Newport Beach Film Company Sued For Fraud by Australian Investor
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According to a lawsuit filed this week in Orange County Superior Court, Antoine P. Musu says that RMP chairman of the board Carlo Edoardo Vallarino enticed him in 2004 to first invest in Italian film feature, Eugenio I Love You.
But according to the lawsuit, Vallarino's company questionably presented itself as an up and coming "global" film operation and took Musu's money after RMP's corporate status had expired for lack of paying taxes.
Musu also claims that after he invested in Eugenio I Love You, Vallarino solicited his investments in other film projects including, The Rhymer, A Sense of Place, Wally McDougall, Agent Dingledorf, Twisted Parables, One Fat Summer and Tower of Gebora.
When it appeared that none of the projects would succeed, Musu claims he sought access to RMP's books and was repeatedly denied.
"RMP never theatrically distributed Eugenio I Love You, the lawsuit asserts. "None of the other projects touted by Vallarino ever materialized. Musu is informed and believes that RMP performed no corporate activities other than raise money from unsuspecting investors."
Vallarino and RMP, which is registered in Nevada but maintains executive offices in Newport Beach, have not yet filed a response in court. Efforts to reach Vallarino for comment failed. A number provided by the company's website has been disconnected.
On its website, the company touts itself as a producer of wholesome films that "depict poignant tales that will uplift the human spirit and bring messages of hope, compassion, redemption, tolerance, love and respect for human dignity."
The website also lists Vallarino as chairman of the board at Vendome Services and Consulting (VSC) Worldwide Corporation. He has also served as a juror at the acclaimed Newport Beach Film Festival.
The case has been assigned to Superior Court Judge Charles Margines.
--R. Scott Moxley / OC Weekly
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