Cleveland native David Lester is returning to his hometown to participate in events organized by the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. This weekend, he will share anecdotes from his extensive career in the film industry, which spans over four decades and includes work on iconic films such as “Star Wars” and “The Shawshank Redemption.”
Lester, who studied at USC Film School in the late 1960s, gained a reputation for his problem-solving abilities, which caught the attention of George Lucas, a fellow student. Lester recalls assisting with a project that involved filming miniature explosions for “Star Wars,” a groundbreaking endeavor at the time.
On January 9, 2024, he will headline the “Behind the Camera” gala and fundraiser at the Cleveland History Center, followed by a workshop on January 10 at Tri-C’s Metropolitan Campus. The workshop aims to inspire aspiring filmmakers and crew members, as Lester draws from his experiences working on major productions.
Lester’s fascination with film began at the age of 12 after watching David Lean’s “The Bridge on the River Kwai” at the Riverside Theatre in Cleveland. He became intrigued by the unseen individuals behind the camera and pursued a career that would allow him to contribute to the storytelling process. His journey led him to work with notable figures in the industry, including John Milius and Randall Kleiser.
During his career, Lester has taken on various roles, including producer and production manager on films such as “The Black Stallion,” “White Men Can’t Jump,” and “In the Line of Fire.” He describes his work as akin to “herding cats,” emphasizing the dynamic nature of film sets and the importance of understanding how various roles fit together. His ability to foster collaboration has been a key factor in his success.
Throughout the 1990s, Lester returned to Ohio to work on projects such as “The Shawshank Redemption,” filmed in Mansfield, and “Air Force One,” which had scenes shot in Cleveland. He recalls how practical considerations often guide location choices in filmmaking, with the Ohio Reformatory serving as the perfect stand-in for the film’s titular prison.
Now at the age of 80, Lester reflects on the changes in the film industry since he began his career. He believes that while technology has advanced—making filmmaking more accessible—storytelling remains paramount. Lester expresses pride in his work on “Cobb,” a biopic of baseball legend Ty Cobb, which faced challenges but ultimately allowed him to fulfill his vision.
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission aims to attract film and television production to the region by fostering local talent and providing incentives. Lester supports these efforts, noting the importance of hiring local professionals for productions. His involvement with the commission includes leading workshops that provide valuable training for aspiring filmmakers.
At the upcoming events, Lester hopes participants will learn the significance of perseverance in the industry. “You have to be tough enough and have confidence in your own ideas and ability to contribute,” he stated.
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission presents “Behind the Camera with David Lester” at 5 p.m. on January 9, 2024, at the Cleveland History Center, located at 10825 East Blvd., Cleveland. Lester will lead the Production Assistant Workshop at 10 a.m. on January 10, 2024, at Tri-C’s Metropolitan Campus, located at 2900 Community College Ave., Cleveland. For ticket and registration information for both events, visit clevelandfilm.com.
