Imagine yourself finding a virtual mentor, connecting with a group that invests in your future, in your development as an industry professional, and as a social activist.

Imagine yourself being an active participant in our political process and having your voice included in the entertainment industry's dialogue with Washington.

The Hollywood Hill is here to serve that need, to connect you with your peers, to educate you on the most pressing subjects of your generation, and to give you the resources, tools and connections to engage with your government and advance your career.

HOLLYWOOD'S RISING GENERATION

We are the assistants, the DODs, the CEs, the VPs, the actors, the writers, the directors, the producers, the singers, the songwriters, the musicians . . . . . . And we make up 60% of Hollywood's workforce. We are the largest community in Hollywood, numbering more than 40,000. We are the future of Hollywood. And we would like to be heard. We plot through a constantly shifting work environment, defined by a corporate atmosphere and a lack of mentorship, a lifestyle that is characterized by challenges.

Income

Let's face it, average incomes for the rising generation are a struggle. The average income for mailroom trainees is $20,000. The average income for junior agents is $45-50,000. The average income for junior executives at studios and production companies is $45-50,000. In a town where young professionals like to project an image of success, where suits cost $1000, apartments start at $1000, and cars start at $25,000, disposable income at the end of the month is scarce.

Time

When it comes to social issues, we don't have much time to engage in political activism. Executive and assistant positions often require a minimum 12-hour day, from 8am-8pm, spending it in front of a computer and on the phone. Those of us in talent work equally hard, honing our craft and juggling multiple projects as a way of life. Time is a rare commodity.

Knowledge

Many of us are sophisticated and politically motivated, yet we are also generally unknowledgeable about how Washington functions. We don't quite know who the power players are, how policy is created, and how we can influence the system. Without this key knowledge, we feel powerless in our ability to affect change and be heard. With busy professional lives that often exceed 12 hour days, most of us neither have the time nor patience to do the intense information gathering on this constantly changing arena. However, we are anxious for a vehicle that can help us get our voice heard, and to help us get connected and acquainted with Washington.

Interests

Employment, Economy, Health Insurance, Poor Education, Ill-Prepared to compete in an ever more demanding marketplace. We are inheriting a daunting array of fiscal, social, and environmental debts, not to mention skyrocketing levels of personal debt. 60% of us carry credit-card balances from month-to-month. The government seems to be drifting toward the political equivalent of Chapter 11 with a crippled social structure, lack of funding for the arts, a dwindling middle class, and a despoiled natural habitat.

The Hollywood Hill gives us a chance to be a part of a process that directly impacts our future. Part of something bigger than ourselves.

THE WORLD WE ARE INHERITING

We did not choose the world we live in, but it is our world, and it's the only world we've got. Looking around at the political and social landscape, the problems we face seem daunting.

With so much uncertainty, there's only one thing that's clear: something needs to be done, and it needs to be done now.

Local Problems

As Americans with our whole lives ahead of us, we face a number of problems that are bound to impact our lives: from low job security to inadequate health insurance to inaccessible quality education, the situation is attacking us from all directions. As an additional impediment, our two political parties of choice - Democrat & Republican alike - are weighed down by an obligation to corporate America and the almighty dollar. So, not only are they not focused on the good of our community, but the issues most relevant to our generation escape them.

Global Problems

As if local issues weren't enough to face, we are also affected by a number of global problems that have profound implications for our lives. The environment, nation-state relations, nuclear proliferation, culture wars, wide-spread poverty, corruption - the list is hard to bear.

And we are also struggling with the distressing reality that immensely catastrophic events, such as terrorist strikes and global climate disaster, are inevitably headed our way. Looking at the collection of traumas that are unfolding around us, it's a wonder we don't all end up on valium.

A Call To Arms

The time is now for our generation to come to terms with the world we are inheriting. We must create an action plan - a contract with ourselves, the nation, and the world - to attack these problems in a consistent, intelligent, and productive way.

Because - if we don't, then who will? And if no one will, then we are surely headed towards disaster in our lifetimes.

The Hollywood Hill gives us the vehicle we need to achieve this goal. By using our creative talent and influence in Washington and in the media, we can begin the process of repair.

HOLLYWOOD'S HISTORY WITH DC

Hollywood has an historical relationship with Washington, marked by several successful political organizations.

During the 80's, Committee of Concern was organized by Hollywood celebs like Mike Farrell, Edward Asner, Bob Foxworth and Michael Douglas to protest against US policy in Central America.

The Network, a group of younger generation Hollywood activists nurtured by Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden, would engage in political activism on various fronts from Central America to Toxic substances.

