"The OC" Creator Josh Schwartz Endows Inaugural Scholarship for Television Writing Students at USC School of Cinema-Television

LOS ANGELES, CA SEPTEMBER 14, 2005 – USC School of Cinema-Television alumnus Josh Schwartz, creator/executive producer of the hit Fox series “The OC”, has endowed the School with its first ever television writing scholarship, it was announced by Dean Elizabeth M. Daley. Exclusively intended for students concentrating on writing for television, the Josh Schwartz Scholarship will be awarded to a student or students selected for a completed television pilot script and first season synopsis, or “bible” in the television vernacular.

Schwartz studied screen and television writing at USC and sold his first script to a major film studio during his junior year. Since graduating in 1999 Schwartz has generously volunteered his time as an advisor to USC film and television students. Schwartz elected to create this scholarship for talented students in need of financial assistance.  The scholarship will be bestowed annually, starting with the 2005/2006 term.

The winners of the inaugural scholarship are Sarah Holterman and Royal McGraw.  Holterman, a second year MFA student in the Screenwriting Program, is from St. Louis, Missouri.  She aspires to work in television and won the award for "Most Blessed Virgin," a contemporary comedy set in a Catholic high school.”  McGraw, a native of Athens, Georgia, began his studies as an undergraduate at USC.  After studying production for four years, he elected to devote his graduate study to screenwriting. McGraw won for his Chicago-set ensemble pilot "Lightning Crashes."

Dean Daley states: "Josh has continued to be an active alumnus of the School of Cinema Television since the day he graduated and we're thrilled that he wants to continue his support with this creative scholarship.  These two gifted students will soon benefit from his kindness and we want to take this opportunity to thank Josh for helping to support those who strive to follow in his footsteps."

Schwartz said, "USC was an amazing experience for me, and it helped give me my big break when I was the beneficiary of a USC writing scholarship. Being able to give another USC student the same opportunity is a real privilege and the least I could do."

Writing Division Chair Howard A. Rodman states:  "USC Writing Division alum Josh Schwartz, class of '99, went on to create "The OC," but has never forgotten his alma mater.  This year he endowed the Josh Schwartz Scholarship, an award honoring excellence in the writing of a television pilot. We're grateful and delighted—all the more so that two such fine young writers have been honored.”