Caught on Film by Michael Moore
July 2, 2007
The Recorder
By Kellie Schmitt
A Los Angeles attorney made her silver screen debut last week in Michael Moore's latest film, "Sicko," which focuses on health care in America.
Heather McKeon, an attorney with Los Angeles' Quisenberry Law Firm, appears as an expert in "post-claims underwriting," when an insurance carrier cancels a policy retroactively. Her client, Tarsha Harris, also appears, detailing her struggle with Blue Cross.
In April, McKeon got a call from Moore's producers after they saw her featured on the local PBS station in Los Angeles.
"They asked if I'd be interested in discussing the same issues and I was happy to do it — I think it's a very important issue," she said.
From there, things moved quickly. The crew came to film McKeon in the firm's L.A. office two days later, and McKeon, who is pregnant, wore her last remaining suit that would fit.
"It was a little nerve-racking," she said. "They bring in big cameras, lighting and microphones."
McKeon had seen Moore's other films and enjoyed them — though she acknowledges they are one-sided. "He's very good at using facts that are true to tell his side of the story."
But McKeon said it's important to spread the word on how people with individual health care — as opposed to company-sponsored plans — often see their plans unjustly cancelled.
And her eight-lawyer firm was more than happy to have its attorney, conference room and library appear in the film.
Last week McKeon attended the Hollywood screening, complete with red carpet festivities and a sprinkling of celebrities: "It's a little odd to see yourself on the large screen." But her family and friends, she added, are looking forward to seeing the film. "Most of my family is Michael Moore fans, so they've been pretty excited."
Reprinted with permission from the July 2, 2007 issue of The Recorder. © 2007 NLP IP Company.
All rights reserved. Further duplication is prohibited. For more information, contact Paula Ryplewski at (415) 749-5410.
