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CNN Live At Daybreak

White House Looks to Hollywood

Aired November 12, 2001 - 08:08   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.
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: As the war goes on in Afghanistan, the search for support continues here at home. White House officials went west and met with film and TV executives, both sides looking for ways Hollywood can contribute to the war on terrorism.

Sherri Sylvester has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SHERRI SYLVESTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Those who run Hollywood's movie studios, TV networks and trade unions took part in the Beverly Hills brainstorming session with senior administration adviser, Karl Rove. Schematically, 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.

ANNOUNCER: I just want to remind you that you can do something to help.

SYLVESTER: Hollywood did lead the propaganda campaign during World War II, 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 influence opinion in a manner in which that could any way be construed as a propaganda effort backed by the administration.

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

SYLVESTER (on camera): The meeting with 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 you're 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 for us for whatever message America wants to put out. Obviously, we are able to turn on a dime.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What is Islamic extremism?

SYLVESTER: Since September 11, television shows, such as "The West Wing" and "The Agency," have offered topical plotlines. Hollywood has produced PSAs encouraging Red Cross donations and New York tourism. Sunday's summit, all agree, is just the beginning.

Sherri Sylvester, CNN, Los Angeles.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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