"Do Your Job," Jack Valenti Tells Studios

By Jack on 2001-10-25 11:07:28

Jack Valenti, President of the MPAA who is in my opinion the most important (and wisest) man in Hollywood, has suggested that Hollywood studios have misjudged the mood of the country following the Sept. 11 attacks.

Speaking Wednesday at the Innovations 2001 trade show Valenti said "Filmmakers don't need to avoid sensitive topics because of last month's terrorist attacks - as long as they tell a good story"

He said producers of the Arnold Schwarzenegger film "Collateral Damage," in which a firefighter confronts terrorists, responded to legitimate concerns when they postponed the opening from early October. But, he noted, the film's terrorists are eventually beaten by Schwarzenegger's character.

Valenti is urging filmmakers to continue their daily routines.

"Be fearful. Be anxious. That's OK. But do your job," he said.