Donald Reed; Founded Sci-Fi Film Academy

Donald Anthony Reed, 65, founder and president of the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films. Born in New Orleans, Reed grew up in Los Angeles, where he became a film buff. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University and a law degree from USC, but devoted most of his time to writing and promoting genre films. He wrote several books, including “The Vampire on the Screen” and “Science Fiction Film Awards.” In 1962, Reed founded the Count Dracula Society, a literary group that studies gothic literature. In 1980, he founded the Academy of Family Films and Television and two years later the Council of Film Organizations. But he was best known for the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films, which he founded in 1972 and ran until his death. He developed the Saturn Awards to recognize outstanding science fiction films. Nominations for the 27th annual Saturns will be announced April 2, and the awards ceremony will honor Reed. One of Reed’s favorite films was the original 1977 “Star Wars,” which he said brought respect to the genre film. “The year 1977 was the turning point of my life,” he once said. “It put me on the map.” After that, Reed found it easy to syndicate his annual Saturn Awards on television, and overnight became a nationally known consultant on science fiction. On Sunday in Los Angeles of cardiac arrest.