Oster joins MPAA

Ex-SAG exec takes communications post

By DAVE MCNARY, WILLIAM TRIPLETT

Former Screen Actors Guild exec Seth Oster is taking a top job with the Motion Picture Assn. of America as exec VP for communications.

Oster, who ankled his post as national exec director for communications at SAG last summer, will oversee the MPAA's communications and public affairs efforts. He's expected to be based in Los Angeles, but will travel often to the D.C. offices. He'll start in the post Monday.

Oster's hire is being described as an enhancement to existing MPAA staff, not as a replacement for anyone who might be ankling.

Move comes as little surprise to some observers, since Oster was hired for his SAG position almost three years ago by then-CEO Bob Pisano, now MPAA prexy.

Oster had held exec slots with Napster, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and the American Film Institute. He also spent several years as a top communications aide to U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.).

Oster reports directly to MPAA chief Dan Glickman and will serve as a member of senior management.

"Now more than ever, the MPAA is battling not only for the hearts and minds of policymakers in Washington, but also for those of consumers around the world," Glickman said in a statement. "Seth's unique combination of expertise in the worlds of entertainment, politics and technology will make him a critical lieutenant in our worldwide efforts to spur the growth of our industry in the new digital environment."