Mark L. Lester

Director, writer and producer 'Mark L. Lester' (qv) has created high-action films throughout his career, including some of the world's biggest box office draws. His directorial expertise has garnered praise for such films as 'Arnold Schwarzenegger' (qv)'s box-office mega-hit _Commando (1985)_ (qv), 'Stephen King' (qv)'s supernatural thriller _Firestarter (1984)_ (qv) with 'Drew Barrymore' (qv) and 'Martin Sheen' (qv), _Showdown in Little Tokyo (1991)_ (qv) starring 'Dolph Lundgren' (qv) and the late 'Brandon Lee' (qv) in his first major role, and two frighteningly prophetic films about the state of society: _Class of 1984 (1982)_ (qv) with 'Michael J. Fox' (qv) in his first film role and the sequel, _Class of 1999 (1990)_ (qv). In addition to receiving international critical acclaim, Lester's films are box-office hits. "Commando" was an international success story, grossing over $120 million, and "Class of 1984" was a #1 US box-office draw and became the top-grossing film in many major markets around the world.Lester's career as a director was launched when his first feature project, the highly acclaimed _Twilight of the Mayas (1971)_ (qv), won top honors at the Venice Film Festival. His breakout film was the disco-era story _Roller Boogie (1979)_ (qv), starring 'Linda Blair' (qv). He also directed the smash comedy _Armed and Dangerous (1986)_ (qv), starring 'John Candy' (qv) and 'Meg Ryan' (qv). Included in his earlier credits are such non-stop action films as _Steel Arena (1973)_ (qv), _Truck Stop Women (1974)_ (qv), _Bobbie Jo and the Outlaw (1976)_ (qv) and _Stunts (1977)_ (qv). Having amassed credits on more than 17 films, Lester founded and became President of American World Pictures in 1993, devoting himself to producing and distributing films in the same genres he helped to popularize.Since the company's formation, Lester has created an impressive body of work. He has produced and directed _Pterodactyl (2005)_ (qv), the highest-rated Sci-Fi Channel feature film; thrillers _Groupie (2010)_ (qv), _White Rush (2003)_ (qv) and _Stealing Candy (2003)_ (qv); the action-packed _Betrayal (2003)_ (qv); the thriller _Sacrifice (2000)_ (qv) with 'Michael Madsen' (qv); the action-thrillers _Blowback (2000)_ (qv) and _Hitman's Run (1999)_ (qv); the military thrillers _The Base (1999)_ (qv) and _Guilty as Charged (2000)_ (qv); the suspense thrillers _Misbegotten (1997)_ (qv), _Double Take (1997)_ (qv) and _The Axe (1996)_ (qv); _Public Enemies (1996)_ (qv), with 'Theresa Russell' (qv) and 'James Marsden' (qv); _Night of the Running Man (1995)_ (qv) starring 'Scott Glenn' (qv) and 'Andrew McCarthy' (qv); and the acclaimed action thriller _Extreme Justice (1993)_ (qv). In addition, Lester has produced many other successful films, including _Jabberwock (2011)_ (qv), _Sinbad gegen das Ungeheuer (2011)_ (qv), _Beauty and the Beast (2010)_ (qv), _Yeti - Das Schneemonster (2008)_ (qv), _Roanoke: The Lost Colony (2007)_ (qv) and _Day of Wrath (2006)_ (qv) starring 'Christopher Lambert' (qv).For more than 20 years, 'Mark L. Lester' (qv) has overseen the development and distribution of over 100 films at American World Pictures. He founded Titan Global Entertainment in 2012 to continue producing and directing quality features for many years to come.::jasonllester (qv's & corrections by A. Nonymous)