American Dream Cinema

9482 Terrywood Rd. Santee, CA 92071 (619) 449-7848 f (619) 596-2562

February 11, 2000

Jonathan Dunn-Rankin
NATAS San Diego Chapter
P.O. Box 80255
San Diego, CA 92138-0255

Dear Jonathan,

I would like to nominate Wally Schlotter to be inducted into the San Diego Chapter's Silver Circle for the following reasons:

In 1973, seeking a degree in television and radio while attending SDSU, Wally also had the energy (and good fortune) to freelance in the business as an assistant to executive producer's for NBC's "Police Story" and in a range of positions work on national and local commercials for Columbia Pictures and at KPBS.

Before graduating in 1975, Wally was awarded the 'Best of the West' for producing "The Talent Corporation" a musical variety show that aired nationally on PBS.

In 1977 he landed a position as the Assistant Director of the San Diego Film Commission. Ten months later, Wally was promoted to Director, which then became 'Film Commissioner'. The following nineteen years with The Commission allowed Wally to pursue his determination for the film and television industry to develop and grow in San Diego, which has put us on the "map". Wally brought the first regular scheduled Prime Time Series, "Simon & Simon" to San Diego, which ran for eight years. He also landed many motion picture location accounts for San Diego, including "Top Gun" and "K-9". These successes took San Diego's film revenues from $500,000 up to $70 million!

All along Wally has been a huge supporter for others in need. He has donated much time and effort working on fund raisers for charitable organizations and has also dedicated many years serving on boards for groups like "Social Advocates for Youth" and the "Variety Club".

One of his most meaningful efforts, to help make aspiring television and film seekers' dreams come true, became a reality when as Academy Co-Founding Chair for NATAS, a Student Scholarship was created. As San Diego Film Commissioner, Wally also founded two other industry scholarships, "The Chris Packala Memorial Student Scholarship" and "The Billy Wilder Scholarship".

Leaving the San Diego Film Commission in 1996, Wally was named by San Diego Magazine as one of "The Top 25 People to Watch Out For in 1997"! Finally Wally had the opportunity to follow his aspirations. Taking 25 years of experience, combined with talent and drive, he formed, "Wally! And Associates". Because of his diverse knowledge of the business, there's never a dull or spare moment! While serving as a board member of a publicly traded company, Cinema Star Luxury Theaters, Wally! also offers media consultation to several clients including four Independent Film Festival Organizations. He is also currently working with Borrego Springs to develop a special film marketing program and produces commercials and marketing programs for others. Last year he was recognized with an Emmy Award for producing, "The Heartbeat of Hope", a program intended to help abused children in America. His latest project titled, "The Five Dollar Movie", a short film (shot on 35mm) which he Executive Produced, is intended to circuit the festivals later this year.

Always a supporter of growth and development, with humanity as well as with the television arts and sciences, I don't know of a more deserving inductee in the Silver Circle, than Wally Schlotter.

Sincerely,

Jeanne Scott, Producer
American Dream Cinema