Exclusive: The closure, Tillman's near-$1 million compensation and the fund's "mess"
A True Hollywood Solution for the MPTF
With all the conflicts in California today, Hollywood doesn't need another one. Two groups, both dedicated to helping others, are warring over the closing of the Motion Picture & Television Fund's long-term care center .
This is not necessary. Our industry has found out that sometimes a co-production turns out well.
There's a way to permanently solve the situation confronting some of the residents at the home -- where the motto printed on the name sign in front of the home reads "We take care of our own." It is in the spirit of those who during the past century have cherished and worked for and contributed to this fund, which epitomizes the best in our community.
Let's all who care join to make the following happen, while adding a glorious new chapter to the history of Hollywood. First a few words about the scenery in the background.
Since I arrived in Hollywood 87 years ago I have benefitted from the realization that ours is basically a caring community. During my 70 years in the industry I've observed that thousands of us -- yes, count 'em -- have been buoyed by the thought that if necessary we might someday reside at the Motion Picture Country Home.
Only a tiny fraction do, but the concept is part of our sustaining sense of belonging to a wonderful world.
So here's the answer:
Stop looking at the cost of production -- keeping our aging colleagues alive and happy) and look at the possible "income." It is gross not to look at the gross!
Now Hollywood reaches up to a new chapter, entirely in its century-long tradition. It may be called "This Is Hollywood." It will be held annually, if necessary, at the 100,000-seat Coliseum or one of our many other spacious venues. Attendance will be free, or $10, or $100, or $1,00, or $10,000, or more, whatever those of us in the industry wish to pay.
Seating will be mixed, and not according to amount contributed. There will be no telecast and no filming of the event.
Hollywood's unlimited talents will be entertaining us, proud to support their world. For four hours on a Sunday afternoon many of those who love our life will entertain us, an extravaganza of the stars in every calling: singers, dancers, actresses, actors, writers, editors, poets, stunt people, magicians, musicians, animators, costumers, composers, cinematographers, teamsters, grips, food providers, producers, painters, directors, publicists, make-up artists, assistants, others, even executives, agents, attorneys -- all will contribute their expertise to make this event the greatest.
These caring volunteers, perhaps to include the Julie Andrewses, Barbra Streisands, Dick Van Dykes, Tony Bennetts, Angie Dickinsons, Carol Burnetts, Jamie Foxxes, Sean Connerys, Michael Caines, George Clooneys, comediennes, comedians, new young stars -- possibly even some from the popular TV talent shows -- will remind us of what Hollywood really is all about.
And, also perhaps, to tell the world that people are ready to help people.
Hey, you good old gals and guys at the Motion Picture Country Home, you're not clunkers! And neither are we. Hollywood is going to be better than ever. The dreamers and the doers who have been making your home what it is are still here. Yes, we too are still dreaming and doing.
I'm confident that the industry will "listen." And those "good olds" can return to living happily and well together at their Motion Picture Country Home. If they are still around, after the announced "moving."
See you there...
Comments
George S. Mc Quade III Says
I agree with Julian Myers. He call me after I covered a story where TV Giant Jefferey Katzenberg spoke to Entertainment Publicists at a mixer at the MO-PIC & TV Fund, but left without answering questions. Here is that story.
Julian is a friend of everyone and anything that stands for
Hollywood! Keep at it Julian.
Here is the original story I posted from that event on one of several of my blogs on media and entertainment publicity.
http://mediaguru-mayopr.blogspot.com/2009/07/entertainment-publicists-sp...
Richard Stellar Says
Julian - how I wish you had the ears and hearts of the board members. We definitely need to come together to co-produce and explore alternatives to closing the Long Term Care center. It goes without saying that this industry has the potential for raising more money than any other. Whether it's done as an annual show, a series of events, support groups whose focus is raising money for the MPTF as a whole, or an aggressive intra-guild and union campaign that invites matching donations from the studios - it's possible.
You've perfectly voiced the spirit of 'Hollywood', and the fervor that we would identify revenue sources that would fund the fund. Unfortunately, people like us who want motion picture healthcare in all of its varied forms to thrive, are butting our heads against those with a hidden agenda. That's where the idea of co-producing with these adversaries to elder care might not work. They are unwilling to consider the possibilities that people like you raise. Real possibilities.
I think with guys like you on our side, we can't lose. Please join us at Saving The Lives Of Our Own - www.savingthelivesofourown.org if you haven't already. We need you.
Mel Says
I feel that we should keep the Long-Term care open in the Motion Picture Home. We should put people on the Board and in prominent positions to help us in keeping this facility open. They should have the best interests of the facility as it has been running for several years. We always have economic bad times but we will pull out of it as we always have in the past. We shouldn't be so hasty in calling it a lost cause. People's lives are dependent on this facility for their care as does the interest of future lives.
This was a well thought out program by past actors for "Taking care of their Own". Don't let their dream end.
keepthehomeopen Says
Sing it, Mr. Myers! Some of us have been asking to put on a show to save the Home! After all, it's what Hollywood does best.
Unfortunately, the MPTF has indicated that they are not going to accept any sort of donations meant to keep this historic and vital long-term care facility open. I hope they will change their minds about this.
Speaking for myself as a rank-and-file Industry member, I personally believe that there are good-hearted people on the Board who want to do the right thing. And it's not too late! All it would take is, as you suggest, a reversal of the decision, so that these elderly Industry members could live in peace.
I'm sure lots of our brethren would agree to help raise money so this can happen.
Meanwhile, though, I do take a slight bit of issue with your depiction of "warring" factions. I cannot speak for the elderly residents and their families, but I cannot imagine the pain they're going through and have been going through for months over this. They have been forced to defend themselves because the promises that were made to them were broken.
I also personally believe that when elderly people are being threatened and frightened in their own Home, people of conscience have a responsibility to stand up and say that it is wrong. We have to say it loudly and publicly, and we have to keep saying it, until those who are in charge do the right thing.
We all know what that is. Please find a way to Keep the Home Open.