USC, Entertainment Partners Expand Collaboration for Film Student Programs

As seen on KFI AM 640

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - USC's School of Cinematic Arts and the Entertainment Partners production firm announced an expanded partnership Monday that officials said will offer Trojan cinema students support including scholarships, training programs and research opportunities.

The agreement expands on a partnership between the university and EP that began in 2007.

"As a company that has had deep roots in the entertainment industry for over 46 years, Entertainment Partners understands the importance of investing the future of our industry," Markham L. Goldstein, president & CEO Entertainment Partners, said in a statement. "The USC School of Cinematic Arts is at the forefront of film and television production education, and Entertainment Partners is proud to continue its partnership with this leading school by providing additional resources, tools and support to both help build a more inclusive industry and help students prepare for successful careers."

Officials said that in addition to student scholarships, the partnership will give students access to training courses in production areas such as accounting and budgeting, and provide access to technology programs such as MovieMagic Budgeting and Scheduling, Scenechronize and SyncOnSet, giving participants "real-world experience using industry-standard tools."

"Entertainment Partners provides essential support services to our industry, without which productions would grind to a halt," Elizabeth Daley, dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, said in a statement. "We are deeply grateful they recognize the School of Cinematic Arts as a valuable partner in ensuring the future growth of our industry, and for their continued support of our students and programs. Support like this is also essential to our success."

Financial details of the partnership were not released.