Python Pictures is finally feeling the legal wrath of Maxim magazine for the Maximum Hard series they launched mid-March, which parodies the magazine. Maxim is claiming that what Python is doing isn't parody, but a devaluation of their brand.
Python representatives have confirmed that they were served a cease and desist which included a demand that approximately 5,000 copies of Maximum Hard be recalled. The first volume in the series streeted on March 19.
The parody is limited to the cover of Maxim magazine. Each new release in the Maximum Hardcore series was intended to mock the previous months edition of Maxim.
Directed by Corey Jordan, the first video in the series featured Cindy Crawford on the boxcover, mimicking a pose by Christina Aguilara that was used on a cover of an issue of Maxim magazine.
The cover of Maximum Hard helped the new production get some exposure on national TV - they recently taped a segment for The Anna Nicole Show.
When 4,500 copies of the tape went out the door in the first week of it's release, Melendy decided he was on to something good - he launched another series with the same concept - Stuff Hard a parody of Stuff - another popular men's magazine.
"I just like the concept of magazine cover parodies for box covers," Melendy said earlier.
There is no information to suggest that Stuff Hard is part of the cease and desist, though Stuff is a sister publication of Maxim.
Melendy has stated that he will have more information available later in the day, while Maxim representatives were unavailable for comment as we went to press.
Maxim is published by Dennis Publishing Ltd., which also publishes Stuff, Blender, Fashion, The Week and other publications.
