Codeblack Films, a Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF) company, has partnered with the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) to create a fund to support deserving students enrolled in SCA’s Writing for Screen & Television Division, the two organizations announced today. The fund is intended to encourage and educate new, diverse voices.
“We are honored that Codeblack Films and Lionsgate have decided to invest in the next generation of talented SCA writers,” said Elizabeth M. Daley, Dean of the School of Cinematic Arts. “These kinds of student support funds assist the School in making a cinematic arts education possible for every young person who has something exciting to say. These are the students who will be creating the characters and stories that will have us talking in the coming years.”
Primary consideration for the Lionsgate/Codeblack Films Fund for Student Support will be given to African-American students who demonstrate strong financial need as determined by the School and the University’s Office of Financial Aid.
As a component of this program, Codeblack Films has also established the Codeblack Screenwriting Contest. Open to all students currently enrolled at the School, the contest will award prizes totaling $25,000 to the best feature film and television scripts that explore stories and issues targeted at African-American audiences.
“We’re delighted to support diverse new voices and encourage emerging filmmakers to continue painting pictures that offer a richer and more complete portrayal of the world around us,” said Codeblack Films Founder and President Jeff Clanagan. “USC’s School of Cinematic Arts has a legacy of encouraging its student body to explore new perspectives, and we’re excited to partner with them to continue that tradition.”
Codeblack Films will make its first contribution of $50,000 to the scholarship fund next month.