Young Artists United was formed by twenty-something producers and budding actors and joined the fray against the political right.

The Show Coalition specialized in presenting a series of nonpartisan educational teach-ins on issues of the day.

Creative Coalition, founded in 1989 by Ron Silver, Susan Sarandon, Alec Baldwin, Christopher Reeve, and Stephen Collins - and now chaired by Billy Baldwin - is based in NY, but sponsors events on both coasts to highlight candidates.

The Hollywood Women's Political Committee, which existed from 1984 - 1997, was a powerful vehicle for approximately 200 of Hollywood's power and politically-motivated women to educate themselves on issues and candidates, and to exert their influence through extremely successful fundraising events and lobbying on issues such as Roe vs. Wade. Founded in 1984 by Jane Fonda, Paula Weinstein, Marilyn Bergman and a handful of other powerful Hollywood women, it dispersed $6 million to liberal, feminist, pro-choice, environmental, and peace candidates.

Along with its companion, the Hollywood Women's Policy Center, the HWPC held forums and seminars, published a regular political alert bulletin and generally served as a network for activist Hollywood.

More recently, the National Resources Defense Council has recruited a who's who group of approximately 10 powerful entertainment first ladies to educate themselves on the environment and engage in lobbying for the cause.

Over the years, Hollywood has had an active dialogue with DC, and The Hollywood Hill would like to build on this legacy.

THE HUB

The Hollywood Hill website provides you with a one-stop resource for critical industry and political information. Not only do we keep you informed, but we help to make your life easier.

With tools and resources to connect you with D.C., a virtual rolodex for all your administrative needs, and a forum for discussion amongst rising generation professionals, day-to-day industry and political action is at your fingertips. So how do we get all of these tools and resources into your hands? Through eight different vehicles - all localized in our "web hub" known as hhill.org, and all available to you.

EVENTS

In an industry that is constantly asking you to rise above a sea of obstacles, we'd like to give you a little bit of support. Hollywood Hill events provide you the outlet to become knowledgeable professionals, as well as politically savvy individuals, with an opportunity to craft the social agenda of rising generation Hollywood. And not only are you increasing your political and industry knowledge, but you are given the forum to socialize and network at the very same time. How's that for multi-tasking?

A Diverse Menu

Events are brought to you in various forms including speaker series, seminars, and topical monthly events, where you can hear from prominent, educated speakers. The events familiarize you with key topics, allowing you to review the basics before we delve into the complexities. With half of our events devoted to political topics, and the other half devoted to the industry, Hollywood Hill events keep you well-rounded and informed.

Global Entertainment Series

This series gives you a chance to develop a bag of tricks that will enhance your standing in your professional career.

Brought to you in partnership with the Norman Lear Center at USC's Annenberg School of Communication, the bi-monthly series gives you a bird's eye view on how the global entertainment industry affects Hollywood and how Hollywood can identify and realize opportunities. You will be exposed to an in-depth education on emerging markets, financial schemes, and other relevant issues.

Social Policy Series

The Hollywood Hill Social Policy Series is your chance to explore relevant issues, to examine varying perspectives, and to determine the social and political agenda of the Hollywood Hill.

Topics range from reforming education to the effects of US policy around the world to the emerging dynamics between multinationals vs. nation-states sovereignty, and everything in between.

Speaker Series & Seminars

And finally, our speaker series and seminars provide an additional educational venue. These lean and mean, turn-on-a-dime events allow quick responses to current issues - keeping you up to date and involved.

THE WASHINGTON PIPELINE

So how do we make Hollywood happen to the Hill?

Three words: The Washington Pipeline.

The Washington Pipeline connects you with DC through various technologies that allow you to forge the relationships necessary to make an impact on the Hill, all without ever having to leave home base.

Action Tools

High-end video conferencing
Weekly virtual soirees between Hollywood and the Hill allow you to discuss policy issues, get the inside scoop on DC activities, and to identify ways you can participate to make a difference.

Custom-designed software
Our web software enables you to continue our conference discussions online, with efficient and effective programming that allows you to play a part in actively shaping legislation, working hand-in-hand with your Washington counterparts.

Everybody's Happy

The union is a win-win situation. Because we are an industry trade association based in Hollywood, and because our members craft media, we are in a unique position to give value. By offering creative and business talent to Washington in the way of packaging and selling issue campaigns, we are able to advance our political agenda. At the same time, Washington gains momentum on bills that have been unable to gain traction without our magic touch. So, in the end, everybody's happy, and we get things done.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS