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Before commencing her career in the law, Ms. Saffer was a professional ballet dancer with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and appeared in films and television as an actress and dancer.
Welcome, Ms. Saffer.
We have written statements from our four witnesses, which I ask unanimous consent to be made a part of the record; and I ask that you all summarize your statements in 10 minutes or less.
Again, I ask that the subcommittee hold their questions of all four witnesses until they have completed their presentations. And I feel we are very fortunate to have such a very fine panel today and with so many accomplishments.
Mr. Becerra. Mr. Chairman, I hate to interrupt, but I do notice that it is 11:30, and we probably took a lot more time with the first panel than we should have. I know that each panelist has a great deal of information to provide.
We do have their written testimony, and I would urge us to ask the panelists, as much as possible, to limit their opening statements so we can have as much time to engage in a good dialog with them and have the question-and-answer period extended, because I know we are going to start losing members because we were told that the hearing would end at about 12.
Mr. MOORHEAD. I don't want to limit them too much, because they have waited for a long time. Use those comments with discretion.
Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Chairman, I respectfully enjoyed the discussion that my colleague engaged in, so for him to suggest that maybe the witnesses ought to be briefer might come at a little bit inopportune moment.
This panel will not convene again, and I know that members have to leave. We are very important people. But let's give them as full a time as possible. Normally, it is a 5-minute period, but let us be as generous as we can.
Mr. Becerra, And, Mr. Chairman, I meant in no way to limit them. I only wish to be able to participate, as I know some of the individuals who are on the panel probably have some urgent matters to care for. And I would hate to see that we lose some members because we all have things to do. And I would love to have them talk as much as possible.
Mr. Moorhead. Well, let's let the witnesses get started.
STATEMENT OF MARTHA COOLmGE, MEMBER, DIRECTORS GUILD OF AMERICA, INC.
Ms. COOLIDGE. My name is Martha Coolidge. I am a feature film director and a member of the Directors Guild of America and a member of its president's committee, which has guided our legislative efforts in Washington.
I am here to ask the subcommittee to support H.R. 1248, the Film Disclosure Act, in the name of fairness to consumers and to film artists as well.
What we would like to see is a simple statement of fact regarding motion pictures altered after their initial release and shown on TV, airlines, and cassettes. Tell consumers clearly and succinctly how the movie has been altered and give the director, screenwriter, and cinematographer a chance to object if she chooses to do so.