to represent the rights. She has a contract with John Hillman, and his attorney Clive Sutton. She executive produces for John Hillman, represents and does the endorsements, film in all media, and sound track CD etc. 

All conversations concerning Hendrix go through Elle von Lear first.  

Elle von Lear

/ends

13th July 2007, for immediate release.

Hendrix, Hillman and Havoc

Elle Von Lear, Managing Director and Executive Producer of Dragonslayer Films, announced today that she is to produce a documentary entitled ‘Hendrix, Hillman and Havoc’.

The documentary will focus on Jimi Hendrix and John Hillman whose management company Yameta signed Hendrix and guided his rise to fame from 1966 until his mysterious and untimely death in 1970.

/ends

30th June 2007, For immediate release.

Dragonslayer Films received word directly from Mr. Miller yesterday that he has in fact sold his company, 'Purple Haze Records'. Dragonslayer wishes to congratulate Lawrence Miller on the sale of his 'Purple Haze Records'. Elvier von Lear, despite their differences, hopes that all his future projects are as successful as his work with Hendrix has been. Dragonslayer looks forward to working with the new owners of 'Purple Haze’.

/ends

23rd June 2007. For immediate release.

Summer Solstice Bears New Child for Dragonslayer Films

Dragonslayer Films LLC is pleased to announce the opening of a new British company, Dragonslayer Ltd, on Thursday 21st June 2007.

Despite constant harassment and interference with business, Dragonslayer Films is continuing its project to make the first a-list biopic of the life and death of the legendary rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix. The new company, Dragonslayer Ltd, will operate worldwide and assist in making the Hendrix film a reality as well as helping to re-establish the proper legal rights that originate from Jimi's contract with Yameta in the 1960s.

Elvier von Lear, Managing Director and Executive Producer of Dragonslayer said today: "The rights to Jimi's music have often been exploited in the most appalling fashion both to the detriment of those who hold those rights and the millions of fans who deserve an appropriate, quality memorial to this guitar hero. It is our mission to put the square pegs back in the square holes and produce a film that will bring the spirit of Jimi back to life in the 21st century."

Dragonslayer Films LLC is a company registered in the state of New York. Dragonslayer Ltd has been registered as a company in the UK for the purposes of producing film, video and music.

/end

1st June 2007, For immediate release.

Experience Hendrix ‘aims to mislead and confuse UK Court decision’, says Dragonslayer

Experience Hendrix has issued a statement over a UK Court decision regarding the rights of Jimi Hendrix that is highly misleading and full of inaccuracies. Experience Hendrix does not own the full rights to publish Jimi’s music.

The UK High Court, in May 2007, upheld a decision regarding the Performer’s Rights relating to a live performance given by Jimi Hendrix in Sweden. The issue of Performer’s Rights was confused as it involved British and International legislation passed after Jimi’s death in 1970. The court found that the Performers Right’s in this case were indeed inherited by Jimi’s family that have now been passed on to Experience Hendrix. The issue of other rights regarding Image, Likeness and Publishing, especially of those studio recordings made throughout the highlight of Jimi’s career from the late 60s onwards has not been challenged.

Experience Hendrix’s claim to Performer’s Rights stem from Jimi’s contract with Yameta. To challenge the more substantial rights that remain with the recipients of the Yameta legacy would be to undermine their own claim. Yameta owned 100% of Image and Likeness and at least 40% of Publishing and Licensing, none of which has been remunerated to John Hillman to our knowledge. Experience Hendrix’s apparent unwillingness to cooperate with the owners of these rights leaves their own operation open to expensive court challenges they cannot otherwise win.

It should also be made clear, contrary to Experience Hendrix’s statement, that John Hillman was not an attorney who represented Michael Jeffery; John Hillman was Michael Jeffrey’s boss! Jimi Hendrix’s contract was with Yameta, the company was not just handling funds, but held the contractual rights to publish everything Jimi recorded during the main part of his career. Unfortunately Mr Hillman spent many years recovering from a quadruple heart by-pass operation, but managed to recover proof of ownership over the Yameta legacy in the 1990s.

Dragonslayer Films has seen the documentation that proves Image, Likeness and Publishing rights for the time Jimi Hendrix was under contract to Yameta were passed to John Hillman.

