"LOCK UP THE DATE!" --FBI for writers

June 9, 2007 9:15 AM

FBI 101 -- "Essentials for Writers," an "exciting and informative" interactive workshop for writers being offered to members of my union -- the Writers Guild of America, East - by the FBI Office of Public Affairs and FBI New York. ... -- Very interesting account of a workshop the FBI puts on for writers in NY. What's in it for the FBI? ...The only question we have for you is 'Will it show us in a good light?'" ...
posted by amberglow (13 comments total)

and here's a report from a Hollywood version of the workshop back in January: FBI memo to Hollywood: If it's not too much trouble, could you please portray our counterterrorism efforts with a bit more realism?
Hoping for an answer in the affirmative, the FBI hosted its first workshop for screenwriters Wednesday at the Federal Building in Westwood.
"FBI -- Crime Essential for Writers" played well with the standing-room-only audience of executives and writers from several major and minor studios. ...
posted by amberglow at 9:21 AM on June 9, 2007

Sounds like fun.
posted by delmoi at 9:43 AM on June 9, 2007

Seems odd that the FBI would go out of its way to promote the entertainment value of crime.
posted by troybob at 9:54 AM on June 9, 2007

do they cover infiltrating citizens groups like
grandmas for peace?
posted by andywolf at 11:12 AM on June 9, 2007

The big problem seems to be that the writers are portraying the FBI as too competent.
It just raises peoples expectations.
posted by Iax at 1:38 PM on June 9, 2007

Related:
"24" and America’s Image in Fighting Terrorism: Fact, Fiction, or Does it Matter?
posted by amberglow at 1:57 PM on June 9, 2007

and a paper: The Media and the Law and Order Myth in American Political Discourse (lots of interesting stuff)
posted by amberglow at 2:02 PM on June 9, 2007

also related : digby -- TV Politics
posted by amberglow at 2:06 PM on June 9, 2007

Test your knowledge of the FBI in popculture
posted by madamjujujive at 6:25 PM on June 9, 2007

What a fascinating post. En route to a summer barbeque, must read of your post later, looking forward to it. What an unusual find amberglow, cool.
posted by nickyskye at 6:52 PM on June 9, 2007

"New York is supreme in all things! "It all happens here," said Miller. "With the UN, there are more spies in New York than anywhere else. . ."

Funny, I hear that line here in DC.
posted by pwedza at 10:11 PM on June 9, 2007

So.. FBI agents aren't actually passionate about cherry pie, damn good coffee, and the plight of the Tibetan people?
posted by Drexen at 5:29 AM on June 10, 2007

I can't even imagine what they thought of Twin Peaks. (but he was the "fine, upstanding guy" so they probably liked it) : >
posted by amberglow at 8:33 AM on June 10, 2007