The movie industry gave the late Erik Lomis — the bold and shrewd studio distribution chief who released hundreds of movies during his career — a fitting sendoff Wednesday night.
Lomis, who died suddenly in March at age 64, posthumously received the 2023 Will Rogers Pioneer of the Year Award during an emotional and touching ceremony at The Beverly Hilton on Oct. 4. And, in a surprise for those attending, Philadelphia Eagles’ radio announcer Merrill Reese narrated a tribute reel shown before team Eagles mascot Swoop presented the Pioneer Award to Lomis’ widow, Patricia Laucella (the Philly born and raised Lomis was a diehard Eagles fan).
Patricia Laucella
“Your instinct and inspiration never led you astray. I’m honored to have worked so closely with you,” said Creed series star and Creed III director Michael B. Jordan via video (the MGM threequel was the last film Lomis released in theaters before his death).
The long list of filmmakers,...
Lomis, who died suddenly in March at age 64, posthumously received the 2023 Will Rogers Pioneer of the Year Award during an emotional and touching ceremony at The Beverly Hilton on Oct. 4. And, in a surprise for those attending, Philadelphia Eagles’ radio announcer Merrill Reese narrated a tribute reel shown before team Eagles mascot Swoop presented the Pioneer Award to Lomis’ widow, Patricia Laucella (the Philly born and raised Lomis was a diehard Eagles fan).
Patricia Laucella
“Your instinct and inspiration never led you astray. I’m honored to have worked so closely with you,” said Creed series star and Creed III director Michael B. Jordan via video (the MGM threequel was the last film Lomis released in theaters before his death).
The long list of filmmakers,...
- 10/5/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Will Rogers Picture Pioneers Foundation is holding a screening of Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back on Aug. 30, 7Pm at the Tcl Chinese Theatre in Hollywood to raise funds for its charity.
The non-profit provides support to a multitude of national health and social service programs, as well as financial assistance to members of the motion picture community in times of need. A special appearance will be made by the 501st Legion, an international costuming organization comprised of and operated by Star Wars fans that are committed to supporting communities, moviegoers and charitable causes nationwide.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the historic Tcl Chinese Theatre for their generosity in supporting Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation to raise much-needed funds for members of our community during a time of increasing need,” said Christina Blumer, Executive Director of Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. “We’re also thrilled to collaborate with...
The non-profit provides support to a multitude of national health and social service programs, as well as financial assistance to members of the motion picture community in times of need. A special appearance will be made by the 501st Legion, an international costuming organization comprised of and operated by Star Wars fans that are committed to supporting communities, moviegoers and charitable causes nationwide.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the historic Tcl Chinese Theatre for their generosity in supporting Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation to raise much-needed funds for members of our community during a time of increasing need,” said Christina Blumer, Executive Director of Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. “We’re also thrilled to collaborate with...
- 8/9/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
On this Giving Tuesday, the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation is asking the entertainment industry to dig a little deeper to help those in need. The Foundation assists members of the motion picture distribution and exhibition community in need of help.
This year alone, more than 700 people affected by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian received emergency relief grants, while movie industry members in need received another 345,000 in direct assistance. The Pioneers Assistance Fund also provides supportive services and medical assistance funding to industry members in need.
Donations can be made here.
“With the ever-changing landscape of our industry, one thing that remains steadfast is our commitment to the people who work in it,” said Christina Blumer, the Foundation’s executive director. “The loyal generosity of the members of this industry make it possible for us to continue to serve those who need us most, especially during this holiday season.”...
This year alone, more than 700 people affected by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian received emergency relief grants, while movie industry members in need received another 345,000 in direct assistance. The Pioneers Assistance Fund also provides supportive services and medical assistance funding to industry members in need.
Donations can be made here.
“With the ever-changing landscape of our industry, one thing that remains steadfast is our commitment to the people who work in it,” said Christina Blumer, the Foundation’s executive director. “The loyal generosity of the members of this industry make it possible for us to continue to serve those who need us most, especially during this holiday season.”...
- 11/29/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Thanks to the Will Rogers Pioneers Assistance Fund, thousands of movie theater workers can sleep better at night. The Paf provides financial aid and support to individuals who work in theatrical exhibition and distribution, and vendors who are experiencing an illness, accident or injury.
The Pioneer of the Year Dinner, the org’s annual fundraising event, will be returning to in-person festivities Sept. 21 in Beverly Hills this year, contributing a significant chunk of the fund’s donations. Each year, the event honors a person or people due to their work in Hollywood and philanthropy. This year, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the producers behind the James Bond franchise, are being honored.
“We take great pride in the relationships that we develop in this industry,” says Jim Orr, president of domestic theatrical distribution at Universal Pictures and chairman of the Pioneers Assistance Fund Committee. “We take great pride in the...
The Pioneer of the Year Dinner, the org’s annual fundraising event, will be returning to in-person festivities Sept. 21 in Beverly Hills this year, contributing a significant chunk of the fund’s donations. Each year, the event honors a person or people due to their work in Hollywood and philanthropy. This year, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the producers behind the James Bond franchise, are being honored.
“We take great pride in the relationships that we develop in this industry,” says Jim Orr, president of domestic theatrical distribution at Universal Pictures and chairman of the Pioneers Assistance Fund Committee. “We take great pride in the...
- 9/23/2022
- by Carson Burton
- Variety Film + TV
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