Elvier Von Lear, Executive Producer and Managing Director of Dragonslayer Films, said today: “Experience Hendrix aim to mislead and confuse the complex findings of the UK Court as well as to denigrate John Hillman’s position which they know to be untrue. Experience Hendrix’s unwillingness to cooperate with us on the film is completely against their own interests but will not prevent us from continuing, though it does slow the process up and make it harder.”

Dragonslayer is fascinated that Experience Hendrix sued Lawrence Miller of Purple Haze Records over an ad hoc performance filmed by a Swedish TV company and walks away claiming rights that still clearly belong to John Hillman.

Dragonslayer’s executives are meeting in Europe to discuss the next step next week.

/ends

For further information contact:
Elvier von Lear - (001) 206 664 1140

29th May 2007. For immediate release.

Electric Hendrix Vodka ‘an insult to Jimi’s image’
… an image that does NOT belong to Electric Hendrix says Dragonslayer

Executives of Dragonslayer Films today branded Electric Hendrix Vodka as “an insult to the memory of Jimi Hendrix and a breach of copyright.”

Electric Hendrix Vodka is a new premium vodka, presented in a purple bottle, carrying the name and image of the great guitar legend Jimi Hendrix. The company includes Craig Dieffenbach and Leon Hendrix and is being challenged by other family members from Experience Hendrix in a Seattle court. However, the legal image and likeness of Jimi Hendrix is owned by the recipients of Jimi’s management company Yameta, based in England.

Dragonslayer Films, which is in the process of negotiating the production of a high-profile a-list film about Jimi’s life have been granted image and likeness for the production by the English title holders, and agree that the use of Jimi’s likeness to sell vodka is both tasteless and illegal.

Elvier von Lear, Executive Producer and Managing Director of Dragonslayer Films, said today: “This use of Jimi’s image is an insult and not fitting or respectable to this legendary guitar god. He was never known to drink large quantities of vodka, doing so would undoubtedly fail to help anyone see the world through Jimi’s eyes! These people are using Jimi's image and yet have no right whatsoever to do so. ”

Dragonslayer Films believes that the Seattle court should prevent this company from marketing this product now, it does not have the necessary rights to image and likeness and this situation is unlikely to change.

/Ends

9th May 2007. For immediate release.

Dragonslayer in Seattle to Close Hendrix Film /Endorsements / Sponsorship Deal

Jimi Hendrix to Live Again

Dragonslayer Films’ Managing Director Elle Von Lear is in Seattle to close the deal that will lead to a much awaited a-list film and quality soundtracks about the life and music of Jimi Hendrix.

Ms von Lear is also busy setting up an office in Seattle, checking out locations for the film as well as finalising various endorsements and sponsorships. She will be flying back to London within the next few weeks.

Jimi Hendrix is widely acclaimed to be the greatest guitar player who ever lived. In fact he was almost certainly one of the most naturally talented musicians of any genre, and yet because of the complex legal minefield left behind after his untimely death fans have been deprived of a quality sound and vision experience befitting the guitar legend. Having brought together the legitimate owners of Jimi's rights, and unravelling them from the many illegitimate freeloaders, Dragonslayer Films is on the verge of an historic breakthrough that will bring musical pleasure to a whole new generation.

For many years Jimi Hendrix fans have had to put up with it numerous poor quality CD compilations, many of which have been produced illegally, often in Eastern European countries, and with much of the royalties due to surviving members of Jimi's family, Experience Hendrix and John Hillman remaining unpaid. Dragonslayer Films insists that these financial matters should be put in order and that fans are entitled not only to an a-list film but also a legitimate and quality, digitally remastered, soundtrack of Jimi's greatest works put together by some of the best professionals in the music business.

/ends

23rd January 2007. For immediate release.

THIRTY-SIX YEARS ON… AND THE SHARKS ARE STILL TRYING TO CASH IN ON JIMI HENDRIX

Dragonslayer Films can reveal today that fraudsters and bootleggers are still trying to cash in on the Jimi Hendrix legacy.

Since arriving at the English New Forest home of John Hillman, Dragonslayer Films’ Executive Producer has been the victim of a most outrageous and malicious campaign of slander and libel which has interfered with business, by Lawrence Miller who claims to run a company called Purple Haze Records Limited.

