Disney stubs out smoking from its films - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Janice · 07-25-2007, 10:28 PM

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/ae1674e6-3ad1-11dc-8f9e-0000779fd2ac.html

Disney stubs out smoking from its films

Walt Disney on Wednesday became the first Hollywood studio to phase out cigarette smoking in its films, saying smoking scenes in future Disney-branded movies would be “non-existent”.

The Disney move is the latest blow Hollywood has dealt the tobacco industry and comes weeks after the Motion Picture Association of America, responsible for the film ratings system, said it would consider smoking alongside other factors, such as violence or sexual content, when rating a film.

In a letter to Edward Markey, chairman of the House sub-committee on telecommunications and the internet, Bob Iger, Disney’s chief executive, said the company would also “discourage” depictions of smoking in films made by its other studio labels, which make films for older audiences, such as Miramax and Touchstone.

Disney plans to add public service announcements to DVDs of any future films containing smoking scenes and said it would work with owners of cinema chains to show anti-smoking announcements before the start of films.

Mr Markey, who has called for tougher action to stop children from smoking, said it was “time for other media companies to similarly kick the habit and follow Disney’s lead”.

“We know that the presence of smoking in a movie significantly influences a child’s decision to start,” he said. “This is troubling given the fact that a vast majority of smokers begin smoking before their 18th birthday. I am pleased that Disney is embracing a policy that is consistent with the long-term public health of the nation.”

With Disney’s move following the recent change in MPAA guidelines, there are signs that Hollywood’s long-lasting love affair with the tobacco industry could be coming to an end.

However, the new MPAA guidelines have already provoked debate because “historic or other mitigating context” will also be considered when setting a film’s rating. Hairspray, the new musical comedy starring John Travolta, features some smoking scenes but was only given a parental guidance rating because it was set in the 1960s.

This has angered anti-smoking groups, which want a mandatory ‘R’ rating – the most stringent the MPAA can issue – for films that feature smoking. Meanwhile classic films where smoking features prominently, such as Casablanca or The Maltese Falcon, will not be re-rated by the MPAA.

Disney’s new policy on smoking is part of a broader move by the company towards promotion of healthier living. The company aims by 2008 to have eliminated trans-fats from foods sold at its theme parks and recently decided not to renew a 10 year promotional contract with McDonald’s.

The group has also drawn up guidelines which will see it use its name and characters only on products that meet limits on calories, fat, saturated fat and sugar.

Mikado · 07-25-2007, 10:36 PM

Good for them!!!

It is ironic though, that the company's founder Walt was a chain smoker who died from lung cancer

Lex Luthor · 07-25-2007, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikado

Good for them!!!

I agree 100%, I am glad they have chosen to set an example for the millions of children who grow up with Disney

I guess it there is a sequel to 102 Dalmations, Cruella needs to go on the patch

Ireneparalegal · 07-25-2007, 11:06 PM

HALLELUJAH!!!!!!

Lex Luthor · 07-25-2007, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

HALLELUJAH!!!!!!

Are you stalking me tonight Irene

Ireneparalegal · 07-25-2007, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lex Luthor

Are you stalking me tonight Irene

Oops, was it that obvious?????

Mikado · 07-25-2007, 11:28 PM

Noooooooooooooooooo...Irene has forsaken me for another!!!

Ireneparalegal · 07-25-2007, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikado

Noooooooooooooooooo...Irene has forsaken me for another!!!

You two are hilarious!!!!!

Lex Luthor · 07-25-2007, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikado

Noooooooooooooooooo...Irene has forsaken me for another!!!

Don't fret my fellow Canuck, just take up the bald look you can rebound

Lex Luthor · 07-25-2007, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

Oops, was it that obvious?????

Was just funny because 3 posts in a row I would finish my post and see that you responded to my previous one.

You can stalk me anytime Irene

Mikado · 07-26-2007, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lex Luthor

Don't fret my fellow Canuck, just take up the bald look you can rebound

Im talking it up gradually, one dead follicle at a time!

Ireneparalegal · 07-26-2007, 12:01 AM

You two are like Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.

Ever thought abt being a duet on S.O.?

Lex Luthor · 07-26-2007, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

You two are like Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.

Ever thought abt being a duet on S.O.?

