GREEN & GLOVER: Christie Brinkley vs. Sarah Palin

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By Stephanie Green and Elizabeth Glover

"It's a very eclectic collection that reflects the different things that I love," she said, adding that she is inspired by nature because she spends so much time outdoors gardening and sailing. Her favorite piece in the line, which includes everything from classic pearls to Southwestern-inspired bangles and earrings, is especially personal.

"I have a peace-and-love necklace because I always sign things, 'Peace and love, Christie,' " she explained.

She says she would like to send some samples of her line to the White House because the Obama administration is "all about peace and love."

Any plans to run for office herself? "Oh no, I have Sarah Palin's problem. I would open my mouth too much."

On BASE in D.C.

While Ms. Brinkley avoids politics, the entertainment industry seems to be clinging to it, or at least to the center of it - Washington.

"We are looking to bring D.C. to Hollywood. There are a lot of programs being created with D.C. as a backdrop, and we're fortunate to have one foot firmly planted there," said John Brenkus, co-chief executive officer of BASE Productions, which has locations inside the Beltway and in Los Angeles.

Mr. Brenkus shares the helm of BASE, which is deeply rooted in the Washington area, with his brother-in-law, Mickey Stern. Mr. Brenkus grew up in Fairfax County and attended the University of Virginia. While majoring in rhetoric and communications, he arranged an independent study of film through the university. Looking for an internship, he contacted director Steven Soderbergh, who had recently received accolades for his film "sex, lies, and videotape" and was living in Charlottesville.

Mr. Brenkus shared Mr. Soderbergh's career counseling with us:

"Do everything yourself. Don't go to film school. Learn how to shoot and to edit. It turned out to be great advice. It worked!"

Indeed, Mr. Brenkus went on to found BASE Productions with Mr. Stern, and the company has grown over the past 17 years to employ 100 people.

Locally, BASE works closely with the Washington Capitals, producing all of the team's content - everything from a weekly television show to the team's commercials. In Los Angeles, BASE has developed dozens of successful programs, including Animal Planet's "American Cowboys," Fox Sports Net's Emmy-winning "Sport Science," A&E's "Crime 360," and "Jesse James Is a Dead Man," which will air its season finale Sunday on SpikeTV. Tune in for a taste of what one of the District's most creative teams has produced!

• To contact Stephanie Green or Elizabeth Glover, e-mail undercover@ washingtontimes.com.