Mario Kassar's journey in the film industry began at the tender age of 18, when he made his first film. This marked the starting point of his illustrious career as a filmmaker. Shortly after, he made the bold decision to relocate to Los Angeles in the mid-1970s to pursue his passion for filmmaking.
Kassar's creative prowess as a producer quickly gained recognition in the L.A. motion pictures industry, earning him a reputation as one of the pioneers of foreign market and co-pro financing. His innovative approach to filmmaking paved the way for a successful business model that would go on to shape the industry.
As an independent filmmaker, Kassar's early efforts were marked by the release of small-scale films such as "The Amateur" and "Victory." He also founded Carolco International, his own independent theatrical motion picture distribution company, in 1976. This venture allowed him to release a slew of independent features, including the Rambo franchise, which catapulted to fame with the release of "First Blood" in 1982, starring Sylvester Stallone.
Stallone's involvement with Carolco was reportedly a 10-picture deal, allowing for the production of the sequel "Rambo II." This marked the beginning of a successful partnership between Kassar and Stallone, who would go on to collaborate on several projects.
Kassar's association with Arnold Schwarzenegger is another notable aspect of his career. The two collaborated on the production of "Total Recall" in 1990 and the "Terminator" franchise, excluding the first installment, which was financed by Orion. Other notable productions under Kassar's Carolco banner include the underwater thriller "DeepStarSix," the erotic suspense film "Basic Instinct," and the action-packed "Cliffhanger," starring Sylvester Stallone.
The success of "Stargate" in 1994, a sci-fi film produced by Kassar, led to the establishment of a cable series, "Stargate SG-1," in 1997, starring Richard Dean Anderson. Kassar's production company also brought to life the biographical drama "Chaplin," starring Robert Downey Jr. as the legendary actor Charlie Chaplin.
In 2002, Kassar re-opened his production company, C-2 Pictures, to produce "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines," one of the most expensive films of the year. The release of this film in 2003 marked a new chapter in the franchise's history, allowing it to gain a new following.
Throughout his career, Kassar has been committed to his family and has prioritized his personal life. Despite his success, he remains humble and dedicated to his craft. His contributions to the film industry have been invaluable, and he will be remembered for his pioneering efforts in creating a successful business model for the international market.
Kassar's films have generated over $3 billion worldwide, a testament to his enduring impact on the industry. His legacy is a reminder of the importance of innovation, creativity, and perseverance in the world of filmmaking.
