Lauren
Former Member
Jennifer Wilbanks and fiance John Mason will be interviewed by Katie Couric on Tuesday.... this should be interesting! :waitasec:
GA - Jennifer Wilbanks, runaway bride, for false police report, Duluth, 2005
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Lauren
Former Member
http://www.nypost.com/gossip/pagesix.htm
DID NBC News pay for an interview with "Runaway Bride" Jennifer Wilbanks in a roundabout way, and has publisher Judith Regan turned into a booker for the Peacock Network?
Regan who runs ReganBooks, an imprint of HarperCollins, which is owned by News Corp. is widely credited with brokering the deal Wilbanks made with NBC.
Wilbanks became a huge "get" when she ran away from her fiancé, John Mason, without a word and fled cross-country. She later falsely claimed to police she'd been kidnapped and is repaying her hometown of Gainesville, Ga., $13,000 the amount the town spent looking for her.
It was speculated the NBC deal would involve a book, a TV movie, a "Dateline" special and a "Today" show appearance.
But word out of Georgia is that Wilbanks has no intention of writing a book about her marital misstep, and instead scored a whopping $500,000 for a mini-movie deal with NBC's entertainment division with the unwritten agreement that she would appear on "Today" with Katie Couric and do a Couric special on "Dateline," which are both produced by the news division.
Couric's interview with Wilbanks was taped Monday and is set to air next Tuesday and Wednesday. Her "Dateline" show will air Tuesday.
A network spokeswoman said: "NBC News has not, did not and will not enter any deals or put forth any money for an interview ever. It sounds to me that this is sour grapes from a competitor who's missed out on a huge get."
Wilbanks' friends say: "There is no book." But they hear she will get $500,000 for the rights to her life story."
Another industry source said: "It is well known that NBC likes to keep NBC projects on the NBC lot. If the entertainment side is doing something, it is often promoted on the NBC News programs."
A ReganBooks rep said: "$500,000 for a mini-movie and 'Dateline' is incorrect," and refused to comment on whether or not a book was in the works.
An NBC News-er denied Wilbanks got any consideration. "Oh, please. Sean Hannity at Fox News is also interviewing her" albeit a day after Couric's interview airs
DID NBC News pay for an interview with "Runaway Bride" Jennifer Wilbanks in a roundabout way, and has publisher Judith Regan turned into a booker for the Peacock Network?
Regan who runs ReganBooks, an imprint of HarperCollins, which is owned by News Corp. is widely credited with brokering the deal Wilbanks made with NBC.
Wilbanks became a huge "get" when she ran away from her fiancé, John Mason, without a word and fled cross-country. She later falsely claimed to police she'd been kidnapped and is repaying her hometown of Gainesville, Ga., $13,000 the amount the town spent looking for her.
It was speculated the NBC deal would involve a book, a TV movie, a "Dateline" special and a "Today" show appearance.
But word out of Georgia is that Wilbanks has no intention of writing a book about her marital misstep, and instead scored a whopping $500,000 for a mini-movie deal with NBC's entertainment division with the unwritten agreement that she would appear on "Today" with Katie Couric and do a Couric special on "Dateline," which are both produced by the news division.
Couric's interview with Wilbanks was taped Monday and is set to air next Tuesday and Wednesday. Her "Dateline" show will air Tuesday.
A network spokeswoman said: "NBC News has not, did not and will not enter any deals or put forth any money for an interview ever. It sounds to me that this is sour grapes from a competitor who's missed out on a huge get."
Wilbanks' friends say: "There is no book." But they hear she will get $500,000 for the rights to her life story."
Another industry source said: "It is well known that NBC likes to keep NBC projects on the NBC lot. If the entertainment side is doing something, it is often promoted on the NBC News programs."
A ReganBooks rep said: "$500,000 for a mini-movie and 'Dateline' is incorrect," and refused to comment on whether or not a book was in the works.
An NBC News-er denied Wilbanks got any consideration. "Oh, please. Sean Hannity at Fox News is also interviewing her" albeit a day after Couric's interview airs
kgeaux
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Is anybody else reminded of the little Lambchops song?
"This is the song that will not end; it just goes on and on, my friend. Somebody started singing it, not knowing what it was, and they'll go on forever, and ever, just because, this is the song that will not end, it just goes on and on, my friend......."
I may have a word or two wrong, but that little song kept me awake a night or two! And if you substitute "story" for song, and "reporting" for singing, well, you've got the JenStory.
"This is the song that will not end; it just goes on and on, my friend. Somebody started singing it, not knowing what it was, and they'll go on forever, and ever, just because, this is the song that will not end, it just goes on and on, my friend......."
I may have a word or two wrong, but that little song kept me awake a night or two! And if you substitute "story" for song, and "reporting" for singing, well, you've got the JenStory.
peggy
New Member
update on Jennifer - making the bucks now
ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) -- "Runaway bride" Jennifer Wilbanks made a deal with a company that is pitching a movie about her life to networks -- annoying officials who spent thousands of dollars searching for her.
ReganMedia, a New York multimedia company, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for a story in Thursday's papers it has acquired all media rights to the "life stories" of Wilbanks and her fiance, John Mason.
The company did not say whether any money had changed hands.
"I am looking forward to developing the scripted project with Wilbanks and Mason," company president Judith Regan said in a statement. "Theirs is an unexpected and compelling story of love and forgiveness that has certainly taught me a thing or two."
link
ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) -- "Runaway bride" Jennifer Wilbanks made a deal with a company that is pitching a movie about her life to networks -- annoying officials who spent thousands of dollars searching for her.
ReganMedia, a New York multimedia company, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for a story in Thursday's papers it has acquired all media rights to the "life stories" of Wilbanks and her fiance, John Mason.
The company did not say whether any money had changed hands.
"I am looking forward to developing the scripted project with Wilbanks and Mason," company president Judith Regan said in a statement. "Theirs is an unexpected and compelling story of love and forgiveness that has certainly taught me a thing or two."
link
lady-eowyn
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As somebody said on another forum I post at "I'd rather watch grass grow"peggy said:
IMO this shows that it's all about her...and attention toward her. I have no respect for this woman whatsoever after hearing this.
Schmerty_Jones
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lady-eowyn said:As somebody said on another forum I post at "I'd rather watch grass grow"
IMO this shows that it's all about her...and attention toward her. I have no respect for this woman whatsoever after hearing this.
My thoughts exactly. She feels nothing for what she has put others thru. Now shes after the $$$& fame..no shame. I'd rather watch paint dry :loser:
Lauren
Former Member
June 16, 2005 -- JUDITH Regan did everything possible to keep her $500,000 deal with "Runaway Bride" Jennifer Wilbanks a secret. But PAGE SIX has obtained a copy of the "deal memo" that led to Wilbanks' interview with NBC's Katie Couric, plus an e-mail from Regan's office swearing Wilbanks and her family to secrecy.
"I must stress the importance of keeping this deal and all its details absolutely confidential," Regan's assistant, Doug Grad, e-mailed the Wilbanks family this month.
"Nobody can know that this deal has gone through and those who do know . . . must keep it secret. Any leaks can lead to the cancellation of the first interview, and the cancellation of the deal. I cannot stress this strongly enough."
Secrecy was crucial because NBC News, like other network news divisions, has a policy against paying for interviews. NBC claims it hasn't paid a dime to Wilbanks or to Regan, who runs ReganMedia. But speculation has been rampant that Couric landed the Wilbanks interview as part of a $500,000 deal that included a TV movie.
A rep for NBC told us yesterday: "We have not, never have and never will pay for an interview. Whatever deal Judith Regan has with the Wilbanks' is not with us."
The carefully worded "deal memo" never mentions NBC. "Maybe Judith thinks she can garner interest in Jennifer Wilbanks so she can sell her rights to a TV movie," the NBC rep said. "She owns Jennifer now. Call Judith." Regan didn't return calls.
The agreement for the "television rights of the story of Jennifer Wilbanks and John Mason" says the couple will be paid "$500,000 . . . after the completion of the first interview " with Wilbanks and fiancé Mason.
The memo says the "interview must be completed within the next 10 days (therefore, no later than Monday, June 13, 2005) and TV Rights would also include Exclusive Dramatic Rights (TV/Movie rights.)"
ReganMedia issued a press release yesterday announcing it had acquired all rights to the life stories of Wilbanks and Mason. "ReganMedia is currently developing a scripted television project based on the Wilbanks-Mason story. The project is not with NBC, nor has any compensation been received from NBC," the release stated.
Although NBC is keeping itself at arm's length from the deal, the Wilbanks' seemed to think the money was coming from NBC. An insider said: "The Wilbanks family called up ABC and said, 'Katie Couric is offering us 500K what can Diane do?
Judith Regan sure cranks out B type books...
"I must stress the importance of keeping this deal and all its details absolutely confidential," Regan's assistant, Doug Grad, e-mailed the Wilbanks family this month.
"Nobody can know that this deal has gone through and those who do know . . . must keep it secret. Any leaks can lead to the cancellation of the first interview, and the cancellation of the deal. I cannot stress this strongly enough."
Secrecy was crucial because NBC News, like other network news divisions, has a policy against paying for interviews. NBC claims it hasn't paid a dime to Wilbanks or to Regan, who runs ReganMedia. But speculation has been rampant that Couric landed the Wilbanks interview as part of a $500,000 deal that included a TV movie.
A rep for NBC told us yesterday: "We have not, never have and never will pay for an interview. Whatever deal Judith Regan has with the Wilbanks' is not with us."
The carefully worded "deal memo" never mentions NBC. "Maybe Judith thinks she can garner interest in Jennifer Wilbanks so she can sell her rights to a TV movie," the NBC rep said. "She owns Jennifer now. Call Judith." Regan didn't return calls.
The agreement for the "television rights of the story of Jennifer Wilbanks and John Mason" says the couple will be paid "$500,000 . . . after the completion of the first interview " with Wilbanks and fiancé Mason.
The memo says the "interview must be completed within the next 10 days (therefore, no later than Monday, June 13, 2005) and TV Rights would also include Exclusive Dramatic Rights (TV/Movie rights.)"
ReganMedia issued a press release yesterday announcing it had acquired all rights to the life stories of Wilbanks and Mason. "ReganMedia is currently developing a scripted television project based on the Wilbanks-Mason story. The project is not with NBC, nor has any compensation been received from NBC," the release stated.
Although NBC is keeping itself at arm's length from the deal, the Wilbanks' seemed to think the money was coming from NBC. An insider said: "The Wilbanks family called up ABC and said, 'Katie Couric is offering us 500K what can Diane do?
Judith Regan sure cranks out B type books...
Lauren
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LillyRush
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The more this goes on, the more it looks like some sort of set up by maybe even everyone involved just to get attention and money. If that is the case, then I hope everyone in that family and network of friends is charged for a false crime claim. :furious:
Dark Knight
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Company Gets Runaway Bride's Media Rights
By DANIEL YEE, Associated Press Writer
Runaway bride Jennifer Wilbanks has struck a deal for a TV project about her misadventures, irritating some people in her hometown.
ReganMedia, which publishes books and produces TV shows and movies, said Thursday that it has acquired all media rights to the stories of Wilbanks and her fiance, John Mason. The New York company did not say whether any money had changed hands.
In a statement, company President Judith Regan called the tale "an unexpected and compelling story of love and forgiveness that has certainly taught me a thing or two."
ReganBooks has published novels such as Wally Lamb's "I Know This Much Is True" and celebrity titles such as Gen. Tommy Franks' "American Soldier."
The 32-year-old nurse disappeared from her Duluth home on April 26, four days before a wedding that was supposed to have 600 guests and 28 attendants. After taking a bus to Albuquerque, N.M., she claimed she was abducted and sexually assaulted, but later recanted, saying she fled because of unspecified personal issues.
Wilbanks pleaded no contest earlier this month to telling police a phony story and was sentenced to two years of probation and 120 hours of community service. She also was ordered to continue mental health treatment and pay the sheriff's office $2,550.
Duluth spent nearly $43,000 to search for her. Wilbanks has repaid $13,249.
News of her deal infuriated local officials and residents.
"I guess that says more about this whole case than anything else that has happened. I'm really sort of disgusted by the whole thing," said Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter.
He lamented that anyone would pay "for what is just a silly story," but said Wilbanks had the legal right to make the deal. "There was no way I could prevent it," he said.
