According to The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. will be making a "substantial" donation to the victims of the Aurora massacre, which occurred during a midnight premiere of the Batman movie Dark Knight Rises. They will give through the website GivingFirst.org, which will distribute the funds to several charities that support the victims. Warner Bros. isn't disclosing how much exactly they're giving.
Obviously Warner Bros. is not responsible for the shooting -- at least I don't think they are. Dozens of violent action films are released year after year without an incident like this. They don't have to make this donation. But I'm glad they are. Their donation could help people who were hit hardest from the tragedy.
Warner Bros. has tried to act sensitively about the shooting. They canceled a Paris premiere of Dark Knight Rises and decided not to release box office numbers for opening weekend. They also released a statement, saying they "and the filmmakers are deeply saddened to learn about this shocking incident. We extend our sincere sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims at this tragic time." And the studio is even considering delaying the release of their next big film, Gangster Squad.
No amount of money is going to make up for the devastating losses from tragedy. But it could go a long way toward helping the people who are left picking up the pieces. And while the movie isn't responsible for the violent act of one James Holmes, they are caught up in this terrible story. Their condolences to the victims are empty if they don't also contribute to their relief in some way -- and it's a response they can definitely afford!
Most of all, I hope this donation spurs others to donate as well -- not just individuals, but other companies. The theater company, Cinemark, has not yet announced that they're giving a donation. Nudge, nudge.
What do you think of Warner Bros.' plans to donate to the victims of the shooting?
Image via Warner Bros.
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Comments 6
If anyone, a business or an individual or a private organization of any kind, wants to donate money to these people. Great! I can't for the life of me see why a donation from anyone, including Warner Bros. and Cinemark, "needs to happen".
"Their condolences to the victims are empty if they don't also contribute to their relief in some way"
Really??? Now expressions of condolence MUST be accompanied by a financial gift??? How pathetic can you get?
If WB decides to make a donation, good for them. If they don't, fine. It won't affect my opinion of them one bit. I don't think the theatre *needs* to make a donation, either.
NEITHER OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS BEAR ANY RESPONSIBILITY.
Where is the significant financial donation from the SHOOTER (whose name I refuse to utter)? Where is HIS expression of condolence? (notice I'm not looking for his family to do anything)
This is absolutely pathetic. Just because WB is rich and "it's a response they can definitely afford" doesn't mean they should be pressured into it.
Frankly, I wouldn't blame them one bit if they decided to keep any financial donations completely anonymous. Saying that they *need* to do this sets a very bad and dangerous precedent. Going forward, we're going to be expecting money from everyone the minute something bad happens, just because "they can afford it."
I agree with the first two posters. The author's entitled attitude is exactly what's wrong with our society. There's only ONE person who should be making amends and that is the person who committed the crime.
The only one responsible for James Holmes' actions is James Holmes. It's wonderful that they are being so sensitive but let's not lose sight of who is really responsible for this tragedy. Everyone else "caught up" in this shooting could give everything, but they cannot make up for the actions of someone they are not even responsible for. It's heartbreaking to hear "Christian Bale NEEDS to do this or Warner NEEDS to do that", putting them in a position they don't even deserve. What needs to happen is James Holmes paying for his actions in our justice system.
It is not Warner Brother's fault but it is very nice that they did this.