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Burbank, CA (August 28, 2023) – �鶹ֱ�� (EP) and the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts (USC) today announced an expanded partnership designed to provide essential resources, education and opportunities to support the next generation of television and film production professionals.  As a part of the expanded partnership, EP will provide USC with a range of support including scholarships, access to training programs and research opportunities where students will be guided by, and learn from, both EP’s leading industry experts and USC’s distinguished faculty.

This announcement builds on a partnership that began in 2007 between EP, the industry-leading global entertainment payroll and production technology company, and one of the premiere universities in the nation for film and television production education.  EP’s contribution today includes a scholarship program to provide new opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, as well as access to EP Academy courses for training in key areas of production including accounting, budgeting and more. In addition, EP will provide access to its leading production technology solutions including MovieMagic Budgeting and Scheduling, Scenechronize and SyncOnSet, to help support student productions and give them real-world experience using industry-standard tools.

In addition to financial and in-kind support, USC and EP will collaborate on panels, webinars and research projects, providing students with the opportunity to learn from EP’s production experts, access new resources and network with leading professionals in the entertainment industry.

“�鶹ֱ�� provides essential support services to our industry, without which productions would grind to a halt,” states Elizabeth Daley, Dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts. “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.”

“As a company that has had deep roots in the entertainment industry for over 46 years, �鶹ֱ�� understands the importance of investing the future of our industry,” said Markham L. Goldstein, President & CEO of �鶹ֱ��. “The USC School of Cinematic Arts is at the forefront of film and television production education, and �鶹ֱ�� 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.”

EP’s contribution to USC is part of the company’s ongoing, global commitment to giving back to the entertainment community and supporting the growth and development of the industry.  This year, the company has developed and launched training and mentorship programs in the UK, Canada, and Australia, designed to invest in the next generation of production professionals around the globe and provide the training and resources that they need to succeed.

About �鶹ֱ��

�鶹ֱ�� has been a trusted production partner to the entertainment industry for over 46 years, helping clients create and produce great shows and movies, choose the best production location, forecast, manage and track expenses, and pay crew and talent.  As the global leader in entertainment payroll and production finance and production management solutions, EP delivers integrated, cloud-based digital solutions to support every phase of production.  EP’s team of experts have decades of experience in the entertainment industry providing rich insights on global and domestic incentives, workers compensation, health care, labor issues, and regulatory compliance. And EP brings together background casting and digital production technology with the Casting Portal, the leading SaaS-based platform that has transformed the way background actors are found, hired, managed and paid, and the iconic and legendary Central Casting.

About the USC School of Cinematic Arts

The University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts is one of the leading media schools in the world. Founded in collaboration with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1929 over 90 years ago, the USC School of Cinematic Arts has fueled and mirrored the growth of entertainment as an industry and an art form. The School offers comprehensive programs in directing, producing, writing, cinema and media studies, animation and digital arts, production, interactive media and games, all backed by a broad liberal arts education and taught by leading practitioners in each field. Its more than 17,000 alumni are among the world’s most distinguished animators, scholars, teachers, writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, sound experts, video game designers and industry executives. Since 1973 not a year has passed without an alumnus or alumna being nominated for an Academy Award or an Emmy.