Hollywood seeks out new brain trust

Grazer's guru might not be a bad idea for some

Grazer

The revelation that Brian Grazer has long employed his own "cultural attaché," and indeed is taking applications for a new one, has stirred some snarky reactions in town.

Said one rival producer: "I know I can order up coverage of a script, but, unlike Grazer, I can't get someone to cover 'life.' " Yet even The New Yorker magazine offers snide praise of Grazer's position, comparing it to the "idea curators" retained by the likes of Frederick the Great of Prussia.

Indeed Grazer himself, a fiercely inquisitive man, has never concealed from friends that he retains a sort of tutor-in-residence who stands by to answer his more intricate questions and help him connect with individuals who might stimulate his interests — from explorers to art historians.

Whenever I meet with Grazer I am always steeled for a fusillade of questions and cheerful non-sequiturs. If I ask, "How have you been, Brian?" his response may be "Vietnam. And you?" But where other producers may launch into gossip about the business, Grazer will suddenly hold forth on a painting he admires or an incident in Russian history — a discourse perhaps nurtured by his most recent "idea curator."

While some may put down this sort of intellectual restlessness, I can think of a few others who might benefit from Grazer's propensities. My tentative list:

• Sam Zell: As the new proprietor of the Los Angeles Times, Zell, a Chicago conglomerator, recently dispatched a series of messages to his staff that are at once scattered and scatological. Surely a "cultural attaché" might help clarify his message and broaden his perspectives.

• Bob Shaye: The longtime chief of New Line theoretically has abundant time on his hands now that Time Warner has confiscated his colorful company. New Line's legacy was compelling because of its sheer unpredictability: It could spawn anything from a "Harold and Kumar" film to a "Lord of the Rings" sequel. Perhaps an idea curator could settle down the often-cranky Shaye and help him discover some new horizons.

• Anthony Pellicano: Facing a lengthy prison sentence, the Hollywood private eye seems bent on arguing his own defense, yet stands to be chewed up by the very primal attorneys who once employed him — those who practice intimidation rather than law. Pellicano recently finished writing his first novel; that in itself shows that he may be prepared to accept the intellectual promptings of a cultural attaché. Given his legal strategy, he may have lots of time to pursue these teachings.

• John Malone: The cerebral one-time cable king may succeed in taking control of IAC next week from Barry Diller, but just as many have been puzzled by Diller's strategic initiatives, they are even more perplexed by Malone's. A superb innovator, Diller himself might be a helpful idea curator for Malone, rather than becoming yet another employee.

• Alan Rosenberg: The aggressive policies of SAG's hardline president may create a great deal of spare time for the working actors in the industry and, hence, the Guild would do well to retain a veritable cadre of tutors who could spur their intellectual growth. Some of the picket lines of striking writers seemed vaguely pathetic — serious-looking people munching donuts and trading tales of economic stress. Actors like to have someone standing by feeding them lines instead of donuts, and that’s where tutors could come in handy.

• Britney Spears: If a film producer is impelled to enhance his personal growth, why don't folks of Britney's generation follow his example, rather than feasting on diet gurus or fashionistas? Grazer apparently has a long list of applicants for his tutorial job. I'd like to see this wealth of intellect find new opportunity. Call it intellectual rehab.

Perhaps Grazer's company, Imagine Entertainment, will decide to spread the wealth.