India, Oct. 21 -- Movies can entertain audiences, preserve memories, and offer new perspectives on the world. In 2004, the University of California, Santa Barbara, announced plans for a center that would bring creative work, academic research and public engagement together. Actor and producer Michael Douglas donated $1 million to help fund the proposed Center for Film, Television and New Media, which was intended to connect students and scholars from different academic disciplines.

In its February 2, 2004, announcement, Michael Douglas Donates $1 Million to UC Santa Barbara, the university reported that more than 4,500 students were enrolled in related programs and courses. The proposed center aimed to build on that existing interest by ...