The Motion Picture Association of America named former Senator Chrisopher Dodd as the new Chairman and CEO. Â The news makes more sense in light of the fact that the MPAA is one of the largest lobbying groups in America.
Hopefully, the MPAA will go through some changes under Dodd’s leadership. Â Their system of movie ratings has always been controversial, but it’s been under attack more recently. Â The system is overly analytical and ignores context and thematic elements of transgressions.
The full text of the press release is under the cut.
Source: MPAA Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2011
MPAA APPOINTS SENATOR CHRISTOPHER J. DODD
AS CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
WASHINGTON — The Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA) today announced it
has named former U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd as its new Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer.
Senator Dodd, who completed five terms in the United States Senate in January, will assume his new
role on March 17th (St. Patrick’s Day).
“Chris has served our country as a highly respected and accomplished Senator for over 30 years, and
we are truly fortunate that he will bring his stature and talent to support the creative efforts of our
filmmakers and the many people who work in our industry, here and around the world,â€
commented Fox Filmed Entertainment Chairman & CEO Jim Gianopulos. He added, “We’re also
grateful to Bob Pisano, who has done an excellent job of leading the MPA during this transition
period.â€
Senator Dodd, a Democrat, represented Connecticut in the U.S. Senate from 1981 to 2011, where
he was Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and the author of the historic Dodd-Frank Wall
Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Dodd also served as Acting-Chairman of the Senate
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee during the 2009 consideration of the
Health Care Reform Act. He also was a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
He has been widely respected as an effective lawmaker able to successfully reach across party lines.
“I am truly excited about representing the interests of one of the most creative and productive
industries in America, not only in Washington but around the world,†said Senator Dodd. “The
major motion picture studios consistently produce and distribute the most sought after and
enjoyable entertainment on earth. Protecting this great American export will be my highest
priority.â€
“In several important ways, taking this step represents a continuation of my work in the Senate,
from advancing the interests of children and families and creating and safeguarding American jobs
to the protection of intellectual property and the expansion of international trade,†said Senator
Dodd.
“It is also an honor to follow in the footsteps of Jack Valenti and Dan Glickman, both of whom I
worked with on many occasions over the years. I look forward to working with the studios, the
Association staff and all who work in our industry on the major issues facing it during this time of
economic and technological challenge and global growth.â€
“We conducted a thorough search to identify the very best individual to lead the MPAA,” said Sony
Pictures Entertainment Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Lynton. “We’re convinced
we have found that person in Chris Dodd. He is uniquely qualified to represent and protect our
industry globally.”
“Chris Dodd not only has the political instincts and experience, but he’s the right person to lead the
film industry through its toughest challenges regarding content protection and piracy on a domestic
and global scale,†said Barry Meyer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Warner Bros.
Alan Braverman, Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel at the Walt Disney
Company and MPAA Search Committee Member added, “This is a critical time for the motion
picture industry and we couldn’t be more pleased that Chris Dodd is leading our team. His vast
experience in consensus-building and innovative approaches to resolving complex issues make him
the ideal choice to lead this organization.â€
Born in Willimantic, Connecticut, Senator Dodd attended Providence College, served as a Peace
Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic, and then received his law degree from the University
of Louisville Brandeis School of Law in 1972. He served in the Connecticut National Guard and
the U.S. Army Reserves and practiced law in Connecticut before being elected to Congress in 1974.
He also served as the General Chairman of the Democratic National Committee during the re-
election campaign of President William J. Clinton in 1995-1996. Senator Dodd and his wife, Jackie
Clegg Dodd, have two daughters, Grace and Christina.
About the MPAA
The Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA) serves as the voice and advocate of the American motion
picture, home video and television industries from its offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Its members
include: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; Paramount Pictures Corporation; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.;
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; Universal City Studios LLC; and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
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