WB, NBC endow USC

School of Cinema-Television gets grants

By JILL FEIWELL

In an effort to offer emerging talent greater opportunity to study at USC's School of Cinema-Television, Warner Bros. and NBC announced Friday that they will endow new fellowships at the institution.

A minimum of three undergraduate students will be awarded with Warner grants -- courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Television and The WB network -- which will provide students with financial aid and paid internships. NBC fellowships involve financial assistance ony.

"USC is pleased to join forces with companies who make it a priority to identify and encourage individuals from various ethnicities, cultures, financial backgrounds and genders and introduce their ideas and voices to the industry," USC Dean Elizabeth Daley said.

"We can no longer sit back and assume that the most talented new voices will make it to college and then find their way to us," Warner Bros. chairman and CEO Barry Meyer said.

"By partnering with USC, we can proactively identify our future 'talent force' at the high school level and provide them with the opportunity and means to get a well-rounded, first-rate college education, expert training and experience in the various entertainment disciplines."

Columbia TriStar and the Creative Artists Agency, among others, contribute to the school as well.