I seem to recall that Eric Sevareid (sp?) served as "newscaster" during launch sequences in THE RIGHT STUFF even though we all know that WALTER was the real anchor. I often wondered why they didn't use actual Cronkite footage -- probably couldn't afford the rights, or, more likely, CBS wouldn't release them. Then, during APOLLO 13, they used actual ABC coverage of the time with anchor Frank Reynolds and Jules Bergman, their science correspondent. It gave the picture an added touch of verisimilitude. I'm CERTAIN I have seen actual newscasters in films commenting on fictional invasions, crimes, etc. I tend to agree with the original poster that it is a troubling practice. Using ACTUAL broadcasts about real, albeit dramatized, events (i.e., APOLLO 13) is another story though. Does anyone agree or disagree that these are fair game? Of course, that brings up another question. Say you're using actual television or newsreel footage of a historical event but you choose to digitally alter the appearance of one of the people in the film -- say, Brad Pitt as Charles Lindberg (God help us). That is, not recreate the film, i.e., JFK, but alter it as in FORREST GUMP. Where is the line to be drawn there? ____________________________________________________________ ALAN BELL Santa Rosa, California ============================================================ Survivor of Siamese Twins Joins Parents -- Actual newspaper headline ---- To sign off SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]