Dragonslayer Films can reveal today that:

1) Lawrence Miller's former company "Purple Haze Records Ltd" was dissolved on the 15th of August 2006. This has not prevented him from issuing press releases in the name of this company over the past few months.
2) There is no company in the USA under the name “Purple Haze Records Ltd”.
3) There is a company set up (suitably) on 1st April 2005 by Bernard Stollman entitled “Purple Haze Music LLC”.
4) Bernard Stollman of ESP Disk has been collecting royalties for a number of clients and withholding payments to those clients.
5) Lawrence Miller attempted to sell Purple Haze Records Ltd, for the sum of £3 million on the basis that it included rights to Jimi Hendrix, which it never had.
6) Purple Haze Records Ltd previously had a limited licence agreement (only) with John Hillman, a business arrangement that Lawrence Miller did not fully honour. This licence agreement was dissolved along with the company in August 2006.
7) Any CDs that have been made available by Lawrence Miller, outside of Europe, are no more than bootlegs and should be withdrawn from sale.
8) None of Lawrence Miller's companies have a valid licence to publish any recordings of Jimi Hendrix, anywhere, to our knowledge.
9) A company entitled “Purple Haze Productions Ltd” was set up in New York for Lawrence Miller on 6th October 2006. The address of this company at the time was that of Bernard Stollman’s ESP Disk. This was presumably with the intent of sub publishing using non-existent rights.
10) This is a time when Miller was allegedly working as an associate of Dragonslayer Films, and yet he neglected to inform us of his new production company or of his involvement with Stollman.

Experience Hendrix's inherited claim to certain performers rights are historically based on the original Yameta agreement. Experience Hendrix has never denied or challenged this, and to do so would clearly be self-defeating. Dragonslayer Films LLC will ensure that all appropriate royalties due to both Experience Hendrix and John Hillman, along with payments for the use of any rights necessary for making the film about Jimi Hendrix's life, will be paid without undue delay.

None of the extraordinary claims that Lawrence Miller has made have any legal bearing on the production of the film that we are about to undertake.

/ends

1st January 2007

Nobody said it would be easy!

Nobody said it was going to be easy to get a package together to make a film about Jimi Hendrix and his unfortunately short life. I've been on the road joining dots and crossing tees across the USA and Europe for the past 18 months, and finally we're just inches from putting together the package forward to the production stage. For Jimi Hendrix it was all about the music. He didn't understand the music business sharks that would soon surround him and sink him. The legal legacy is like a bundle of mixed up wires, yet we have found our way through at last… we think!

So I arrived in England exhausted, half dead and sick with bronchitis, dogs lost by a stupid PA, partner flown off to sort out his life (I hope!). My former associate Lawrence Miller of "Purple Haze Records" turns against me and suddenly decides that John Hillman has assigned him rights to Jimi Hendrix. This is news to John Hillman in whose home I am staying and John's legal team has been alerted to this wild claim.

The Jimi Hendrix biopic is going to be the story the way Jimi would have told it. It will explode many of the myths about Hendrix being a "stoned-out hippie" and about the way he died. It will be about the Jimi who grew up through the tough life of Seattle's back streets, where his mother died ('excuse me while I kiss the sky') and where he was constantly on a quest to create music. The story is about what created this modern-day Mozart of rock, about music that comes from the soul and touches the souls of many who hear it. It's about how a mixed up kid finds meaning in a crazy world, it's about being an inspiration and making a difference, it's about a spiritual experience - a purple haze.

For now… well more bits of paper to throw around, more contracts to sign. Jimi will be coming to screens near you if our sanity at Dragonslayer Films holds out.

Elle von Lear,
Executive Producer,
Dragonslayer Films LLC

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18th December 2006: For immediate release

DRAGONSLAYER SHRUGS OFF CHILDISH PRANKS AND FORGES AHEAD WITH HENDRIX BIOPIC

Dragonslayer Films and Elle Von Lear (Managing Director and Executive Producer) have been victimized over the last few weeks by childish pranks and libelous attacks by those wishing to slow production of the Jimi Hendrix biopic.

