Warner Bros. to Make 'Substantial' Donation to Colorado Shooting Victims

Warner Bros., the studio behind The Dark Knight Rises, is making a donation to charities supporting victims of the Aurora, Colo., shooting rampage.

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Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that the studio has been in contact with Colorado governor John Hickenlooper's office and will contribute to a fund identified by the governor on the website givingfirst.org, which is a program of Colorado's Community First Foundation. The fund distributes monies across several charities that will support victims of the July 20 killing spree that left at least 12 dead and dozens injured. 

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The studio will not release publically the amount of the lump sum donation but sources say it is "substantial."

Warner Bros. CEO Barry Meyer also is set to send a companywide email on Monday evening advising employees of the donation and explaining how they can donate personally to the victims.

Warner Bros. has reacted swiftly in the wake of the July 20 killing spree at a midnight screening of the latest Batman movie. The studio quickly released a statement saying that Warners "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."

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The studio then canceled a planned Paris premiere and other press events and declined to release box office figures for Dark Knight Rises over the weekend out of respect for the families of the victims. The Christopher Nolan-directed film grossed a robust $160.9 million in three days, the best opening ever for a 2D film.

Warners is the first of the Hollywood organizations to make a charitable gift. Cinemark, which owns the Century Aurora 16 theater where the shooting took place, has yet to announce any donation, nor has the MPAA or the National Association of Theatre Owners. 

Email: Matthew.Belloni@thr.com

Twitter: @THRMattBelloni