Hollywood, The CIA & UFOs: The History Beyond Spielberg

Summary

Bryce Zabel and Brent Friedman reveal how U.S. intelligence agencies, especially the CIA, have influenced Hollywood's portrayal of UFOs. They recount a dramatic encounter with a mysterious Naval Intelligence officer who offered them classified access in exchange for script guidance. The episode dives deep into personal testimonies about alien encounters and the broader implications of government secrecy surrounding extraterrestrial life.

Key takeaways

• 1Bryce Zabel and Brent Friedman created the 1996 NBC series 'Dark Skies', which explores UFO themes.
• 2A man claiming to be from Naval Intelligence appeared at the 'Dark Skies' premiere with prior knowledge of their unaired pilot.
• 3Director Tobe Hooper claimed that Steven Spielberg was offered a similar deal after 'Jaws', leading to 'Close Encounters' and 'E.T.'.
• 4Brent Friedman recounted a private conversation with John Herrington, Secretary of Energy, wherein he asserted that aliens are real.
• 5Friedman reports a personal encounter with a 'Nordic' alien being.
• 6Official attempts have been made to get Herrington to testify about his claims, but he has not responded.

Glossary terms

Source