Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live At Daybreak

Hollywood and White House Officials Hold Summit

Aired November 12, 2001 - 05:24   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: White House officials and entertainment executives are giving thumbs up to a brainstorming session on how the industry can help in the anti-terror war.

CNN's Sherri Sylvester has more on Hollywood's role.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SHERRI SYLVESTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Those who ran Hollywood's movie studios, TV networks and trade unions took part in the Beverly Hills brainstorming session with senior administration adviser Karl Rove. Thematically, all are on the same page, united in the belief that Hollywood has a role in the war against terrorism.

JACK VALENTI, MPAA PRESIDENT: This was about contributing Hollywood's creative imagination and their persuasion skills to help in this war effort.

JIMMY STEWART, ACTOR: I just want to remind you that you can do something to help.

SYLVESTER: Hollywood did lead the propaganda campaign during WWII, but all agree that times have changed and a more subtle approach is needed.

ROBERT IGER, COO, DISNEY: We're not going to set out to influence opinion in a manner in which that could in any way be construed as a propaganda effort backed by the administration.

KARL ROVE, SENIOR WHITE HOUSE ADVISER: Concrete information told with honesty and specificity and integrity is important to the ultimate success of this conflict.

SYLVESTER (on camera): The meeting was Washington-inspired, but not government directed. The White House does not want to dictate story lines, but Rove did outline seven possible topics.

(voice-over): Among those messages, the U.S. is targeting terrorism, not Islam; this is a war against evil, it merits a global response. There is a need for all Americans to support the troops and their families, to reassure children and to volunteer within their communities.

SHERRY LANSING, PARAMOUNT PICTURES: There was a great deal of enthusiasm because I think that the war against terrorism crosses party lines. This has nothing to do with whether your Democratic or Republican, it's simply about being an American.

SYLVESTER: There were few specifics coming out of the meeting, but some suggested entertaining the troops with first run films and USO shows, movie trailers and public service announcements or PSAs could communicate information both at home and abroad.

BRYCE ZABEL, CHAIRMAN, TELEVISION ACADEMY: Television's role in this is going to be the quick reaction force for whatever message America wants to put out. Obviously, we're able to turn on a dime.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, "THE WEST WING")

BRADLEY WHITFORD, ACTOR: What's Islamic extremism?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SYLVESTER: Since September 11, television shows such as "The West Wing" and "The Agency" have offered topical plot lines. Hollywood has produced PSAs encouraging Red Cross donations and New York tourism.

Sunday's summit, all agreed, is just the beginning.

Sherri Sylvester, CNN, Los Angeles.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com