What’s more alluring than a movie that “shouldn’t exist?” Randy Moore’s first film “Escape From Tomorrow” was shot on location at Disney Parks in California and Florida without any permission or filming rights from the Disney Company. The film features psychological meltdowns, a father lusting after young girls and an overall otherworldly and sinister feel never before associated with Disney. By all means, this film should not exist.
Moore’s “guerilla-style” indie film is presumably protected from Disney’s legal team under the fair use doctrine, but it seems likely that Disney will wait out the situation to see how the film does at the box office before making any statements concerning its legality. The film’s developers were mindful of possible copyright violations and include multiple disclaimers that disassociate the film with the Disney Company or its endorsement. Since the film has been established as a sort of satire rather than a commentary on the Disney Company itself, Disney might be hard pressed to tie itself to the project. Even so, the filmmakers overstepped the conditions of their Disney Park passes, which could result in minor punitive damages
The film was shot with everyday digital cameras by Moore and a guerrilla camera crew, making film production evidently undetectable to park overseers. Fans of “Escape From Tomorrow” are commending it for its filmmaking audacity and ingenuity. Moore chose for the film to be edited entirely into black & white to bring out an “alternate Disney World” in which the story can take place. The result is a striking juxtaposition between Moore’s dark storyline and the cheery Disney Parks the world is accustomed to.
Given the potential showdown with Disney, distributors are tentative to show support for the project. Considering its limited theatrical release, it is probable the film will draw in a considerable amount of attention from moviegoers and copyright enforcement.
After all, the forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest.