Rapper/actor Will
Smith will host the first annual "Business of Show Business" movie industry
symposium in Washington, DC, which is sponsored by The Motion Picture Association
of America (MPAA). The
breakfast program kicks off Feb. 6 and is designed to educate policy makers in
the United States about the value of the motion picture industry through a series
of panels and high profile speakers. Other
speakers during the event include the Hon. Charles Rangle, Chairman of the Ways
and Means Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, Sony Pictures’ CEO Michael
Lynton and a presentation by students from New York University’s Tisch School
of the Arts.“Will
Smith is one of the brightest stars of the motion picture industry and we are
thrilled he will join us for what will be an exciting and informative day here
in the nation’s capital,” said Dan Glickman, MPAA Chairman and CEO.
“The American motion picture industry is known as a creative force around
the world because of talented individuals like Will Smith, an Academy Award nominee.
What is less well known is that the industry is also an economic engine that brings
billions of dollars and thousands of jobs to communities across America. The Business
of Show Business will showcase both the creative and economic value of this important
American industry.”Smith
is nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Chris Gardner in the critically
acclaimed movie, The Pursuit of Happyness. The
invitation-only event, which takes place at The Smithsonian Institution’s Donald
W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture, begins at 8:00 am.
