A: The U.S. Air Force maintains a small motion picture and TV liaison office in Los Angeles to provide assistance to film and television companies when they are producing projects related to the the Air Force mission. Our history dates back to the first motion picture to win the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences award for "Best Picture." The Oscar was presented to "Wings," a Paramount film about combat flying, which was released in 1927. Some of the services we provide include: story ideas, historical research, location visits during project development, script review for authenticity, coordination of aircraft and equipment, coordination of location filming on Air Force installations worldwide and providing Air Force stock film footage.

Q: How do you work to ensure the veracity of the presentation of the military in films, while allowing for a certain amount of "poetic license" in the telling of the story?

A: We work very closely with producers to ensure an accurate portrayal of the Air Force. We point out the reality of various Air Force operations, people and events. However, we are flexible enough when working with the production company to allow them "poetic license" in the telling of the story so as not to impede the progress and direction of the storyline.

Q: What were some of the particular challenges of filming "The Perfect Storm"?

A: Challenges of providing assistance to "The Perfect Storm" included ensuring the actors portraying military personnel were trained sufficiently to portray helicopter pilots and crew and the roles of Air Force pararescue jumpers (PJ's) as well. To accomplish this, in coordination with the film's Associate Producer, Brian McNulty, we set up a week-long "basic training" course at the 305th Rescue Squadron located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. During the week, the actors interviewed and interacted with several Air Force helicopter pilots and crew members; received training in how to fly a helicopter, how to operate various rescue equipment aboard the aircraft and received thorough familiarization with all associated equipment used during a sea rescue under extreme weather conditions. Other challenges included scheduling actual Air Force aircraft and personnel to fly to Los Angeles from the 305th RS in Arizona and from the 129th Rescue Wing located in Northern California to participate in portions of the movie which were filmed at the 146th Airlift Wing at Port Hueneme Air National Guard Base north of Los Angeles. Another filming location involving a helicopter was the 106th Rescue Wing, Westhampton Beach, NY. It all came together very well, and with the cooperation of everyone involved we were able to provide Director Wolfgang Petersen with the personnel, locations and equipment he needed to tell his highly engaging story. This is the third Wolfgang Petersen film the Air Force has provided assistance to; the other two being "Air Force One" and "In The Line of Fire." Again, it was a pleasure working with such a talented, visionary director who thrills audiences worldwide with his superior story telling talents.

Q: What is the level of interaction between the various branches of the military, dealing mainly with sea rescues?

A: The Air Force pararescue community coordinates sea rescue efforts with whomever is the "lead" agency of any particular operation, be it the U.S. Coast Guard or the U.S. Navy.

Q: As a consultant on films dealing with the military, do you try to ensure an accurate depiction of the military or is there a fine line you try to avoid crossing -- things you avoid publicizing, e.g. involving security issues?

A: We strive to present the U.S. Air Force as accurately as possible in the films and television programs we support. We are not permitted to support films with themes that might harm national security, however, we can usually offer producers an alternative to certain situations which will work equally well from a story point of view.