Dragonslayer Films’ website was hacked in to, and its home page replaced, with a ridiculous message claiming that Lawrence Miller owns rights for Jimi Hendrix’s music in America and that this ‘right’ comes from a license granted by John Hillman. John Hillman and his legal experts have confirmed that the only license granted to Miller was for a four-year period, and only covered the UK. Furthermore, the company to which that license was granted no longer exists and is therefore invalidated. There are no records of a license ever being issued to Lawrence Miller or Purple Haze Music covering the USA.

Elle von Lear said today: ‘I am absolutely furious and deeply saddened at the way I have been attacked and abused in the most immature manner conceivable. The matter will be put in the hands of our legal experts. Nothing is going to stand in the way of Jimi’s true story being told.’

Dragonslayer Films reiterates once more that it has secured all the necessary rights for Jimi Hendrix’s music, image and likeness for the film that will reveal the true story of his life, from Jimi’s own perspective. Offices are currently being set up in London with extra staff being employed from January.

/ends

Temporary contact numbers:
Elle von Lear (Executive Producer and Managing Director: (UK) 0-7776 474883
Kevin Saunders (Associate Producer) : (UK) 0-7966 536619

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October 24th, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
RE: HENDRIX BIO-PIC DRAGONSLAYER FILMS VS. EXPERIENCE HENDRIX

Jimi Hendrix died more than 35 years ago, without a will and with a year left on his Yameta agreement. There has been no A-list film on his life and music in spite of the fact that he has been recognized as one of the greatest musician/guitarists of all time.

John Hillman was the managing director and owner of Yameta Co Ltd., which employed and funded Jimi Hendrix from December 1966 until his death in 1970. By copyright law at that time, a talent would have to actually write music, or go into the studio (the actual work became the copyright). Jimi Hendrix could never write music. Also, whoever paid actual studio expenses etc. was how copyright came into play. This is above and beyond the signed contract that Hendrix held with Yameta. The company's contractual rights with Jimi Hendrix were assigned to John Hillman. John Hillman is the only survivor of Michael Jeffrey and Chas Chandler whom were also employed by the Yameta Co Ltd and involved in Jimi Hendrix promotions on behalf of the company. 

John Hillman welcomes the prospect of an A-list feature film and various endorsements, sound tracks etc. to give proper justice to the Hendrix legacy and exponentially develop financial assets to Hendrix ‘actual’ family heirs. John Hillman has made arrangements with Elvier von Lear, executive film producer/owner & managing director of Dragonslayer Films/ Dragonslayer Music to exclusively develop the film and all business associated around in image and likeness. Elvier von Lear has already opened all sealed court documents and has done all significant research in preparation for the film. John Hillman has in fact facilitated Elvier von Lear with the copyrights and all other rights, which to this day remain, vested by him.

John Hillman is aware of the fact that Experience Hendrix has claimed certain rights since 1995 when there was an out of Court settlement between Leo Branton, the predecessor in title, and Al Hendrix. The reason for the out of court settlement was because neither party could show any evidence to a chain of title within the US court system. “New York probate court was unaware of judgements with Seattle Court; in turn, Seattle was unaware of New York, both were unaware of Los Angeles, London was unaware of all of the above and no one seemed concerned with the Swedish High Court’s decision on Jimi’s son, who was acknowledged and would over ride. Al Hendrix as main heir, which is what Janie Hendrix has based her territory on.

The predecessor in title Leo Branton had unlawfully registered songs of Jimi Hendrix as coming from Yameta and was therefore invalid. In 1985 the U.S. Government Attorney obtained over two tons of documented evidence relating to a major fraud by Leo Branton showing evidence of the creation, backdating of documents and defrauding the courts in litigation among other fraudulent matters.

Although Experience Hendrix initially obtained a Judgement in the UK Courts for the Performers rights only, something that would not be recognised outside the EU, the Judge did say he could be wrong and granted leave to appeal.

Performers Rights arose long after Jimi Hendrix’s death and were vested in Jimi Hendrix and consequently his estate, these are not rights, which are recognized in many countries outside the EEC.

