How Barack Obama’s Senior Advisor Eric Schultz Influenced Robert De Niro’s ‘Zero Day’ with a Dose of Reality

Robert De Niro stars in a new political thriller on Netflix called “Zero Day.” This series dives into a gripping conspiracy, highlighting a global cyber attack. To ensure realism, the show enlisted Eric Schultz, a former senior advisor to President Barack Obama, as a consultant.

Schultz’s experience included time as the White House deputy press secretary, so he brought valuable insights to the set. He worked closely with the team for several weeks, focusing on scenes set in the Oval Office, the White House briefing room, and Congress.

Schultz described his role as thrilling. He appreciated the dedication of the entire team—the writers, producers, and actors—all of whom aimed to get the details right. He noted, “The series is terrifying because of how real it feels.”

The cast features well-known names like Angela Bassett, Lizzy Caplan, Matthew Modine, Jesse Plemons, and Connie Britton, adding depth to the story.

Schultz’s advice extended to small but crucial details, like the atmosphere in the briefing room. He emphasized the need for a lively dynamic, with reporters actively shouting questions. He also assisted with the logistics of meeting setups, ensuring that the seating arrangements felt authentic.

“It was about working through the small details together,” he noted.

Schultz has worked on other successful series like “Succession” and “Designated Survivor.” He even made a cameo in HBO Max’s “Girls On The Bus.” When comparing the worlds of Hollywood and Washington, he sees some similarities.

I prefer fictional dystopias at the moment, but there are parallels between politics and entertainment,” he shared. “Collaboration is key for success. It’s a team effort where everyone needs to support each other.”