White House and studios join forces

A senior White House aide is to meet top Hollywood executives on Sunday to discuss ways the industry might spread the message of patriotism and tolerance.

Karl Rove, President George W Bush's political advisor, is to travel to Beverley Hills to discuss the change in the political climate in the wake of the terror attacks.

About 40 representatives are to attend from most of Hollywood's major studios, including CBS, Sony, Viacom, Dreamworks and MGM.

Among those expected around the table are News Corporation's Rupert Murdoch, Paramount Pictures head Sherry Lansing and Motion Picture Association chairman Jack Valenti.

The meeting is being seen as an attempt by the government to win the public relations battle as it continues its bombing campaign against Afghanistan and clean-up operations in New York and Washington.

A plan to repaint the Hollywood sign red, white and blue was recently rejected

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said the meeting was not about influencing plot lines for films.

"The White House will share with the entertainment community the themes that are being communicated here and abroad: tolerance, courage, patriotism," he said.

An executive quoted in Daily Variety likened the gathering to one that followed the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour.

That led to the major Hollywood studios producing more patriotic, morale-boosting films.

Sunday's talks are not expected to be as far reaching.

One idea being mooted is the possibility of Hollywood helping to create public service films using big stars to get across political messages.

Hard hit

Public service announcements have previously been used to warn children of the perils of drugs and to promote literacy.

"The White House has great respect for the creativity of the industry and recognises its ability to educate at home and abroad," he added.

Hollywood is just one of the industries that has been affected by the 11 September attacks.

In the immediate aftermath, films with violent or contentious themes were shelved, including Arnold Schwarzenegger's Collateral Damage, and an episode from Friends set in an airport.