Movies, universities, and file-sharing will once again be a topic of discussion and debate this afternoon when Jack Valenti, president of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) visits the Penn Stater. His speech is part of the Forum Speaker series, sponsored by the Penn State Faculty Staff Club.

"Unless we control piracy, one of America's greatest creative and business enterprises could be in incredible peril," Valenti said in a telephone interview.

"Too many young people believe it's okay to get a free movie that costs $100 million that hasn't recovered its investment," he said. "The same person would never try to walk out of a Blockbuster with a DVD under his or her arm. I'm puzzled as to this contradiction in civic conduct."

Valenti said neither the MPAA nor any of the major studios are planning to pursue any lawsuits as several record companies did recently. He added, however, that he understands why the record companies did what they did and "wouldn't rule out" the possibility of a similar action from the film industry.

Bill Hessert, coordinator of the speech, said the events typically feature a half-hour lunch, followed by the guest speaker's half-hour speech, and then a question-and-answer session at the end. The intent of the series is to "create a dialogue" about certain issues, he said.

A common reaction among Penn State's film students to Valenti's campus appearance is indifference and most are not even familiar with Valenti and his job.

Rod Bingaman, an associate professor of film/video, said students might not be aware of Valenti because he is concerned with the financial aspects of the debate, and not the artistic end.

Still, he said the speech would be useful for film students.

"He represents the industry for better or worse," Bingaman said.

Some film students said they were interested in the speech. Mike Altman (junior-film) said he would like to attend, but would not be able to do so because it conflicts with his class schedule.

"It's important to know the kind of system we're going to be working under," Altman said, alluding to the MPAA's ratings board. "If I could go, I would."

Brian Morrison (junior-film) said he wanted to attend the event, although he does not necessarily agree with Valenti.

"I think, in general, if Jack Valenti and I were to sit down and have a discussion, we'd probably disagree on a lot of the finer points," he said. "But how often does one get the opportunity to see one of the most influential men in media and politics live and in person?"

Valenti said he is looking forward to the discussion.

"I enjoy debating with young people," he said. "I do my best to speak my mind in clear, understandable terms. ... I hope that I can be interesting."

The event, including lunch, costs $12 for the general public and $10 for members of the Penn State Faculty Club.