David Hoberman

David Hoberman is one of the leading producers in the entertainment industry, having made his mark on more than 100 hit movies and two award-winning television series. 

His latest film, “The Fighter,” starring Mark Wahlberg, is an Oscar front-runner for Best Motion Picture. Other notable projects that Hoberman has spearheaded include the films “Eight Below,” “The Shaggy Dog,” “Bringing Down the House,” “Raising Helen,” “Walking Tall,” “Beauty Shop” and the Award-winning television series “Monk.” 

As president of the Motion Pictures Group of Walt Disney Studios, he was responsible for overseeing development and production for all feature films for Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone and Hollywood Pictures. 

During Hoberman’s tenure, Disney was the No. 1 studio, “Pretty Woman” was the No. 1 picture and the studio released the No. 1 soundtrack of the year. 

Hoberman was also behind the release of major blockbusters, including “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” “Father of the Bride,” “What About Bob,” “Good Morning Vietnam,” “Dead Poets Society,” “Crimson Tide,” “The Jungle Book,” “Ed Wood,” “Dangerous Minds,” “Ruthless People,” “Beaches,” “The Rocketeer,” “The Doctor,” “Sister Act,” “Alive,” “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “Cool Runnings,” “Three Musketeers,” “Stakeout,” “When a Man Loves a Woman,” “Cocktail” and “Three Men and a Baby.”

ROBIN BRONK: If you had five minutes in the Oval Office with President Obama, what would you discuss with him? 

DAVID HOBERMAN: I would discuss the obscene amount of money spent on elections both locally and nationally and somehow figure out a way to redirect that money into something of value — education, for one thing. This last California election just completely soured me on politics, given the amount of money spent.

RB: What issue would you like him to know about?

DH: I would talk to the president about two issues, one being children’s rights — which in the United States seems to be a low priority. And the second issue I’d talk to him about would be about eliminating stigma of mental illness and anxiety disorders. You have to get a dental checkup every year; why not a mental checkup?

RB: If you could give President Obama one piece of advice, what would that be?

DH: Speak the truth and speak it from the heart.

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

DH: What was your perception of the presidency before taking office, and how does it differ from your perception now?

RB: Would you ever consider a political career?

DH: No.

Bronk is a seasoned Capitol Hill strategist and advocate. She started her career at The Creative Coalition, a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy group for the arts and entertainment industry, in July 1998. During her tenure as CEO, Bronk has taken The Creative Coalition from a New York-based entity to a national organization. www.thecreativecoalition.org