Depictions of Terrorism

Henri Bollinger Associates

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Contact: Henri Bollinger, 818.784.0534

ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRIES COUNCIL DEVELOPS
"SPOTLIGHT ON…A NEW NORMAL"

Publication Addresses Depiction Suggestions for Terrorism, Narco-Terrorism & Conditions of War for Creators of Film and Television Programs

Los Angeles - The most significant step taken by the entertainment industry to date to define the role it can play in the “War On Terrorism” is contained in Spotlight on…A New Normal, a new resource booklet for the creation and development of well crafted depictions of terrorism, narco-terrorism and other aspects of war, that has been created by the Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. (EIC) for the creative community, it was announced today by Brian Dyak, president and CEO of EIC.

As part of the entertainment industry's efforts to address the war on terrorism, Spotlight on…A New Normal, will be distributed to more than 3,000 people in the industry, including producers, writers, directors, actors, and executives in charge of development, production, programming and standards and practices. The cover story is on narco-terrorism, the illegal drug trade's geographical and monetary connections to the events of September 11, 2001. The publication also includes topics relevant to disaster and wartime preparedness and homeland security.

“Spotlight on…A New Normal was developed in response to the tragic events that shook our country and the world on September 11th," expressed Dyak. "As an integral part of the entertainment industry for nearly 20 years, EIC's staff felt compelled to compile this publication. While we do not endorse or encourage government interference with the creative process, we do, however, believe that government can be a reliable resource for information that writers can draw upon for character and storyline development.”

"In the past, much of EIC's efforts have been to encourage the accurate depiction of drug, alcohol, and tobacco use in the entertainment media. In addition, EIC produces the nationally syndicated Annual PRISM Awards recognizing accurate depiction,” continues Dyak. "In all the years of our work in the drug abuse field, I never imagined that we would take a leap to the broader issue of terrorism."

Dyak points out that many of the suggestions outlined in the booklet are particularly relevant in light of the events of September 11th. Spotlight on…A New Normal outlines ways in which the creative process can become engaged in serving our country.

"The entertainment industry has been described as the largest education system in the country, reaching tens of millions of people," stated Dyak. "We can lend significant support to our nation’s war on terrorism."

The booklet makes the following depiction suggestions, among others, for creators to consider, when appropriate:

	When developing a story line, consider showing tolerance as a deterrent to prejudice and injustice, and try to avoid ethnic stereotyping.
	Discourage the paralyzing fear that arises from terrorism and promote preparedness for future vulnerabilities, or even attacks.

Try to be sensitive to the mental health-related realities of terrorism that cause shock, grieving, fear, pity, anxiety, helplessness, and anger.

Help audiences understand coping mechanisms…promote restoring emotional well being and a sense of control…encourage positive action.

Consider storylines that promote donating goods, donating blood, volunteerism in schools, victim assistance programs, displaying of the American flag in memory of lives lost to terrorism.

Encourage children to help others… For the sake of the children, as well as for the sake of adults, consider depicting a hopeful future.

Help audiences understand the importance of preparedness—to take seriously a family communication plan, an evacuation plan, as well as gathering emergency disaster supplies and first aid supplies… show neighbors working together.

Show people being vigilant, paying attention to what is going on around them and knowing what to do, and who to call to report strange situations.

	Help audiences understand what homeland security means to the safety and well being of our great nation, and reinforce patriotism, our military, fire departments, and our law enforcement officers.
	Consider story lines and characters that are sensitive to the realities of stress and substance abuse.

Show that stress increases the temptation of self-medicating on the part of people never before exposed to recreational drugs.

Boost the respect, trust and integrity of government agencies.

"Our goal is for creators to consider integrating these depiction suggestions, as they deem appropriate, as a part of original productions that are provocative, entertaining, and profitable,” adds Dyak. “We believe that each writer, director, producer, executive and performer can participate in the war effort through their creative process, if they so chose.”

Dyak emphasized that the depiction suggestions contained in the booklet are completely voluntary. “In this country, you have the right to produce whatever you want. Accurate, original entertainment is a war effort exclusive to the creative community.”

Spotlight on…A New Normal can be used in conjunction with EIC's First Draft™ technical assistance service which has been expanded to include technical expertise on terrorism and related issues.

EIC is a non-profit organization founded in 1983 by the entertainment industry to lead the industry in bringing its power and influence to bear on health and social issues. For more information on Spotlight on…A New Normal and other EIC programs and activities please visit www.eiconline.org.

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