DreamWorks founders Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen, as expected, are co-hosting a fundraiser for Jerry Brown on Nov. 18. "This will be a big launching pad for his campaign here," Andy Spahn, their political consultant, told Variety's Ted Johnson. It's all about Hollywood:

Although the 2010 election is still not on many radar screens of Hollywood donors, the endorsement of Spielberg, Katzenberg and Geffen sets the stage for a significant battle for industry support against Brown's chief rival, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. Newsom has already held multiple events in Los Angeles, and will host a fund-raising reception on Monday at the Biltmore Hotel with former President Bill Clinton....

"They all believe he knows the job inside and out and is the best qualified candidate to fix the mess in Sacramento," Spahn says. "We all feel that he has demonstrated great creativity and vision throughout his political career, and unquestionable integrity.He was way ahead of his time in promoting the environment and renewable energy, on bringing diversity to government, and in championing the arts."

Location and time to be determined, says Johnson.