Film a fleece, says Jones

A kiwi comedy horror film about genetically engineered sheep that turn nasty may be in jeopardy after allegations of plagiarism from millionaire property magnate Sir Robert Jones.

Destined to be a hit, Black Sheep was snapped up by several international distributors before it had even been filmed. It tells the story of a genetic experiment that goes horribly wrong and turns millions of sheep into crazed murderers.

Jones says the storyline is a direct rip-off from one of his books, and he is prepared to take legal action to stop the film - the first being made by late historian Michael King's writer/director son Jonathan King.

A letter from Jones' lawyer, Michael Reed QC, to the Film Commission, which is funding the movie, says the concept of killer sheep was the nucleus of the novel Ogg, which sold 8000 copies and made the Bestsellers List in 2002.

However, after reviewing the files and discussions with King, Film Commission deputy chief executive Mladen Ivancic said the commission was sure Jones' allegations were "absolutely wrong".

Work on the movie, currently in pre-production, would continue unless formal legal action was taken, he said. King could not be contacted for comment.

Set on a desolate Scottish island, the book revolves around the plans of the two lead characters to establish the island as a resort for American tycoons and Japanese executives. Knowing the Japanese are fascinated by sheep, they invent a "killer" variety for them to hunt - by gluing unicorn-like spikes to the foreheads of the woolly creatures.

Jones' letter says the film "is an outrageous plagiarism and serious breach of copyright".

He said an injunction preventing the film from being made wouldbe taken out if the situation wasnot rectified.

Producer Philippa Campbell said the situation was "delicate" but she had no doubts about Jonathan King's integrity.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY