Sam Jaeger

Actor/writer/director Sam Jaeger is best known for his role on NBC’s hit show “Parenthood.” Jaeger can also be seen in the upcoming feature film, “Miss Dial.” Jaeger’s additional acting credits include feature roles in the film hits “Lucky Number Slevin” and “Catch and Release.”

Jaeger also has co-written and co-produced several short films. The first, “Quiz Bowl,” caught the eye of Kate Bosworth, who signed on for his next short, “Advantage Hart.” That film was an official selection for The Hollywood Film Festival. Jaeger made his directorial debut in the short “Untold,” an adaptation of Sherwood Anderson’s classic 1919 novel, Winesburg, Ohio.

He also wrote and directed the romantic comedy “Take Me Home.”

ROBIN BRONK: If you had five minutes in the Oval Office with President Obama, what would you discuss with him? What issue would you like him to know about?

SAM JAEGER: The importance of creativity in our country is greatly misunderstood. Sadly, we don’t have room to cultivate it in our education system right now. And I think it’s of vital importance for our future. 

RB: If you could ask President Obama one question, what would that be?

SJ: How has the definition of “hope” changed for him in three years? Are his hopes the same? Are they smaller, bigger?

RB: What piece of advice would you give President Obama as he hits the campaign trail for the upcoming election?

SJ: Avoid plumbers. 

RB: If you were going to send the president to one of your favorite places in the United States for one day, where would that be? Why?

SJ: Southern Utah. Or Muir Woods. There’s something about the expanse of nature that forces you to think clearly. It worked for Teddy Roosevelt.

RB: What CD/piece of music would you recommend that President Obama add to his collection? Why?

 SJ: Pianist Leon Fleisher’s album “Two Hands.” He recorded it as a celebration after battling a crippling disease in his right hand. It’s some of the loveliest music I’ve ever heard. When my son isn’t getting his way, I put it on for him — OK, for both of us. 

Robin Bronk is CEO of The Creative Coalition — the leading national, nonprofit, nonpartisan public advocacy organization of the entertainment industry. Bronk is a frequent speaker on the role of the entertainment industry in public advocacy campaigns and represents The Creative Coalition and its legislative agenda before members of Congress and the White House. She produced the feature film “Poliwood,” airing on Showtime, and edited the recently published book Art & Soul. Bronk pens this weekly column with assistance from Risa Kotek.