George Lucas contributes to film, electronics department

By Sonya Smith
Online Forty-Niner
Editor-in-Chief

From an internationally-acclaimed filmmaker who brought audiences the world of "Star Wars" comes a contribution of $100,000 to inspire the next generation of filmmakers at Cal State Long Beach.

After the intense rains at the end of October, Chairman Craig Smith of the flooded film and electronics department asked possible donors for support to bring the department back on its feet.

"[Without the contribution] we would have been in serious trouble, we would have had to limit the number of short films our students could make," Smith said.

Then one afternoon Smith received a call on his cell phone from George Lucas's secretary telling him about the contribution to be made. Later that night, at the 14th anniversary Director's Guild of America annual showcase of the top ten undergraduate films produced by CSULB on Sunset Boulevard students and others learned of the contribution.

This gift is a real indication of Mr. Lucas' commitment to the future of film, and that it was announced at a special evening where our students were showing their work made it all the more exciting. Film studies is one of our strongest programs and that's the reason we're getting this type of support," said Robert C. Maxson, CSULB president. "Our students look to the groundbreaking work that George Lucas has done throughout his career and can't help but be inspired."

The money will go towards the restoration and repair of the equipment damaged in the recent storms. Film services coordinator for the department, Steve Hubbard, said the storms effected over 15 various rooms throughout the University Telecommunications (UTC) building after holes were left in the roof after a satellite was installed.

Smith said that digital cameras, projectors, videotapes and other personal affects were damaged by the water. The company that installed the satellite is responsible for the water damage, Hubbard said.

The money will also go towards establishment of four annual student scholarships, Smith said. The scholarships are currently being written, but will be based on promise that students show in their films, scripts and essay writing.

In the past, the film and electronics department has received donations from celebrities such as Michael Douglas and a scholarship from Mark Steven Johnson, the writer of "Daredevil," Smith said.

"The Department of Film and Electronic Arts is greatly honored and deeply appreciative of the contribution from George Lucas," Smith said. "It will be used to further strengthen our dedication to providing the best undergraduate degree in this discipline in the state."

Currently in the film and electronics department, two student films are ranked in the top 10 nationally, and last year, CSULB students won four of the top five awards at the California State University Media Arts Festival.

Smith said of the contribution, "I think that this is recognition on his part that we are one of the best younger programs in the county. USC and UCLA focus on their graduate programs — and we don't have a graduate program so all of our energy goes into our juniors and seniors and we're very grateful."