Peter E. Strauss, a longtime leader in the independent film industry, died on Oct. 6 at his home in Beverly Hills. He was 83. Strauss spent over 50 years working in movies and left his mark on both mainstream and indie films.
Strauss got his start in the early 1970s at Allied Artists, where he helped produce popular movies like “Cabaret” and “Papillon.” Later, as head of Rastar Films, he oversaw productions such as “The Electric Horseman.” In the 1980s, Strauss founded his own company called Panache Productions.
He is best known for pioneering new methods of financing independent movies. Strauss created innovative deals that let smaller films get funding from sales to foreign markets. This approach helped the independent film scene in America grow substantially.
In 1997, Strauss partnered with Frank Giustra to launch Lionsgate Entertainment. As the company’s first president, he led Lionsgate’s early success in Independent film production and distribution. Lionsgate remains a major player in that space today.
Before Lionsgate, Strauss served as CEO of International Movie Group. There he produced around 30 movies, like the “Best of the Best” martial arts series. Later in his career, Strauss spent 25 years as an executive at Mandalay Pictures, overseeing projects such as “The Jacket” and “Air.”
Strauss is survived by his wife Susan of 46 years, his son Jonathan, and two young grandchildren. Throughout his career, Strauss was known for mentoring new talent. He used his influence to support the next generation of film professionals. The industry will remember Strauss as a visionary who helped independent movies reach new audiences.
