The decision to not air ads during the Super Bowl is not made by Hollywood but by Madison Avenue ("Air Super Bowl ads," letter, Feb. 11) and would be a financial matter, not one that’s anti-military, per se.
I used to work in that industry, have been in several commercials myself and am still a member of the Screen Actors Guild. Talent in union commercials is paid every 13 weeks according to the number of markets in which that commercial airs. A national commercial pays a heckuva lot more than a local spot. A commercial that airs internationally would be very expensive, especially for just one airing on one day.
I agree that since World War II Hollywood has not been particularly supportive of the military. But I know of a small organization based in Studio City, Calif., that is very supportive of our/your efforts here and elsewhere. Check out the Web site for Project: Hollywood Cares, made up of industry professionals caring in particular for the wounded warrior. You’ll find we do have a few friends in Hollywood.
Jakob GentryForward Operating Base Union III, Iraq