Lionsgate label Codeblack Films has established a student support fund and screenwriting contest at USC’s film school.

Codeblack, the unit dedicated to serving the African-American market, has partnered with the School Of Cinematic Arts to support students in the school’s Writing for Screen & Television Division.

The Lionsgate/Codeblack Films Fund for Student Support is designed to encourage new and diverse voices and will target African-American students with a strong need for financial aid as determined by USC’s office of financial aid.

The programme also includes the Codeblack Screenwriting Contest, open to all students currently enrolled in USC’s School Of Cinematic Arts.

The competition will recognise the best film and television scripts that explore narratives targeted at African American audiences and the awards will total $25,000.