Disney says no to smoking in movies

Disney says no to smoking in movies
Walt Disney has revealed that it will not be depicting smoking scenes in any of the movies releasing under its banner.

Stating that Disney will also be "discouraging" smoking scenes in movies released under the banners of Touchstone Pictures and Miramax, Disney Chief Executive Robert Iger said, "A villain can be bad without smoking, Heroes can be cool without smoking."

In a letter to Congressman Edward Markey, Iger said that the studio will be making every effort to curb the depiction of smoking scenes in its movies. Iger added that DVDs that carry pictures of cigarettes will contain anti-smoking messages.

While Disney becomes the first major Hollywood studio to turn its back on smoking scenes, Universal Studio already has a policy that restricts the number of smoking scenes in its movies. Mr Markey praised Disney's initiative, adding that other Hollywood studios should follow Disney's steps.

"I am pleased that Disney is embracing a policy that is consistent with the long-term public health of the nation. Now it's time for other media companies to similarly kick the habit and follow Disney's lead", he said.

Smoking scenes in movies are fast becoming a concern for families. Health experts believe that depiction of heroes smoking in movies encourage youths to pick up the habit. Anti-tobacco organization, The American Legacy Foundation, said that the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) should take a tough stand against the depiction of smoking in movies.

"The research is very clear that images of smoking in the media are a very large recruiter of teen smokers. They have a very powerful impact, accounting for close to 400,000 youth smokers a year. So removing these kinds of incentives is enormously important", said Ellen Vargya, general counsel for American Legacy Foundation.