AMC plans real-life Don Draper, homeland security reality shows (Los Angeles Times): Will we get to meet the real-life Don Draper?
Cable network AMC, home to critically lauded dramas “Mad Men,” “The Walking Dead” and “Breaking Bad,” plans to launch a pair of reality shows exploring the high-pressure world of advertising and the behind-the-scenes drama at the Department of Homeland Security.
“The Pitch,” about the creative process at ad agencies, and “Inside DHS,” an veil-lifting look at the government division that fights terrorism, will be the network’s first two unscripted shows. A third, a docu-series about renowned boxing trainer Freddie Roach, is still in development.
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The first of the shows, “Inside DHS,” comes from Pilgrim Films & Television’s Craig Piligian (“The Ultimate Fighter,” “My Fair Wedding”). Stillerman describes the series, airing in the fall, as “the real story of the day-to-day battle to keep us safe, prepared and resilient.”
It will follow DHS investigators from multiple points of view, tracking counterterrorism, border security and immigration enforcement. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano will be featured in at least some of the episodes. The White House had to greenlight DHS’ involvement in the show, which Piligian said will give “a first-time comprehensive look into the tactical workings” of this unit.
Senate Hearing 108–705 on 2005 DHS Budget H.R. 4567/S. 2537 (gpo.gov):
The Entertainment Liaison Office is a necessary addition to the Office of Public Affairs. This person will work with television and movie producers to ensure that they do not take ‘‘editorial license’’ with Homeland Security matters that could provide the public with false impressions or inaccurate information. We spend a great deal of effort to educate people to help them to be better prepared for any possible disaster—natural or manmade. Millions of Americans get information through the entertainment industry. This position will help to ensure that these people get an accurate portrayal of the department’s mission, policies, and activities, while proactively working to help the American public better identify DHS functions. The Entertainment Liaison office will guide the direction of documentaries and law enforcement ‘‘reality’’ shows to provide real information about how the country is better prepared today.
This is not a unique position in government. Many other Federal agencies already utilize a liaison with the entertainment industry. The CIA has a Hollywood liaison, and the Department of Defense houses a large staff to serve the same function.
