David V. Picker facts for kids

David Victor Picker (born May 14, 1931 – died April 20, 2019) was an American movie expert and producer. He worked in the film industry for over 40 years. He was a top leader, serving as president and CEO, at big movie companies. These included United Artists, Paramount, Lorimar, and Columbia Pictures. Later, he became an independent producer, making his own films. Picker was also a member of important groups like the Writers Guild of America East and the Producers Guild of America. He even wrote a book about his movie career called Musts, Maybes and Nevers.

Early Life and Education

David Picker was born in New York City on May 14, 1931. His family was Jewish. His father, Eugene Picker, was also a big name in the movie world. Eugene led Loew's Theatres and the National Association of Theatre Owners. David went to Dartmouth College and earned a degree in 1953.

Movie Career Highlights

Starting in the Film Industry (1950s–1969)

David Picker began his movie journey at United Artists in 1956. He started in advertising and publicity. By 1961, he was helping the company's president, Arthur Krim. Picker played a key role in bringing the film Tom Jones to United Artists in 1963. This movie won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. By the late 1960s, Picker was in charge of United Artists Records.

Leading United Artists (1969–1973)

In 1969, Picker became the president of United Artists Corporation. He had already helped bring Beatles films like A Hard Day's Night to the company. Picker also made a deal for the James Bond series. This deal helped create one of the most successful movie series ever. Other famous movies released during his time included Midnight Cowboy and Last Tango in Paris. He also built strong relationships with famous directors. These included Woody Allen and European filmmakers like Federico Fellini and Ingmar Bergman. He became the CEO and president of United Artists on January 1, 1973.

Producing and Studio Roles (1973–1993)

In 1973, Picker left United Artists to start his own company, Two Roads Productions. He produced movies like Juggernaut and Lenny in 1974. Lenny was a big success and was nominated for six Academy Awards.

In 1976, Picker became the President of Motion Pictures at Paramount. During his time there, he helped develop popular films. These included Saturday Night Fever, Grease, and the Oscar-winning Ordinary People.

After leaving Paramount in 1979, Picker worked with comedian Steve Martin. They produced movies like The Jerk (1979) and The Man with Two Brains (1983).

In the mid-1980s, Picker led Feature Films at Lorimar Productions. He helped create films such as Being There. Later, in 1985, he joined Columbia Pictures as president of production. There, he approved movies like Hope and Glory and School Daze. By 1987, he was back to producing independently. He produced Beat Street and a remake of Stella Dallas called Stella, starring Bette Midler.

Later Career (1993–2000s)

Picker continued to produce films in the 1990s. He produced The Saint of Fort Washington in 1993. He also produced The Crucible in 1996. In 1997, he became president of Hallmark Entertainment Productions Worldwide. His goal was to help the company make more feature films.

From 2004 to 2008, Picker was the chairman of The Producers Guild of America for the East Coast. His book about his long career in movies, Musts, Maybes and Nevers, came out in 2013.

Personal Life and Family

David Picker was married three times. He had two daughters, Caryn and Pam, with his first wife, Caryl Schlossman. In 1975, he married casting director Nessa Hyams. His third wife, Sandra Jetton, was a photographer. They lived in New York City.

David's sister, Jean Picker Firstenberg, was the CEO and Director of the American Film Institute. His uncle, Arnold Picker, was also a movie executive at United Artists.

Death

David Picker passed away on April 20, 2019, in New York City. He was 87 years old and died from colon cancer. He was survived by his wife, Sandra, his two daughters, and his sister.

Selected Filmography

He was a producer in all films unless otherwise noted.

Film

Miscellaneous crew

Thanks

Television

Miscellaneous crew