Fred Silverman

BY LYNDON STAMBLER FORESIGHT: As a result of Elliot Silverstein's vision, the Guild launched its successful campaign for a Director's Cut. (Credit: Photofest) It's hard to believe, but there was a time in Hollywood when a director might not have any input in the final version of a movie or TV show. The producer would handpick a film editor who made the final cut, and the director was frequently locked out of the editing process.

In December of 2000, the Supreme Court of the United States stopped a legal and legitimate recount of uncounted votes in Florida and declared George W Bush the president. It was and remains one of the most controversial decisions in the Court’s 200+ year history. For those who may have forgotten, the Presidential election of 2000 was unlike any other. It all came down to Florida and as the dust settled in the early hours of the next morning, George W. Bush led the vote count by less than 600 votes.