Q&A: meet new MPAA Chief Chris Dodd

>> Tuesday, 1 March 2011

Christopher dodd was appointed President and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America on Tuesday, making him the new voice and face of American movies and TV shows throughout the world. After nearly four decades in the House of representatives and Senate of the United States, this is a significant step for Dodd, 66, a Democrat who has long prided itself in being able to work both sides of the aisle. Shortly after the announcement, Dodd talked by phone at the offices of Washington, D.C. of the MPAA with Hollywood Reporter Editor Alex Ben Block Senior. Follows a modified transcription:
Hollywood Reporter: Go ahead and go to Hollywood.
Christopher Dodd: I've known a lot of people who will be working with for some time and I am really very excited. I think that the experiences I've had up here for the past 36 years putting together the most important pieces of legislation, execution of an important Office of the Senate, as well as the Democratic National Committee years ago, is the experience that will be of value. I served in the Peace Corps, he chaired the Committee dealing with Latin America for the past 30 years, so I have a strong interest in Latin America. I was the Chairman of the U.S.-India caucus. In Mumbai was not very long ago and met the leadership of Bollywood at the time, but had no idea that to be doing this.
THR: You've had a lot of other jobs, some of whom might have paid more. Because you chose to undertake this work?
Dodd: I spoke with colleagues much before I left, asking for their advice. Someone said something very smart to me. They said that there are jobs that have great "problems". And other works of [] issues will not be great, but people will be great. This is one where you actually get them both. The questions were great and the people ... I must tell you-and this is not blowing smoke--if I do not think these were good people would not take the job. I am really impressed with Barry Meyer, (Disney) Bob iger, I really don't know (Warner Bros.); (Universal) Ron Meyer and I have been friends for 30 years. And (Fox) Jim gianopulos didn't know terribly well, (Sony) Michael lynton. These are very good people. (Paramount) Brad Grey I've known. (SNL Producer) lorne Michaels and I have been friends for 35 years. (HBO) Richard plepler worked for me 30 years ago. It was my own. I was in the first Board of the Sundance Institute. Bob Redford and Warren Beatty are good friends. I had a long chat with Warren about this work privately. As with all others, I asked, what do you think the pros and cons were about all this? I like people. Love matters. I think the question digital threat is not only a problem for the film industry. Is one that crosses the intellectual property. We have to do with it. I think access to the market is going to be a huge issue and demanding. So to be involved in a large set of problems with great people, involved in a major industry, doesn't get any better than that. Jack valenti and my father were great friends and became a great friend of mine. And of course Dan glickman and I served together and have a great passion for Dan Glickman as well.
THR: You have young children, and this work requires a lot of travel. Are you ready?

Dodd: Yes. My five years who turned 6 today said "never are still to be a Senator?" I said "I like what you do?" She said "I wish you Even zoo run or open a candy store." I just got the perfect job. I'm going to be able to do both things. I'm going to run a zoo and a candy shop, called the MPAA.
THR: Many believe that the MPAA has lost part of his influence as Jack Valenti died. What will you do differently?

Dodd: Well, look, let me feel my way around here before. There is nothing worse than someone who is now on offer and acceptance that begins to pontificate on exactly what needs to be done across the Board. I mentioned the two great themes. I know there are others. But access digital theft of emission and the market are those that we are dealing with. These are the ones that can't go on the way in which they are. Obviously that's going to require a lot of cooperation. The only thing that I heard over and over again in my conversations with the leaders of these companies is determined as they are, and have had our differences, to come together as a team on these issues they face. I find it tremendously exciting. That is an important step, in my opinion, have the industry itself recognize the importance of coalescing around a set of issues that we can all work on together.

THR: The studios are all part of media conglomerates with different agendas. It is also possible to reach a consensus?

Dodd: That is not going to change. But there are a number of common issues so great. I mentioned two of them. There are also others. For the two that really need attention, I think bringing experience at international level, I understand the problems and are determined to bring a passion for them, to educate the American public, to educate opinion leaders in this country on how important it is. If you walk down Main St, people would stop if you walked into a retail store and stole items. It's called looting in some cases. This is exactly what is happening with intellectual property. It is to be sacked and that he needs to stop. We must figure out a way to bring that message and develop a medium and technique in order to put an end to it.
THR: Will be responsible for interim Bob Pisano housed now?

Dodd: Bob and I talked about today. Let me just get resolved. I walked into this building probably two or three years. So one thing at a time.

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