David Chase to testify in 'Sopranos' case

TRENTON, New Jersey (AP) -- "Sopranos" creator David Chase is expected to take the stand Tuesday to describe the services provided by a former judge seeking compensation for his contributions to the hit mob drama.

But even if Robert Baer's help was critical to how the pilot turned out, that doesn't necessarily mean he should be paid for it, Kevin Reilly, former head of television production at Brillstein-Grey Entertainment, which produced "The Sopranos," said in videotaped testimony showed Monday.

In his experience in helping create hundreds of pilots, Reilly said "consultants" were never paid during the writing stage. Reilly, now president of entertainment at Fox Broadcasting, said he rejected a request by Chase to pay Baer, an aspiring screenwriter and former New Jersey municipal court judge and prosecutor.

At the same time Chase presented the idea of a mob boss in therapy, he also pitched shows about the music business and the history of rock 'n' roll, a light family show set in Las Vegas and a crime show about prosecutors and informants, Reilly said.

Baer maintains he provided research and worked as a location scout and consultant during Chase's development of "The Sopranos" pilot 12 years ago. Chase contends that Baer wasn't an expert himself, but facilitated meetings with police and prosecutors in New Jersey.

Baer testified Monday that he arranged a three-day tour of mob sites and meetings with experts in Newark, Elizabeth, Jersey City and Atlantic City in 1995. Baer said he never asked for a contract because he expected to be compensated later if the show ever became a hit.

"I trusted Mr. Chase," Baer said.

The topic of compensation arose several times, and Baer said he declined payment. He said if the show went nowhere his services were "on the house," but if it was a success, he said Chase agreed that he would "take care of him." No monetary amount was ever discussed.

"I'd rather take the risk," Baer said. E-mail to a friend

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