Reruns that don’t make it on screen
Laura Sturza
While the entertainment industry is known for producing sequels of
popular films, it also finds ways to reuse props, clothes and other
supplies it no longer needs -- by giving them to local nonprofit
groups.
“Computers, desks, file cabinets, art supplies, wood, paper, paint
-- all of it that is excess gets donated,” said T.J. Baptie, Disney
vice president for corporate relations. “We try to donate everything
and give it new life.”
The studio often gets requests for a specific item, and tries to
meet the need, or refer the group to another studio that might have
it, Baptie said.
Since Burbank is home base, the city’s studios try to make
donations locally.
“I get a lot of [requests], but as a Burbank resident, I try to
keep it in Burbank,” said Jack O’Neill, NBC vice president of
facilities.
Whenever food, wardrobe, computers or other items are left over,
NBC staff makes “calls around the neighborhood,” with schools at the
top of the list.
Used items are not the only ones donated, with Warner Bros.’
“Second Time Around -- A Community Reuse Partnership” contributing
trees to Providencia Elementary School. The school particularly
appreciated the studio employees who volunteered to help with the
planting, Principal Amin Oria said.
“In a time when we have severe budget cuts, any additional support
that we can receive from the community really is welcome,” Oria said.
“[It makes] the difference in providing an even higher quality of
education for our students.”
The four staffers for the Warner Bros. program search out groups
that can make the best use of materials, such as a youth group that
received a box of children’s boots, said Shelley Billik, vice
president of environmental initiatives.
“Burbank is generally on the top of our list because it’s our own
backyard -- this is where we live and work and we like to contribute
to our own community” Billik said. “The most satisfying part is
knowing that we can make a difference socially, environmentally and
economically.”