Exec-producer MARIO KASSAR is considered a major innovator in international motion picture distribution, and renowned for his talent in greenlighting projects that go on to become world-wide blockbusters, most recently serving as executive producer of 1991's top grossing film, "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," 1992's smash hit, "Basic Instinct," and the 1993 hit, "Cliffhanger."
A founding partner in Carolco in 1976, he initially made his mark in the sale, distribution and servicing of films worldwide. The company later expanded into the production and financing of highly-successful independent films. Carolco's first production venture, "First Blood," became an international blockbuster, and marked their emergence as a major force in independent production companies.
The success of the "Rambo" trilogy helped Kassar attract to Carolco some of the top talent in Hollywood: action directors James Cameron ("T2"), Paul Verhoeven ("Total Recall," "Basic Instinct"), Renny Harlin ("Cliffhanger"), Roland Emmerich ("Universal Soldier," "STARGATE"), Walter Hill ("Extreme Prejudice," "Red Heat," "Johnny Handsome,") plus the critically-acclaimed Oliver Stone, ("The Doors"), Richard Attenborough ("Chaplin"), and Adrian Lyne ("Jacob's Ladder"). The talent in these films includes Sylvester Stallone, Michael Douglas, Sharon Stone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mel Gibson, Robert Downey, Jr., and Jean-Claude Van Damme.
Kassar himself has served as executive producer of such films as "Rambo III," "Angel Heart," "Extreme Prejudice," "Iron Eagle II," "Johnny Handsome," "Red Heat," "Music Box" (for which Jessica Lange earned an Academy Award nomination), "Mountains of the Moon," "Total Recall" (which won the Oscar for Special Visual Effects), "Air America," "Narrow Margin," and "Jacob's Ladder."
In 1989, Kassar became sole chairman of Carolco. He has since executive produced such films as the critically acclaimed "Rambling Rose" (receiving Academy Award nominations for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress), "The Doors," "L.A. Story," "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (winner of four Academy Awards), "Basic Instinct" (which earned two Oscar nominations), "Universal Soldier," and Cliffhanger." With Sir Richard Attenborough, he also produced "Chaplin," which was honored with three Academy Award nominations, including one for Robert Downey, Jr. for Best Actor, and three Golden Globe nominations.
Kassar's next projects include "Showgirls," which reunites director Paul Verhoeven, writer Joe Eszterhas, and producer Alan Marshal, the talented trio behind one of the decade's most successful erotic thrillers, "Basic Instinct," and "Cutthroat Island," starring Geena Davis and Matthew Modine, and directed by Renny Harlin.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Executive Producer Mario Kassar, with Carolco Pictures, was the principal financier of the entire project. Producer Joel Michaels calls him "the architect behind Roland's ideas."
