Film lobby seeks to regain status

The Motion Picture Association of America used to be one of the premier stops in Washington. Invites to a sit-down meal in its dining room and a viewing of a first-run movie in its posh screening room were coveted by A-listers from government, industry and the press. With a view of the White House, the MPAA building and theater became a symbol of the power and prestige of Hollywood where politicos could experience a little glitz. The projector still rolls — albeit less frequently — but the MPAA’s luster has faded over the years as it finds itself in an identity crisis.

The retirement and death of its charismatic longtime president Jack Valenti and the departure a year ago of former Democratic congressman and Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman left the once-influential lobby searching for a direction. The search for Glickman’s successor, which included a high-profile courtship of former Sen. Bob Kerrey (D-Nebraska) that flamed out, contributed to the perception that the association has lost some of its luster. While interim CEO and President Bob Pisano has held down the fort, one industry source said he was unlikely to make it permanent. Among those mentioned for the $1.2 million-a-year job are former New Mexico Gov Bill Richardson, attorney Antoinette C. Bush, retired Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT), former Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA), former House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt (D-MO) and Kevin Sheekey, former aide to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.