Chernobyl Diaries Movie Stolen?

Was the idea for the upcoming Chernobyl diaries stolen from a group of indie filmmakers? I have no idea but they certainly have a few valid points. Read on, watch a video clip below and you decide. Coincidence? Or a stolen concept?

In 2009, filmmakers Nick Gardner and Jeremy Morison (History’s 2007 “ROME: Rise and Fall of an Empire”) began discussing plans for an independent feature film project. The story takes place in the city of Pripyat, just outside Chernobyl.

Along with historical archival footage, they produced and shot several key shots to flesh out a viable teaser-trailer to use for fundraising. The trailer was finished in 2010.

Without their consent, the trailer was pitched to several movie studios and producers in New York and Los Angeles. It is unclear exactly who saw the materials. But what is clear are the similarities between their “Pripyat” trailer and the trailer for “Chernobyl Diaries.” Several key story elements also appear to be lifted directly from their original project package.

Gardner and Morrison have decided to release their trailer and let the public decide if this is too much of a coincidence or not. Watch the comparison video and judge for yourself.