Experience Hendrix lawyers and counsel did not claim Copyright or any other rights in the UK Courts. The words they used in their statement of truth said, ‘for the avoidance of doubt Experience Hendrix does not claim to be entitled to the copyright in the sound recordings. Their Counsel also stated, Experience Hendrix claim is for the proprietors of performers’ rights, not as proprietors of recording rights.

The English High Court has given leave to appeal the legal principles upon which the decisions were based and the appeal has still to be heard.

Experience Hendrix has NOT claimed to have the copyright and other rights and they have brought no action against John Hillman or his licensee Purple Haze Records Limited and its owner Lawrence Miller. Lawrence Miller also is working in conjunction with Elvier von Lear. 

Accordingly contrary to assertions relating to name & likeness, Experience Hendrix lost an action in the US Courts and do not have the rights to name and likeness. After losing the case they tried to cover up the order of the court.

No claim has been made by Experience Hendrix in the UK Courts or any other Court in respect of any rights against Elvier von Lear of Dragonslayer Films LLC. Any statement saying otherwise is completely false and without foundation. Likewise she does not have to seek permission from Experience Hendrix to complete this important project that is essential to the Legacy of Jimi Hendrix.

Elvier von Lear has been in contact with Experience Hendrix and has in fact been attempting to arrange for an amicable solution. Elvier von Lear is in contact with all of Jimi Hendrix’s biological siblings and his children.

/ENDS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - OCTOBER 24th, 2006

RE: JIMI HENDRIX AUCTION OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL FRANK JEFFERY BY OCEAN TOMO AUCTIONS LLC 

Elvier von Lear of DragonSlayer Films LLC and Lawrence Miller of Purple Haze Records Ltd explained to Raymond Millien of Ocean Tomo why the Michael Frank Jeffery Estate does not own the rights of Jimi Hendrix, as claimed by Ed Chalpin, the Administrator of the Estate.

Raymond Millien of Ocean Tomo said: “Assuming you are right, only a fool would buy it.”

History Detail Ed Chalpin Administrator of the Michael Frank Jeffery Estate since 6 September 2000 when he became the administrator of the estate.

5 March 1973 Michael Jeffery died

15 March 1973 Administration of the Estate was granted to his wife Gillian Rosemary Jeffery. A sworn affidavit to the Inland Revenue in the UK shows the gross value of the estate as worth NIL

6 November 1974 Administration of the Estate granted to Frank Albert Edward Jeffery. A sworn affidavit to the Inland Revenue in the UK shows the gross value of the estate as worth £2000 (UK Pounds).

6 September 2000 Administration of the Estate granted to Ed Chalpin. A sworn affidavit to the Inland Revenue in the UK shows the gross value of the Estate as worth NiL.

Purple Haze Records Ltd (Co reg. 4320394)

24 November 2000 Harbottle & Lewis, the UK Lawyers acting for Ed Chalpin/ PPX Enterprises and the Michael Jeffery Estate wrote to another UK Law Firm Russells Solicitors on behalf of the Michael Jeffery Estate. This was after Ed Chalpin became the Administrator of the Estate that showed a gross value of NIL and wrote: ‘In the course of proceedings for issue against your client we have discovered gaps in Michael Jeffery’s chain of title that on the information at present available indicates that he did not own the copyrights in the Hendrix recordings’. ‘In particular there is no evidence of rights being assigned from YAMETA (the company which as producer, became the first owner of the copyright in many of the recordings and granted licenses to exploit many of the recordings) to Chas Chandler and Mike Jeffery.’

5 November 2001 Ed Chalpin suggested setting up a UK Company called Purple Haze Records Ltd and sent a DAT tape of ‘Axis Bold As Love,’ the sleeve detail showing the name of YAMETA and a design showing the name was produced.

9 November 2001 On the instruction of Ed Chalpin, Purple Haze Records Ltd was set up; the reason Chalpin gave was to get Experience Hendrix LLC to sue the company in the UK in order to have them disclose documents of their so-called chain of title to Jimi Hendrix recordings that he said they could not show.

1 March 2002 A letter was sent to Harbottle & Lewis the UK Lawyers acting for Ed Chalpin/ PPX Enterprises Inc and the Michael Jeffery Estate of which Chalpin was the Administrator asking them to check the graphics detail on the sleeve for the Axis Bold As Love CD where it showed among other things YAMETA.

