George Lucas, Steven Spielberg Attend Dedication For New Cinema Building

A dedication ceremony was held Tuesday night to pay tribute to Sumner Redstone, the Executive Chairman and Founder of Viacom Inc. and CBS Corporation who gave $10 million to the USC School of Cinematic Arts.

Friends of Redstone attended the early evening gala including award-winning directors Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. 

The event contained a cocktail reception, a performance by the Trojan Marching Band, and dinner. University President C.L. Max Nikias, Producer and Chair of the S.C.A.'s Board of Counselors Frank Price, S.C.A. Dean Elizabeth M. Daley all delivered speeches honoring Redstone.

"More than 1,000 students will learn how to create amazing entertainment in this building," Daley said. "It will be a great addition to our school."

Redstone's donation was used to fund the Sumner M. Redstone Production Building, which holds two state-of-the-art film stages. The building, located on USC's main campus, gives students 2,600 more square feet to study and learn in.

"This building is an example of gratitude Sumner Redstone has set for many future generations," Spielberg said.

The new structure is nestled in between the Cinematic Arts Complex buildings funded by Lucas and Spielberg.

Redstone's gift seeks to enable students to face a world of changing and interactive media, both now and in the future.

"USC has now become a top film school thanks to generous donations like Redstones and young, bright minds," Lucas said. "The growth has just begun."

The media tycoon hopes his career and investments in the film and entertainment world will inspire students to pursue their true dreams, no matter how challenging they may seem.

"I know these walls will help make movie magic for many generations to come," Redstone said. "I can't wait to watch."