Thomas Benski and Marisa Clifford, the founders of Pulse Films, are suing Vice Media, claiming $20 million is owed from the sale of Pulse Films.
Thomas Benski and Marisa Clifford, the co-founders of Pulse Films, which is known for producing Gangs of London, have initiated legal proceedings against Vice Media. They allege that Vice owes them over $20 million stemming from the sale of Pulse Films, as reported by Deadline on September 22, 2026.
Vice Media initially acquired a majority stake in Pulse Films in 2016. In December 2021, they purchased Benski and Clifford's remaining 22% shareholding for $10 million in cash and an additional $43.24 million in loan notes. Shortly after this transaction, Vice Media encountered severe financial challenges, and the producers allege that Vice defaulted on loan notes totaling $20.4 million, breaching the terms of their sale agreement.
The lawsuit claims that Benski and Clifford were misled by former Vice executives regarding the company's financial health, particularly concerning a failed sale to Antenna Group. They assert that these misrepresentations persuaded them not to enforce their contractual rights at the time of the sale. In recent court proceedings in the UK, a judge characterized their allegations as "serious" but did not determine their validity.
In response to the allegations, Vice Media has described the claims from Benski and Clifford as baseless and lacking sufficient evidence. A spokesperson noted that the London High Court dismissed an application for pre-action disclosure brought by the producers, indicating that the court found the allegations to be presented in an "unacceptably nebulous" manner. Vice Media has stated that they will defend their position vigorously.
As creators of a critically acclaimed series like Gangs of London, the outcome of this lawsuit could significantly impact Benski, Clifford, and the future of Pulse Films, now under Vice Studios. The dispute highlights ongoing financial instability within Vice Media, which entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2023, followed by a consortium of lenders acquiring the company while taking on significant debt.
As Benski and Clifford evaluate their legal options, the creative landscape remains watchful of how this litigation unfolds, especially with potential impacts on precedents involving financial transactions and intellectual property rights.
The legal battle underscores the intricate relationship between creative producers and media conglomerates. Given the high stakes, the case may set crucial precedents within the industry concerning contractual obligations and financial transparency. While the dispute revolves around financial misrepresentation, its resolution could influence broader industry practices and expectations regarding investor relations and governance in media enterprises.
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