A generous gift by Emmy Award-winning creator and executive producer Darren Star made possible the renovation of a 54-seat screening room in Melnitz Hall, which now boasts state-of-the-art projection and audio equiment and a high-definition video teleconferencing system with robotic cameras that can be used to simultaneously link the screening room to the James Bridges Theater.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Friday, Jan. 16, at the Darren Star Screening Room  to commemorate Star and his charitable support of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. The facility will be used for film and television critical studies classes, special screenings of classic and new films, industry panels and lectures by distinguished visiting artists.

The screening room is equipped with DCP/HD projection with Dolby 3-D and high frame-rate technology, Dolby Surround 7.1 sound, along with two Strong Simplex 35mm film projectors and Blu Ray/DVD projection capabilities. The Darren Star Screening Room was custom-designed by renowned architect Clive Wilkinson and Associates.

“We are thrilled and honored to have received this groundbreaking, transformational leadership gift from Darren,” said Dean Teri Schwartz. “He is a treasured alum and generous supporter of our school who has made an enormous contribution to our new vision and long-range plans as a valued UCLA TFT Executive Board member." 

Star is the recipient of the 2014 UCLA TFT Distinguished Alumni Award in Film, Television and Digital Media. He is the creator and executive producer of three of television’s zeitgeist-defining series: “Sex and the City,” “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Melrose Place.” Each show broke new ground by centering on teens, 20-somethings and 30-somethings, paving the way for a new era of television. “Sex and the City” was the first cable series to win a Best Series Primetime Emmy Award, in addition to winning three consecutive Golden Globe Awards for best comedy series.

“As part of their UCLA TFT education," Star said, "it's crucial for students to experience firsthand the technologies found at leading entertainment studios. That's why it is important that they have a state-of-the-art facility where they can learn, create and showcase their many talents. I hope this intimate theater will serve and inspire the next great generation of storytellers to emerge from UCLA.”