Mario Kassar / Biography

At only 18, Mario Kassar made his first film and since then he has become one of the most creative and prolific filmmakers in the motion picture industry with productions, financing and distribution. Currently, Kassar is co-president of C-2 Pictures, which he has formed to bring back the popular "Terminator" franchise. Kassar has been involved with a number of motion pictures within the United States and the world-wide market. Hailing from the Middle East, his taste in motion pictures has certainly been enough to please audiences all over the world.Kassar's early efforts as an independent filmmaker began with small scale released films such as "The Amateur" and "Victory" while starting Carolco International, his own independent theatrical motion picture distribution company in 1976. Kassar, and his partner Andrew Vajna began releasing a slew of independent features and first hit major force with the release of the 'Rambo' franchise "First Blood" starring Syllvester Stallone, which became one of the major motion pictures of 1982. Stallone eventually signed a 10 picture deal with Carolco and also starred in the sequel "First Blood: Rambo II". The "Terminator" franchise might be the most known that Kassar was associated with. The film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, was acquired to Carolco in 1985, and a sequel was filmed and directed by James Cameron in 1990 "Judgement Day: Terminator II" which became of the most financially successful motion pictures of that year.In 1989, Andrew Vajna resigned from his position at Carolco Pictures to start Cinergi Pictures, making Kassar the sole owner of the company. Other Carolco productions included the under water thriller "DeepStar Six", the erotic suspenseful "Basic Instinct", "Total Recall"- another Schwarzeneger hit, "Cliffhanger" - a Stallone vehicle also a hit in 1993, "Stargate" and the Oscar-winning documentary "Chaplin" with Robert Downey Jr, playing the life of legendary actor Charlie Chaplin.As the budgets for Carolco's films grew, the box office intake began to collapse by 1995. Following the financial failures of both "Cutthroat Island" and "Showgirls", Kassar filed Carolco Pictures into bankruptcy and the studio eventually closed.Kassar's new C-2 Pictures has become noticeable since 2003, after "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" became one of the most expensive and major films of that year. Kassar currently has plans to make another 'Terminator' sequel, as well as a sequel to 'Basic Instict' and release them to entertain enthused audiences.