First Entertainment Credit Union Supports Emerging Filmmakers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (September 25, 2025) – First Entertainment Credit Union, the premier financial partner for the entertainment industry, proudly announces its continued support of the next generation of storytellers as the lead sponsor for the 26th season of PBS SoCal’s FINE CUT Festival of Films.

As part of its commitment to empowering creative professionals, First Entertainment is contributing $10,000 in savings deposits, with each of the four winners receiving $2,500. These accounts are part of a $45,000 prize pool organized by PBS SoCal which includes filmmaking resources such as camera rentals, animation software, and production tools.

“At First Entertainment, we believe in supporting the creative community at every stage of their journey,” said Stephen Owen, President and CEO of First Entertainment Credit Union. “These talented student filmmakers represent the future of storytelling, and we’re proud to help them take their first steps toward building lasting careers in the industry.”

The FINE CUT Festival of Films, now in its 26^th year, showcases short films from emerging California filmmakers through a six-episode broadcast series. Winners were honored at an awards ceremony at the Eagle Theatre at Vidiots and will participate in a mentoring workshop at Radford Studio Center, where students will engage with industry professionals in directing, writing, producing, and animation tracks.

First Entertainment’s involvement underscores its mission to provide financial solutions tailored to the unique needs of entertainment professionals, whether they’re just starting out or already established in their careers. Founded by entertainment professionals, First Entertainment understands the unique financial challenges creatives face. To address these needs, the credit union offers specialized products and financial guidance designed to help members stay on track. Supporting FINE CUT extends this commitment, giving aspiring filmmakers the resources they need to focus on their craft and bring their stories to life.

“First Entertainment exists to serve the creative community,” said Owen. “Supporting FINE CUT allows us to give aspiring filmmakers the financial foundation they need to turn their passion into a career, helping tomorrow’s creatives with the resources to bring their stories to life.”

About First Entertainment Credit Union
Since 1967, First Entertainment Credit Union has served creators in the entertainment industry. Headquartered in Hollywood, Calif., First Entertainment provides banking and financial services through its seven branches in Los Angeles County – including the Warner Bros., Sony, and Paramount studio lot locations – and manages $2 billion in assets with 217 team members. First Entertainment provides financial solutions to nearly 90,000 members through accessible 24/7 digital banking, unique entertainment-industry financial products, services, and ATMs. Visit FirstEnt.org.

About PBS SoCal

PBS SoCal uses the power of public media for good, strengthening the civic fabric of Southern California and providing our community with an essential connection to a wider world. As a local, donor/member-supported non-profit organization, PBS SoCal is available to stream on the PBS app and the PBS Kids App and reaches nearly 19M viewers across 7 Broadcast channels — including 2 primary channels, PBS SoCal and PBS SoCal Plus and 5 digital subchannels. Select programming is also available on PBS SoCal’s YouTube channel. With a commitment to make content available anytime and anywhere for free, PBS SoCal offers programming that reflects the diversity of Southern California and showcases the full schedule of beloved and trusted PBS content spanning Education, News, Environment and Arts & Culture. PBS SoCal also sparks the sharing of ideas at in-person cultural events and community conversations as well as prepares children for kindergarten and beyond by bringing bilingual, hands-on learning experiences to the community for free.

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