Eric Schultz, a familiar face in the White House, has taken his expertise from serving as deputy White House press secretary during the Obama administration to consulting on Hollywood projects about Washington. His latest project involved helping the cast and creatives of “Zero Day,” a Netflix political thriller starring Robert De Niro and Angela Bassett, to accurately portray the inner workings of the White House.
The producers of “Zero Day” reached out to Schultz to ensure that the White House scenes in the film were portrayed authentically. Schultz’s experience in the actual White House allowed him to provide valuable insights into how conversations, meetings, and discussions would take place, whether in the Oval Office or the Press Briefing Room. He even assisted with props, such as deciding that Bassett’s character would have a bowl of oranges on her coffee table, which later played a significant role in a scene with the Speaker of the House.
Working closely with Robert De Niro on set, Schultz found the actor to be focused on getting the details right and portraying his role authentically. From the etiquette in the Oval Office to the dynamics of the room, Schultz and the team worked to ensure that the story felt as credible as possible. The set design of the White House spaces, including the Outer Oval and the press briefing room, impressed Schultz with their attention to detail and realism.
One memorable scene involved a joint address to Congress, where Schultz had to guide the actors on the correct protocol for announcing the former president. Despite the actors’ unfamiliarity with Washington procedures, Schultz helped them capture the energy and dynamics of such a momentous occasion.
As for the storyline of “Zero Day,” Schultz believes that the threat of cyber attacks depicted in the film is a very real and pressing concern in today’s world. With cyber warfare being a constant challenge in national security, the film’s portrayal of this issue is on point. Additionally, the theme of ensuring that those in power have both expertise and integrity resonates with current events, making the storyline of “Zero Day” eerily prescient.
Overall, Eric Schultz’s behind-the-scenes work on “Zero Day” showcases his dedication to accuracy and authenticity in portraying Washington politics on the big screen. His experience in the White House has proven invaluable in helping Hollywood projects like this political thriller come to life in a realistic and engaging way.
