This is the gouge we were given
Below is guidance from CHINFO and NETC about the upcoming film, "ANNAPOLIS" set for release on January 27, 2006. Specifics include:
The film is not supported by DoD or DoN
Media requests regarding this film will not be supported
Any military attending a screening or promotional activity for the film should not attend in uniform If collateral duty PAO is asked by news media for interviews, refer them to both me and BUMED PAO
The attached information provides additional background. As with other public affairs guidance, this message is for internal audiences only.
Thank you,
XXXXX
Team PA,
Below is the official guidance regarding any queries regarding the movie "ANNAPOLIS". In the past, several training commands were approached to provide uniformed personnel at movie theaters for the showing of films about Navy life, or for news media interviews about the movie. The below guidance is very specific - The Navy will not support these requests. If a collateral duty PAO is asked by news media for interviews, please refer them to your echelon III PAO.
In some instances, the command leadership (CO/XO/CMC or other senior personnel) may be contacted directly by the theater or media. Please ensure you brief your command leadership on this guidance.
Your support is greatly appreciated.
Public Affairs Team:
On January 27, 2006, Buena Vista Pictures (a division of the Disney Studios) will release "ANNAPOLIS," a feature film that purports to be about life at the Naval Academy. This picture was made without the support of the Department of the Navy (DoN) and the Department of Defense (DoD).
Various Navy offices have been approached by Disney and their publicity affiliates to participate in screenings and promotional activities. Our policy is that we do not participate in promotional events for motion pictures which we declined to provide filming support.
CHINFO was initially approached through NAVINFO WEST for assistance with this production. In preparation of the script, the producers were given several research opportunities at the Naval Academy and were allowed to film the "I Day" induction of the Plebe Class. When the script was presented for support, it was reviewed by NAVINFO WEST and the Naval Academy. Extensive notes were provided to the producers - who provided additional drafts of the script to the Navy. Unfortunately, the story depicted in the script did not accurately portray the Academy, its standards for training, and its methods of shaping midshipmen mentally, morally and physically for service in the U.S. Navy. Based on this, the producers were not allowed access to the Academy grounds or provided with any other support for the filming.
Navy personnel should avoid the appearance of support to the film as members of the Department of the Navy. Anyone attending a screening or promotional activity for the film should not attend in uniform. Recruiters who are asked to set up booths in theater lobbies where the movie is playing should contact the Recruiting Command PAO.
Queries about the film should be referred to CHINFO or NAVINFO WEST. Brief guidance in response to query is provided below:
Q1 - Did the Navy support the making of the film "ANNAPOLIS?"
A1 - No. Some research opportunities were provided for the producers, but no actual support for the filming was provided.
Q2 - Why didn't the Navy support the film?
A2 -- The script did not accurately portray the Naval Academy and its training procedures.
Q3 - In what way is it inaccurate?
A3 -- It is our general policy not to discuss specifics of any project that is turned down for support.
Q4 - There was filming of "I-Day" at the Academy. Wasn't this support for the production?
A4 -- The Academy allowed the Producers to film "I-Day" because the opportunity to shoot that footage would only happen once a year. Permission was given on the grounds that the footage could only be used if the production received DoN and DoD support. Since the production did not receive support, that footage could not be used in the picture.
Q5 -- Disney filmed the movie in Philadelphia. Why?
A5 -- Please contact Buena Vista Pictures for any information on this.
Q6 -- Why aren't Navy people allowed to participate in promotional activities for the movie?
A6 -- It is our general policy not to provide promotional support for motion pictures were not supported by the DoN or DoD.