NASA will host the first symposium to unveil the
agency’s future adventures in exploration to Hollywood’s most
influential filmmakers. On Sept. 24, 2002, at NASA’s Jet
Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif., from 11 a.m.
to 3 p.m. PDT, astronauts, scientists and aerospace engineers
will present NASA’s long-range plans to advance the frontiers
of flight, space and knowledge.

Although Hollywood creative talent has long been fascinated
by space exploration, this breakthrough event is designed to
open a window to a wide array of NASA plans and activities.

“NASA is constantly reaching to cross the frontiers of human
knowledge and understanding. The American people have always
played a critical role in this adventure,” said Glenn Mahone,
NASA Assistant Administrator for Public Affairs. “This is an
extraordinary opportunity to share that fundamental sense of
human excitement and significance with some our nation’s most
gifted and successful story tellers.”

Creative consultant for the symposium is Robert Shapiro,
under contract to NASA.
Shapiro has served as Co-Producer and Senior Creative
Consultant for nine Academy Awards to date and is credited
for some of the Oscar’s most memorable moments.

“It is an honor and privilege to work with an agency that
plays such a crucial role in the vital and continued growth
of the nation,” Shapiro added. “Hollywood has the unique
ability to stimulate young minds and arouse their interest in
science, math and technology across numerous mediums. I am
confident those called upon in the entertainment industry by
NASA will be successful in re-igniting the American people’s
passion for the exploration of the unknown.”

The entertainment industry first took notice of Shapiro
following the success of over fifteen movies and mini-series
for ABC, CBS and NBC. Shapiro has also served as Vice
President of Original Content Development for BoxTop/IXL,
where he developed and produced applications for virtually
every interactive television platform.

In 2000, Shapiro participated in the American Film
Institute’s Enhanced Television workshop, sponsored by Intel,
where he produced a prototype for the first Interactive
Academy Awards show.

News media representatives interested in covering the event
must contact Veronica McGregor at JPL Public Affairs on
818/354-9452 no later than Sept. 23 to arrange access to JPL.
Non-U.S. citizens must bring a valid passport or green card.
JPL is located at 4800 Oak Grove Drive, off the 210
(Foothill) freeway.