clipped from: www.thewrap.com   
Barry Levinson's Next Satire Target: Celeb Activists

Barry Levinson knows the beast that is mass media.

The director explored the impact of television on family life with his 1990 drama "Avalon," and he revealed the ways politicians use the news to manipulate the public in his clever satire "Wag the Dog." Now he's turned the camera on himself and his peers with a film essay entitled "Poliwood" about celebrity activism.

In the movie, Levinson focuses on the activities of the Creative Coalition in building awareness for political causes while dealing with the backlash from those opposed to their efforts. "There's a difference between writing a check and getting on the bully pulpit," one person complains. But many of the subjects of "Poliwood"

"It's mixed emotions," he said. "You have to worry about how the media has played such a hand in the political process. I think that's a great worry. On the other hand, there are millions of people who are enthusiastic about  change."