4 March 2002 Harbottle & Lewis the UK Lawyers wrote back and advised ‘If you are to face proceedings for breach of copyright, the last thing you would want is a statement to the effect that the copyright in the recordings belong to YAMETA, which is what the © symbol suggests. I would have thought your position was that the copyright belonged to Michael Jeffery.’ Chalpin’s UK Lawyer had advised Purple Haze Records Ltd to unlawfully exchange a copyright.

5 July 2002 a Judgment against Ed Chalpin / PPX Enterprises Inc in the High Court in London read: ‘Ed Chalpin / PPX Enterprises Inc must not issue or release recordings on which Jimi Hendrix performed in any capacity whatsoever (other than 33 songs with Jimi Hendrix as a sideman). The proceedings initially began on the 14 May 2001.

29 July 2002 Ed Chalpin the Administrator of the Michael Jeffery Estate since the 6 September 2000 sent a fax that read: ‘I never had any rights to begin with’ and ‘I really believe the company paying $40,000 will require representation of ownership of the masters, which as you know, I don’t have and wont give’ This was in answer from a US Distributor who was interested in licensing the Rainbow Bridge Concert CD from the Michael Jeffery Estate.

7 and 14 November 2002 after losing the above Judgment Ed Chalpin Administrator of the Michael Jeffery Estate issued a license to Purple Haze Records Ltd for the Axis Bold As Love album and the Rainbow Bridge Concert album.

Please note: Ed Chalpin became the Administrator of the Michael Jeffery Estate on the 6 September 2000. If the Michael Jeffery Estate did own the rights Chalpin now claims, why did he lose the High Court action? All he need have done is show the court evidence the Michael Jeffery Estate did own the rights he claimed.

20 January 2005 in the Supreme Court in New York in the case between Maxwell T Cohen the previous Administrator of the Estate of Michael Jeffery and Warner Bros where Warner Bros seeks to have the attorney’s fees and costs awarded against the Estate of Michael Jeffery and the successor ancillary Administrator Edward Chalpin. The court ordered the Michael Jeffery Estate and Ed Chalpin to pay $143,321-38, which the Judge ordered.

Despite having gained control of the Michael Jeffery Estate from which 14 UK Charities should benefit and despite Ed Chalpin asking two of the Charities in London if they could use their Charities to influence the Judge in his lost action in London, Chalpin still has no evidence to support his claim.

Dragonslayer Films LLC and Purple Haze Records LTD believe that Ed Chalpin/The Michael Jeffery or Frank Jeffery Estate do not own the rights they are claiming and are attempting to pass off in the Ocean Tomo auction. If they indeed owned the rights they claim Chalpin wouldn’t have lost his UK court action and would in fact have been able to grant the license requested in the United States.

/ENDS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - OCTOBER 11th, 2006

DRAGONSLAYER REITERATES RIGHTS TO HENDRIX MUSIC

Jimi Hendrix died more than 35 years ago without a will but under contract to Yameta Co. Ltd., a company owned by John Hillman. When Yameta was dissolved after Jimi's death Hillman lawfully assigned all the rights to himself. Years later Janie Hendrix of Experience Hendrix (Jimi's adopted sister) thought she was winning the rights from a former Yameta partner, but this chain has been proven to be unlawful by DragonSlayer owner Elvier von Lear and John Hillman. Hillman is working with von Lear to reclaim these rights to Jimi's name and likeness and produce an A-list feature films well as various endorsements and soundtracks. Proceeds will be distributed to Jimi's family members that have been cut out by Experience Hendrix for decades. At no time has DragonSlayer or von Lear been to court, let alone lose. Dragonslayer needs no permission to carry on. von Lear continues to attempt a workable scenario with Experience Hendrix.

LEGENDARY PRODUCERS LINE UP FOR HENDRIX FILM SOUNDTRACK

A duo of legendary engineer/producers will collaborate on the sound track of the pending Jimi Hendrix biopic for Dragonslayer Films. The two producers are: Andy Johns, who is celebrated for his work on albums for the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. Roy Thomas Baker produced the Cars, Queen, Cheap Trick, The Who and many more.

