Two film editors have filed a lawsuit against their former employer, alleging violations of labor laws. Plaintiffs Kent Bassett and Martha Shane brought the case against Stone Village Films LLC, its associated entities, and Scott Steindorff.
According to the complaint, Bassett and Shane worked as film editors from early 2024 until August of that year. They claim they were promised $1,000 per day for projects, including ADHD and In Search of Love. Beginning in June 2024, however, payments allegedly stopped despite their continued full-time work. The plaintiffs state that they attempted to resolve the issue directly with Steindorff, who they allege exercised control over payroll decisions, but no wages were paid. The complaint asserts violations of the New York Labor Law (NYLL) and the New York City Freelance Isn’t Free Act (FIFA).
The plaintiffs argue they qualified as employees under NYLL definitions due to the degree of control exercised over their work and the lack of profit or loss opportunities beyond their daily rate. They further allege that Steindorff’s failure to pay wages was willful, continuing even after complaints were filed with city authorities. They also cite violations of NYLL § 195 regarding wage notices and statements.
Bassett and Shane seek back pay for unpaid wages, liquidated damages equal to those amounts, penalties for wage notice violations, and compensation under FIFA should the court classify them as freelance workers.
The plaintiffs are represented by attorney James E. Goodley of Goodley McCarthy LLC. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case No. 1:25-cv-04430.