Mark L. Lester is a renowned director, writer, and producer who has made a significant impact in the film industry with his high-action films. Throughout his career, he has directed some of the world's biggest box office draws, including Commando (1985) starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Firestarter (1984) with Drew Barrymore and Martin Sheen, Showdown in Little Tokyo (1991) featuring Dolph Lundgren and the late Brandon Lee, and two thought-provoking films about society: Class of 1984 (1982) with Michael J. Fox in his first film role and the sequel, Class of 1999 (1990).
Lester's directorial expertise has garnered praise for his films, with Commando being named one of the 50 best action films in the history of Cinema by Variety, and Class of 1984 becoming the top-grossing film in many major markets around the world.
His career as a director was launched when his first feature project, Twilight of the Mayas (1971),won top honors at the Venice Film Festival. He then went on to direct the disco-era story Roller Boogie (1979) starring Linda Blair, the smash comedy Armed and Dangerous (1986) starring John Candy and Meg Ryan, and a string of non-stop action films such as Steel Arena (1973),Truck Stop Women (1974),Bobbie Jo and the Outlaw (1976),and Stunts (1977).
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, including the highest-rated Sci-Fi Channel feature film Pterosaurus (2004),thrillers Groupie (2010),White Rush (2003),and Stealing Candy (2003),action-packed Betrayal (2003),the thriller Sacrifice (2000) with Michael Madsen, action-thrillers Blowback (2000) and Hitman's Run (1999),military thrillers The Base (1999) and Guilty as Charged (2000),suspense thrillers Misbegotten (1997),Double Take (1997),and The Ex (1996),Public Enemies (1996) with Theresa Russell and James Marsden, Night of the Running Man (1995) starring Scott Glenn and Andrew McCarthy, and the acclaimed action thriller Extreme Justice (1993).
In addition, Lester has produced many other successful films, including Jabberwock (2011),Sinbad and the Minotaur (2011),Beauty and the Beast (2010),Yeti: Curse of the Snow Demon (2008),Roanoke: The Lost Colony (2007),and Day of Wrath (2006) starring Christopher Lambert.
For more than 20 years, Mark L. Lester 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.
