Schwartz new film, TV dean at LMU
The Hollywood Reporter
Apr. 11, 2003
By Steve Brennan
Award-winning producer Teri Schwartz, who began her career working with Roger Corman and whose credits include such hit films as “Sister Act,” “Beaches” and “The Out-of-Towners,” has been appointed the first dean of Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television in Los Angeles.
Schwartz said her goal “is to develop and advance a highly unique and differentiated vision for the school, an inspiring and challenging curriculum and a strong strategic plan.” Her appointment, effective May 1, was announced Thursday by Loyola president Robert Lawton, who said, “Teri brings a history of successful entertainment endeavors, robust connections to Hollywood and a mission to provide students with strong creative and practical skills. … Under Teri’s leadership, the School of Film and Television will move forward to the next level of excellence.”
Other Schwartz film credits include “Nuts” and “Hope.” She also partnered with Goldie Hawn to create the successful Cherry Alley Prods. “I am so excited and proud for my good friend,” Hawn said. “She always creates a joyful working relationship with her business associates and co-workers.”
Said Schwartz: “I’m honored by this wonderful and exciting appointment. I am impressed by, and deeply share, LMU’s overall vision and long-range commitment to taking the School of Film and Television to pre-eminence. In turn, we look forward to the School of Film and Television becoming not only the destination of choice for the next generation of innovative film, television and new-media artists who will help to positively shape our culture with powerful new images and stories but serving as the gateway to the greatest journey of each student’s creative professional life.”
Schwartz began her film career in the early 1970s with Corman. She made numerous films with New World Pictures, culminating in “I Never Promised You a Rose Garden” and “Capone.” For the past 30 years, she has developed and produced movies for numerous directors and writers, with credits also including “Deceived” and “Life With Mikey.” Under her banner Teri Schwartz Prods., she has several projects in development, including the novel “Shockproof Sydney Skate,” with a script adapted by “Harry Potter” screenwriter Steve Kloves.
Schwartz also was a pioneer producer in the field of combining computer-generated animation with live action, winning four Clio Awards. She formed her own music video company, developing and producing videos that garnered many awards for such artists as Mick Jagger, Bette Midler, Cyndi Lauper, Rod Stewart, Elvis Costello, Michael Jackson, Christine McVie and Barbra Streisand.
