Ex-Relativity Media exec says studio owes him $500K

Ryan Kavanaugh’s Relativity Media may have emerged from bankruptcy, but its former chief spokesman claims the studio still owes money.

David Shane — who worked at Relativity for nearly four years, most recently as executive vice president of corporate communications — pegged the amount at $568,756.50, according to a claim he filed Wednesday in federal bankruptcy court in Manhattan.

Leading up to and after the studio’s Chapter 11 filing last July, he ranked among the hardest-working people in show business. Last fall was particularly hectic for Shane, who in short order fielded press queries about a series of exits from the imploding studio, including its president, co-CEO and the presidents of film production and sports.

He stuck with the studio even after Relativity reduced his salary — without his consent — in July, he said in court papers. Shane said he accepted another pay cut under a retainer arrangement that began in November.

His tenure ended on Feb. 23 — via an e-mail from Relativity’s temporary human resources manager accusing him of breach of contact.

Shane, who has started his own communications firm, Shane Strategies, declined to comment.