I get to be Bob

Haha Mikado, beat you to it

Mikado · 07-26-2007, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lex Luthor

I get to be Bob

Haha Mikado, beat you to it

Thats cool, means i get Dorothy Lamour ( in this case played by Irene in a sarong! ) Toooraloooraloooraaaaaa Tooraloorallyyyyyeee ( Bubbubaboooooo )

PADAMOUNT PICTURES PRESENTS
Lex and Mikado , in The Road to Manitoba, a fun musical romp on the prairies. With Irene as "Colene the buffalo rider" and guest starring Catlover as "Princess KittyKat of the Cherokee".
Watch as 2 "tenderfeet" find love and romance while fighting bad men and each other,on the open prairie, while doing their best to stay on their horses!

RATED G, so everyone can be just as dissapointed, no refunds!

eltonfan80 · 07-26-2007, 07:29 AM

yea

07-25-2007, 10:28 PM	#1
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Disney stubs out smoking from its films http://www.ft.com/cms/s/ae1674e6-3ad1-11dc-8f9e-0000779fd2ac.html Disney stubs out smoking from its films Walt Disney on Wednesday became the first Hollywood studio to phase out cigarette smoking in its films, saying smoking scenes in future Disney-branded movies would be “non-existent”. The Disney move is the latest blow Hollywood has dealt the tobacco industry and comes weeks after the Motion Picture Association of America, responsible for the film ratings system, said it would consider smoking alongside other factors, such as violence or sexual content, when rating a film. In a letter to Edward Markey, chairman of the House sub-committee on telecommunications and the internet, Bob Iger, Disney’s chief executive, said the company would also “discourage” depictions of smoking in films made by its other studio labels, which make films for older audiences, such as Miramax and Touchstone. Disney plans to add public service announcements to DVDs of any future films containing smoking scenes and said it would work with owners of cinema chains to show anti-smoking announcements before the start of films. Mr Markey, who has called for tougher action to stop children from smoking, said it was “time for other media companies to similarly kick the habit and follow Disney’s lead”. “We know that the presence of smoking in a movie significantly influences a child’s decision to start,” he said. “This is troubling given the fact that a vast majority of smokers begin smoking before their 18th birthday. I am pleased that Disney is embracing a policy that is consistent with the long-term public health of the nation.” With Disney’s move following the recent change in MPAA guidelines, there are signs that Hollywood’s long-lasting love affair with the tobacco industry could be coming to an end. However, the new MPAA guidelines have already provoked debate because “historic or other mitigating context” will also be considered when setting a film’s rating. Hairspray, the new musical comedy starring John Travolta, features some smoking scenes but was only given a parental guidance rating because it was set in the 1960s. This has angered anti-smoking groups, which want a mandatory ‘R’ rating – the most stringent the MPAA can issue – for films that feature smoking. Meanwhile classic films where smoking features prominently, such as Casablanca or The Maltese Falcon, will not be re-rated by the MPAA. Disney’s new policy on smoking is part of a broader move by the company towards promotion of healthier living. The company aims by 2008 to have eliminated trans-fats from foods sold at its theme parks and recently decided not to renew a 10 year promotional contract with McDonald’s. The group has also drawn up guidelines which will see it use its name and characters only on products that meet limits on calories, fat, saturated fat and sugar.

07-25-2007, 11:06 PM	#4
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	HALLELUJAH!!!!!!
	__________________ DALLAS COWBOYS ARE HERE AT TRAINING CAMP!!!

07-26-2007, 07:29 AM	#15
eltonfan80 RIP MJ I'LL MISS YOU FOREVER Forum Regular Join Date: Jan 11, 2005 Location: in a cloud above the sky Posts: 847	yea
	__________________ michael jackson 8-29-58- forever rip

07-25-2007, 10:36 PM	#2
Mikado Main st bridge Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 06, 2005 Posts: 25,886	Good for them!!! It is ironic though, that the company's founder Walt was a chain smoker who died from lung cancer

07-25-2007, 11:28 PM	#7
Mikado Main st bridge Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 06, 2005 Posts: 25,886	Noooooooooooooooooo...Irene has forsaken me for another!!!

07-26-2007, 12:01 AM	#12
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	You two are like Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. Ever thought abt being a duet on S.O.?