Duluth Mayor Shirley Lasseter said she hopes Wilbanks will give any profits to charity.
"I just think it's sinful that we are allowed to profit over wrongdoings," she said. "I think every cent she makes needs to be given to organizations for missing children and adults so it can be used to help someone in a situation which she created falsely."
Lydia Sartain, Wilbanks' attorney, did not immediately return a call for comment.
Duluth resident Dave Stowers suggested Wilbanks donate money from any deal to improve the city's parks. "Asking the city to forgive that amount of money sends a negative message to the community, in my opinion," Stowers said.
By DANIEL YEE, Associated Press Writer
Runaway bride Jennifer Wilbanks has struck a deal for a TV project about her misadventures, irritating some people in her hometown.
ReganMedia, which publishes books and produces TV shows and movies, said Thursday that it has acquired all media rights to the stories of Wilbanks and her fiance, John Mason. The New York company did not say whether any money had changed hands.
In a statement, company President Judith Regan called the tale "an unexpected and compelling story of love and forgiveness that has certainly taught me a thing or two."
ReganBooks has published novels such as Wally Lamb's "I Know This Much Is True" and celebrity titles such as Gen. Tommy Franks' "American Soldier."
The 32-year-old nurse disappeared from her Duluth home on April 26, four days before a wedding that was supposed to have 600 guests and 28 attendants. After taking a bus to Albuquerque, N.M., she claimed she was abducted and sexually assaulted, but later recanted, saying she fled because of unspecified personal issues.
Wilbanks pleaded no contest earlier this month to telling police a phony story and was sentenced to two years of probation and 120 hours of community service. She also was ordered to continue mental health treatment and pay the sheriff's office $2,550.
Duluth spent nearly $43,000 to search for her. Wilbanks has repaid $13,249.
News of her deal infuriated local officials and residents.
"I guess that says more about this whole case than anything else that has happened. I'm really sort of disgusted by the whole thing," said Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter.
He lamented that anyone would pay "for what is just a silly story," but said Wilbanks had the legal right to make the deal. "There was no way I could prevent it," he said.
Duluth Mayor Shirley Lasseter said she hopes Wilbanks will give any profits to charity.
"I just think it's sinful that we are allowed to profit over wrongdoings," she said. "I think every cent she makes needs to be given to organizations for missing children and adults so it can be used to help someone in a situation which she created falsely."
Lydia Sartain, Wilbanks' attorney, did not immediately return a call for comment.
Duluth resident Dave Stowers suggested Wilbanks donate money from any deal to improve the city's parks. "Asking the city to forgive that amount of money sends a negative message to the community, in my opinion," Stowers said.
I'm so sick of rewarding people for bad behavior.
And why must there be a book or t.v. movie? We JUST watched it all unfold on the 24/7 news channels. Gah, I hope no one buys her book or watches if/when it's a t.v. movie. IMO, she should just quietly go back to her life and not cram her life down the public's throat any more than she already has.
And why must there be a book or t.v. movie? We JUST watched it all unfold on the 24/7 news channels. Gah, I hope no one buys her book or watches if/when it's a t.v. movie. IMO, she should just quietly go back to her life and not cram her life down the public's throat any more than she already has.
lisafremont
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He's not the one who pulled this stunt.
THIS IS HORRIBLE!!! We need to write to the powers that be, express outrage!! Lots of people need to do that!!
She disgusts me. Who would want to watch her stupid story in a tv movie??
THIS IS HORRIBLE!!! We need to write to the powers that be, express outrage!! Lots of people need to do that!!
She disgusts me. Who would want to watch her stupid story in a tv movie??
concernedperson
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Not me,I wouldn't spend a dime on her nor her book or TV deal. Stupid is as stupid does....Forrest Gump!
Schmerty_Jones
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Not my :twocents: spent on her eitherconcernedperson said:
Crook she is & crooked she does :banghead: :banghead:
Use the DEAL MONEY to PAY Duluth back! :slap: :slap:
birdlover
New Member
I also think this stinks! Between Jennifer & Mary Kay Letourneau, you can bet that one day in the near future there will be some twit who decides to commit a crime because they want or need $$. I can see it now....
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