Kira Willoughby Laura Willoughby Craft Services; Indie Casting Director; Fraudulent Film Producer San Fernando Valley, California
I was approached some time ago by a woman named Kira Willoughby, representing herself as an "Executive Producer" for feature film projects.
I did research on her, and -- although there was not enough of a definitive case to be made that she was a scam artist (at the time) -- she had no discernible producing credits...
Nonetheless, she agreed to take on my project without an upfront fee, in an attempt to find funding and secure her attachment based on performance.
Sounds fair, right?
Fast forward to many months later, I came to find out that she had been reaching out to agents and investors, representing herself as a "Producer" on my project, and utilizing the cast attachments and distribution arrangements I already had as leverage to help package and raise financing for her other projects.
Upon further investigation, it came to light that she had also been charging producers an up-front fee to help them raise additional financing and cast for their films. Throughout the course of her dealings with those individuals, she managed to raise all of zero dollars, and -- when the term of their agreements expired -- she was unable or unwilling to repay the fees she had charged.
Litigation on those matters is now underway.
Whether it becomes a lawsuit, a conviction, or just a hard lesson, this is a typical practice in the film business, and it's very easy for someone to represent themselves as a produce, even though they have no credits in that realm, simply because many money people often aren't concerned with credits, only profits.
At this point, it would appear that the wheels are coming off her fragile operation, because a number of her film projects which were previously listed as "In Development" or "Pre-Production" have disappeared from her company slate. On that note, it also looks like a few posts are cropping up on her IMDb page, and other message boards.
Furthermore, I was unable to find a legitimately incorporated company called "Willoughby Pictures" in CA, NV, LA, NM, MI, NC, GA, CT, or DE. If you're in the film business, you'd be listed in one or more of these.
In summary, I am posting this to create a thread which can be referenced, henceforth. This woman is not who she says she is, she does not have the contacts or resources she represents, and -- if you are serious about dealing with legitimate individuals in film so as to not waste time being conned -- she should be avoided at all costs.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Mark Shultise
Captain Cook,Hawaii,
United States
I welcome your addressing my complaint too
#3General Comment
Thu, March 05, 2020
Kira offered an Ebay auction for walk-on parts (both speaking and non-speaking) for the movie “Summer”. My Bachmann and I both “won” these parts. After the fact, I also spoke with a gentleman whose two children were scheduled to be in a film of hers and were also scammed.
We received word the movie had been rescheduled, then Kira disappeared. I had many problems trying to contact her as shown below. I did contact the Prosecutor in her area about bringing charges against her.
The link to see her website at the time is here: (Directs to Archive.Org)
http://tinyurl.com/7y6mx2o
D Kira Willoughby
C/O Glenda Gillie
FAX: 323-993-7908April 8th, 2004
Ms. Willoughby:
Mr.
Gary Bachmann and myself are requesting refund of monies paid to you
for parts in the movie “Summer”, which has never been produced.
On
December 17, 2001 I mistakenly paid twice for the E-Bay Auction for a
role in “Summer”. My total payment was $360 x 2 = $720. The overpayment
was promised to me but never sent.
Mr. Bachmann also paid for his non-speaking role in the same movie in the amount of $282.00.
We have receipts for all monies paid and can submit them to you if requested.
On July 30th 2002 you told me:
“Mark, Summer has been moved to May-July of 2003 to accommodate the actors that are being packaged for the film.
Please email with any further questions.
Thank
Kira”
Since
that time, your WILLOUGHBYPICTURES website has been taken down, all
email addresses fail to get responses, and when I called your agents
office (Glenda Gillie) I was told that you were in the office that day
doing interviews and the receptionist would have you return my call. I
got no return call.
A letter sent to the address (Internet Movie Database IMDB) for Ms Gillie at:
Glenda Gillie
My Management Company
1438 N. Gower Street, Bldg. 13 Rm 107,
Hollywood, CA, 90028, USA
Was returned as undeliverable.
We are now forced to make written request of our monies via FAX to her
office, as we have no other way to serve written requests.
Our contact information is:
Mark Shultise
[address redacted]
Gary Bachmann
[address redacted]
Regards,
Gary Bachmann
Mark Shultise
I would be happy to hear your reply Ms. Willoughby
You may send any correspondence to:
Mark Shultise
PO Box 1002
Captain Cook, HI 976704-1002
---
As webmaster of WilloughbyPictures.Com I have a unique view into what I consider to be your scams.
My documentaion is posted at your website https://willoughbypictures.com along with links to others who have had 'issues' with you.
I am more than happy to have your lawyer contact me about my allegations and look forward to meeting you in a courtroom.
It is interesting to note that even an ex-husband contacted me with a warning of your activities.
Kira
Van Nuys,California,
United States of America
Kira Willoughby
#3REBUTTAL Owner of company
Mon, November 28, 2011
I would like first ask Ripoff Report.com to remove this as this is not a true account of the facts and since this is not a court of law, I feel that I should at least offer the truth to this situation.
I believe also that if a person is going to make a true statement then they should give their name and back of the facts, just like I am going to do.
This is Kira Willoughby and my production company is registered in the State of California. I will be more than happy to provide proof to any one who asks me directly. My email is kfilmpro@aol.com and my attorney will contact you and provide the proof.
I have never represented myself as a producer on any project that I do not have a contract on.
IMDB constantly changes as projects change and that is also verifiable. Also, there is NOTHING listed on IMDB about me negative. Please look it up. www.imdb.com Kira Willoughby
Please email me with any questions you have as I am filing an injunction against the person who filed this fraudulent report against me and this website if they are not able to remove it.
Thank you
Kira Willoughby