DRAGONSLAYER PRODUCER RESPONDS TO CLAIMS BY JANIE HENDRIX

Dragonslayer Films Executive Producer Elle Von Lear and her partner, American attorney Bernard Stollman replied to a series of attacks by Janie Hendrix, in which she misrepresented the nature and significance of a recent ruling by a British court. The biopic on the life and legacy of Jimi Hendrix is moving forward as planned, and it is not affected by the court's decision, which is being appealed.

In the summer of 1966, Chas Chandler, the bass player in the rock group, THE ANIMALS, called John Hillman, a British lawyer, in London, to inform him of a remarkable young guitarist, Jimi Hendrix, he had found in New York City, insisting that Hillman bring him to London. A plane ticket was sent, and when Jimi arrived in London, he made a rapid succession of recordings for the Yameta record label, owned by Hillman. Chandler acted as Jimi's producer from 1966 to 1968. The records were an instant success. Yameta acquired the copyrights in the songs and in the recordings, in accordance with British law.

Hillman closed the Yameta company in 1975, and reassigned all of these copyrights to himself, having previously issued licenses to several major record companies to use the copyrights and the recordings. In 1979, Sir Guy Henderson, a retired Bahamian government official, entered into an agreement with Leo Branton, a California business man, that purported to transfer titles on behalf of the Yameta corporation in all of these copyrights to Branton. Since Yameta no longer existed, having been dissolved in 1975, this transfer was a fake. In 1980, these copyrights were fraudulently registered in the US Copyright Office, a felonious violation of US law.

Leo Branton eventually was sued by Jimi's father Al Hendrix, and an out of court settlement was reached. Experience Hendrix, a company owned by Al Hendrix's adopted daughter Janie Hendrix, claimed to have acquired ownership of these copyrights, and it has engaged in publishing and exploiting the songs and recordings for several years. It appears that Experience Hendrix has no rights other than those to royalties that would accrue to it as a fiduciary for the heirs of the estate of the composer, nor does it possess the authority to control and administer the copyrights. These publishing rights have been purchased by Dragonslayer Films from John Hillman. The British term of copyright is for 50 years.

In 2004 a Seattle court determined that Janie and her cousin Robert had badly mismanaged trust funds that Al Hendrix established for the benefit Jimi’s brothers and sisters and removed the pair from control of these funds. With regard to the claim by Janie Hendrix that she alone has the right to license the name and likeness of Jimi Hendrix, the Seattle court recently rejected this claim. This decision is being appealed.

The decision on May 4, 2006 by a British court, in a suit brought by Experience Hendrix against John Hillman and Purple Haze Records, was limited in its scope to certain rights that now accrue to performers and their estates under a recently enacted law in the United Kingdom. They can now assert ownership in certain live recordings of performances in countries of the European Union, if those performances were not under contract. The court ruled that this stature is retroactive, but acknowledged that it was uncertain that its interpretation was a correct one. It therefore gave the defendants leave to appeal, and an appeal and countersuit are pending.

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APRIL 25, 2006 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Quentin Tarantino First Choice As Director of Jimi Hendrix Film
Tupac Shakur Story Rights Secured for A Feature Film
Peter LaFarge Documentary Short Debuts at the Nashville Film Festival

Infamous, music loving director Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill 1 & 2, and currently working in China on Kill Bill 3) is favored to direct Dragonslayer's first major feature, the Jimi Hendrix story. Scripts are currently being worked on, and Tarantino would have full access to Hendrix's music, likeness, and brother Leon to tell the real shocking story. Shooting is scheduled to begin later this year with outdoor shots in Seattle, New York, and London, and interiors in Toronto. Elle Von Lear, Senior Executive producer, has access to over 350 interviews filmed by Emmy Award Winning film maker David Kramer, as well as a large body of live footage of the artist, to be incorporated in the film. The Aleem brothers, twins who performed on all of his three albums at the Electric Lady Studios, and Juma Sutan, are consultants on the film.

Working with those who were with Tupac Shakur during the dark prime of his career, Dragonslayer Executive Producer Elle von Lear has secured the rights to the Tupac Shakur story. Mentor Leila Steinberg, Tupac's mother, and other musicians and family members will be directly involved in telling the real story of this rap legend's life and untimely death.

