Philippe Martinez
From 1988 through 1990, Philippe Martinez was President of the famous Odeon Theater in Marseilles, one of the largest playhouses in Europe. At the end of 1990, deciding to focus on a career as a feature film producer, he moved to the United States, later becoming Chairman of the Board of distribution company Ulysses Entertainment as well with offices in Los Angeles, Paris and London.
From 1996-1999 Philippe headed Betar Entertainment - based in Los Angeles and with offices in Montreal - producing Canadian co-productions for international distribution; he served as Executive Producer on the features Ultimate Weapon (starring Hulk Hogan) and In Her Defense (starring Marlee Matlin & Michael Dudikoff).
In 1999, Philippe launched Bauer Martinez Studios and has Produced over 14 films including The Piano Player(Christopher Lambert, Dennis Hopper) with Andreas Klein of Splendid Film, Out of Season (Dennis Hopper, Gina Gershon), The Defender (Dolph Lundgren, Jerry Springer,) Dot Kill (Armand Assante, Directed by John Irvin) and House of 9 (Dennis Hopper, Kelly Brook).
Most recently, Philippe Produced Modigliani starring Andy Garcia and Elsa Zylberstein. The film, directed by Mick Davis, was an official Gala Selection at the Toronto Film Festival, as will open the Miami International Film Festival.
Going back to his true passion, Philippe took to Directing, completing Citizen Verdict (Armand Assante, Jerry Springer) which will have its theatrical debut in the first quarter of 2005, as well as the action-packed Wake of Death starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. The film has been getting rave reviews across Europe and the United States, and will have theatrical debuts in several countries later on this year.
Philippe recently Produced Irish Jam starring Eddie Griffin, and in 2005 will Produce Land of the Blind (Ralph Fiennes, Donald Sutherland), Genuine Article(to be Directed by Dennis Hopper) and will Direct another high budget, action packed feature.