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NATO of CA/NV Boosts Support

In keeping with its mission to ensure that movie-going is one of the leading entertainment experiences for generations to come, the National Association of Theater Owners of California/Nevada (NATO of CA/NV) has boosted vital scholarship support to the School of Cinematic Arts, doubling the number of aspiring USC filmmakers who receive NATO aid from four to eight this year.

“Ever since the first image was displayed on a public screen, seeing films in theaters has been a thrill for millions of people around the globe,” said Dean Elizabeth M. Daley. “In supporting SCA filmmakers today, NATO of CA/NV is ensuring that this experience will thrive in the future.”

Since 2005, NATO of CA/NV has supported graduate students in the John C. Hench Division of Animation & Digital Arts, the Film & Television Production Division, the Writing Division and the Peter Stark Program who are permanent residents of California and Nevada.

Production M.F.A. Rain Breaw '07 received a NATO of CA/NV award during her third-year studies.

In making its most recent donation, NATO of CA/NV increased funding for the 2007-2008 academic year from $25,000 to $40,000.

“On behalf of all our members and the public, we are happy to do each and every thing necessary to alleviate the financial burden of those who will uphold, dignify and protect the theatrical and motion picture theatre experience,” NATO of California/Nevada CEO and President Milton Moritz said. “There’s no better experience than watching a story unfold on a screen in a darkened theater and no greater feeling than helping these women and men succeed in bringing that sensation to new generations of movie goers.”

From their office in Los Angeles, the National Association of Theatre Owners of California/Nevada represents more than 4,500 movie screens in the two states of California and Nevada. 

Beyond working to unite movie theater owners for the mutual benefit, protection and improvement of the theatrical and entertainment industry, NATO of California/Nevada augments its mission by sponsoring film seminars and educational workshops for its members and supporting the community via charitable contributions and scholarship programs.

"Thanks to NATO of California Nevada's generosity, I am on a path toward my career goal," said alumnus Henry Goldberg.

“NATO of California Nevada's recognition gave me confidence as I pushed forward with my thesis film,” said production M.F.A. Rain Breaw ’07, referring to her story about a family of Khmer Rouge survivors struggling to hold onto hope many years after escaping Cambodia.

Breaw received one of the organization’s awards during her third-year studies.

“Because of their generosity, I was able to use my wages from work toward my film, rather than put it on hold indefinitely. It meant a lot as the story behind my film is very dear to me and to the many who helped make it,” she added.

Likewise, M.F.A. writing alumnus Henry Goldberg ’06 said NATO of CA/NV has been instrumental in helping him. “Becoming a successful screenwriter has been a long-time dream of mine and thanks to their generosity, I am on a path toward my career goal,” said Goldberg, who is currently working on scripts for traditional films as well as interactive games. “The reality is, it takes a lot of help along the way and they’ve made an important difference in my life.”