$25 million latest gift from Len Blavatnik launches cutting-edge virtual film production center, empowering the next generation of storytellers-enhancing his philanthropy in the ten figures range

In a landmark gift that reinforces his longstanding commitment to innovation, education, and the arts, philanthropist and entrepreneur Sir Leonard “Len” Blavatnik has donated $25 million through the Blavatnik Family Foundation to the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts to establish the Blavatnik Center for Virtual Production.

The 15,000-square-foot facility — slated to open in Fall 2027 — will house state-of-the-art LED-wrapped stages, real-time 3D design labs, and next-generation filmmaking technologies that have revolutionized the entertainment industry.

Virtual production, the cutting-edge technology behind series like The Mandalorian and House of the Dragon, blends traditional filmmaking with real-time visual effects, opening new creative horizons for directors and producers.

“USC’s pioneering approach — building a virtual production studio for the future — makes this the right time and place to invest in our industry,” Blavatnik said in a statement.

“This initiative represents a bold leap forward for the next generation of cinematic storytellers.”

This visionary gift is the latest in a long line of philanthropic endeavors by Blavatnik, whose generosity has helped redefine what is possible in education, science, culture, and the arts.

Through the Blavatnik Family Foundation, he has donated more than $1 billion globally, including transformative support for institutions such as Oxford, Yale, Harvard, Tate Modern, and the New York Academy of Sciences.

In entertainment, Blavatnik’s influence extends beyond philanthropy.

As the founder of Access Industries — a global investment firm — he is the majority owner of Warner Music Group and a key investor in A24, the indie film studio behind Oscar-winning hits like Everything Everywhere All at Once.

His dual citizenship in the U.S. and U.K., coupled with his global business acumen and deep commitment to cultural enrichment, has made him a singular force in both philanthropy and media.

At USC, his latest gift is set to reshape cinematic education, providing students with unprecedented access to the tools that are quickly becoming the industry standard.

“Virtual production has just become critical to our industry,” said Elizabeth Daley, dean of the School of Cinematic Arts.

“Thanks to Mr. Blavatnik’s extraordinary vision and generosity, our students will now be able to train on the most advanced platforms, ensuring they graduate ready to lead in the world of modern filmmaking.”

This gift not only affirms Blavatnik’s role as a cultural benefactor but also as a forward-thinking architect of the entertainment industry’s future — one who believes that democratizing access to powerful creative tools is essential to both artistic expression and economic opportunity.

With the Blavatnik Center for Virtual Production, USC’s legacy as a launchpad for cinematic greatness enters an exciting new chapter — fueled by the generosity and foresight of a self-made mega-philanthropist who continues to shape the future across disciplines and continents.