The DGA PAC Leadership Council (LC) hosted an intimate breakfast on May 30 with Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle (D-S. Dak.). A broad range of issues were discussed including runaway film and television production and the health care crisis. The meeting with Senator Daschle gave the LC members who attended a unique opportunity to present the Guild's perspective.
Senator Daschle spoke about his admiration for the works created by those present and showed his knowledge about the importance of production to his state and the need for Congress to take an active role in turning the runaway tide. He talked with pride about two films shot in his home state —
Thunderheart and
Dances With Wolves — and the continued tourism impact they have on the local communities.
"I am alarmed at the trend in our country where you are forced to make movies outside our borders solely because you can't afford the costs of making them in this country," Daschle said. "We've got to change that. There has to be a better partnership between government and the [entertainment] industry than what I see now."
Among the LC members attending were Michael Apted, Paris Barclay, Warren Beatty, Hart Bochner, LeVar Burton, Bob Butler, Thomas Carter, Charles Haid, Randa Haines, Curtis Hanson, Victoria Hochberg, Rod Holcomb, Barnet Kellman, Cleve Landsberg, Daniel Petrie, Sr., John Rich, Thomas Schlamme, Penelope Spheeris, Jon Turteltaub, Lili Zanuck and Ed Zwick.
Since his return to Washington, not only did Senator Daschle decide to add his name as a co-sponsor of the Senate bill, he has also lent the authority of his office to our effort.
