Cleveland native and accomplished film producer David Lester returns to his hometown this weekend to share insights from his extensive career in the film industry. He will participate in events hosted by the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, including a gala and a workshop aimed at aspiring filmmakers.
Lester, who attended USC Film School in the late 1960s, gained recognition as a skilled problem-solver. His collaboration with George Lucas on an experimental project for “Star Wars” exemplifies his talent in managing complex logistical challenges. “It was for this little unit on ‘Star Wars,’” Lester recalled, discussing his role in developing techniques for filming miniature explosions to be integrated into motion-control camera shots.
On January 9, 2024, Lester will headline the “Behind the Camera” gala at the Cleveland History Center, followed by a workshop on January 10, 2024, at Tri-C’s Metropolitan Campus. These events are designed to inspire the next generation of filmmakers by sharing the realities of working in the industry and offering practical guidance.
Born in North Olmsted, Ohio, Lester’s fascination with film began at the age of 12 when he viewed David Lean’s “The Bridge on the River Kwai.” This experience sparked his curiosity about the unseen professionals behind the camera. He later studied speech at Northwestern University, where he honed his skills and gained experience as a cameraman and floor director at WEWS Channel 5 in Cleveland.
After graduating from USC, Lester worked on numerous significant films, including “The Black Stallion,” “White Men Can’t Jump,” and “In the Line of Fire.” His contributions to “Star Wars” and subsequent projects, such as “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” and “TRON,” established him as a prominent figure in the industry. “I would compare it to herding cats,” said Lester, describing the dynamic nature of film production. His ability to coordinate various elements on set became one of his defining strengths.
Lester’s work has brought him back to Ohio on two notable occasions in the 1990s. He served as executive producer and production manager for “The Shawshank Redemption,” filmed in Mansfield, and later for “Air Force One,” which utilized locations in Cleveland. His involvement in these films was largely driven by practical considerations, such as the availability of locations that could effectively represent other settings.
Reflecting on his career, Lester expressed pride in his work on “Cobb,” a biopic of baseball legend Ty Cobb. “Nobody really wanted the movie,” he stated. “They wanted to make a movie with Ron Shelton, but they would have preferred to make a different movie.” The success and artistic integrity of “Cobb” remain significant achievements in his portfolio.
At 80 years old, Lester acknowledges the dramatic changes in the film industry since his early days. He emphasizes that while technology has evolved—making filmmaking more accessible—storytelling remains the heart of cinema. “I’m a storyteller at heart, and I don’t really like story being minimized in service to just plain spectacle,” he said, noting that his favorite film of 2025, “Train Dreams,” reflects this sentiment.
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission is dedicated to developing local talent to enhance the region’s attractiveness as a filming location. Lester highlighted the importance of fostering a skilled workforce, stating, “The more expansive that body of potential hires becomes for producers coming to town, the better it is.”
Lester will lead the Production Assistant Workshop on January 10, guiding participants through practical aspects of working on a film set. He hopes attendees will learn the value of perseverance in the industry. “You have to be tough enough and have confidence in your own ideas and ability to contribute,” he advised.
The events featuring David Lester promise to inspire and educate aspiring filmmakers in Cleveland, contributing to the growing film community in the region. For more information on the gala and workshop, visit clevelandfilm.com.