The Ballad of Peter LaFarge, a short documentary on the untold story of folk singing protest pioneer and writer of the classic Ballad of Ira Hayes, debuts Monday, April 24th at the prestigious Nashville Film Festival. Director Sandra Hale Schulman produced this short documentary as a precursor to a pending major feature film by Dragonslayer, and as a companion to the upcoming ESP-Disk’/Dragonslayer Music tribute album called Rare Breed: The Songs of Peter LaFarge, which features Johnny Cash, Hank Williams III, Sarah Lee Guthrie, John Densmore of The Doors, et al.

Interest in this previously unheralded Native American singer/songwriter will be high this summer as Clint Eastwood releases a film on the real Ira Hayes, titled Flags of Our Fathers, in August.

"The Ballad of Peter LaFarge reveals its protagonist as a complex, haunted writer of complex, haunted songs ... A contemporary of Bob Dylan and the writer of the Johnny Cash hit, “Ira Hayes”, the LaFarge of this Kevin Welch-narrated short is a fascinating, mystery-shrouded bolt of creativity. Rare photos and original music abound in this one." - Peter Cooper, The Tennessean.

Richard Nichols, Seattle based fine artist, whose works include celebrated studies of George Clinton, Buddy Miles and Jimi Hendrix, has been appointed art director of Dragonslayer Films. His assignments will include advertising campaigns and endorsements for Dragonslayer productions.

APRIL 6, 2006 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dragonslayer Films News:

Dragonslayer is in negotiations for the film rights to the Muscle Shoals Story, to be directed by Paul Justman. Paul Justman was director of the critically acclaimed , “Standing in the Shadows of Motown”. Exec. Film Producer Elle von Lear is thrilled to announce that there will be two Justman directed films to follow Muscle Shoals. Dragonslayer will remain true to its music passion. Leon “Lee” Hendrix Signs On as co-executive producer and Official Consultant to Jimi Hendrix Feature Film. Elle von Lear will be working hand in hand with Lee to bring the true story to the screen. ESP-Disk' Merges Into Dragonslayer Music, a division of Dragonslayer Film

Muscle Shoals, Paul Justman Director How is it that a small town in the northern recesses of Alabama becomes a hotbed of rock and roll? How is it that a sound, created by a culture of young musicians with their beginnings in a primitive studio above a drug store, becomes a magnet for the greatest stars of the era, drawing them in to record some of their biggest hits, in a dry county, “right smack dab in the middle of nowhere”? Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Solomon Burke, Bob Dylan , Rod Stewart, Bob Seger, Linda Ronstadt, Paul Simon, Joe Cocker, Jimmy Cliff, Willie Nelson and the Staple Singers to name a few- they all came to Muscle Shoals--and they recorded some of their greatest, signature work. The story of Muscle Shoals is a coming “of age” story for both a bunch of young musicians and a country—both growing up and finding their way.

Lee Hendrix, the younger brother of Jimi Hendrix. Five years Jimi’s junior and raised by Jimi, Lee and Jimi made a world for each other in order to survive. Lee has signed on as co-executive producer and as the official consultant to the Jimi Hendrix feature film and endorsements. Lee is intergral to the telling of the real ‘Hendrix’ story A musician and artist in his own right, Lee has been keeping the flame of Jimis music alive through memorial concerts and in spirit via his group, The Leon Hendrix Band. Despite being Jimi’s brother, Lee has always had his own sound, his own art and stands on his own, just as Jimi would have wanted.

The ESP-Disk’ record label and its publishing companies are merging with DRAGONSLAYER MUSIC, a division of DRAGONSLAYER FILMS, based in California.. Jimi Hendrix enthusiasts worldwide will now be introduced to the music he most admired, including the works of Albert Ayler and Sun Ra. ESP is the oldest independent record label, founded in 1965 by New York lawyer, Bernard Stollman. ESP will retain its identity under his direction, continuing to introduce emerging innovative composer/ performers without limitation as to genre. A vast expansion of its repertoire is under way, to include hitherto unknown archival live performances of free improvisation by legendary artists from the years 1955 to 1984. It will also produce sound tracks for DRAGONSLAYER feature films and tv endorsements, drawing upon its own historical music library and these archives, and commissioning new works.

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