Steve Carver facts for kids

Steve Carver (born April 5, 1945 – died January 8, 2021) was an American film director, producer, and photographer. He was known for directing action and gangster movies. He also worked on many documentaries and short films.

Steve Carver's Life and Career

Steve Carver grew up in New York City. He went to the High School of Music and Art. Later, he earned degrees from Cornell University and Washington University in St. Louis. When he was younger, he was very interested in cartoons, art, and animation.

He started his career as a cameraman. He worked for the TV show Wide World of Sports. He also filmed for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. In just two years, he made 30 documentaries while teaching at colleges in St. Louis.

Joining the American Film Institute

In 1970, a documentary Steve made helped him get into the American Film Institute (AFI). This was a special school for filmmakers in Hollywood. At AFI, he learned from famous directors like Alfred Hitchcock and actors like Charlton Heston.

He even worked as an assistant director on the movie Johnny Got His Gun (1971). His final project at AFI was a short film called The Tell-Tale Heart. It was based on a story by Edgar Allan Poe. This film was praised for its spooky mood.

Working with Roger Corman

Steve Carver's short film, The Tell-Tale Heart, caught the eye of producer Roger Corman. Corman was known for making many movies based on Poe's stories. He hired Steve to work at his company, New World Pictures.

Steve's first job at New World Pictures was cutting movie trailers. He cut about 100 to 150 trailers in one year! He also wrote scripts for Corman. Soon, Corman gave him the chance to direct his first movie, The Arena (1974). This film was about female gladiators and was filmed in Italy.

Directing Action and Gangster Films

Roger Corman liked Steve's work on The Arena. So, he gave him another directing job: Big Bad Mama (1974). This was a gangster film starring Angie Dickinson. It was a big hit at the box office.

Steve then directed another gangster movie for Corman, Capone (1975). This film starred famous actors like Ben Gazzara and John Cassavetes. Steve wanted to make good, popular movies in his own style.

Taking Over Drum

In 1976, Steve Carver was hired to direct the movie Drum. He took over from another director, Burt Kennedy. Steve said taking over a movie was "horrible," but the film was finished successfully and made money.

After Drum, Steve directed Steel with Lee Majors. He also made another film for Roger Corman, Fast Charlie... the Moonbeam Rider (1979), starring David Carradine.

Working with Chuck Norris

Steve Carver directed two very successful action films with martial arts star Chuck Norris. These were An Eye for an Eye (1981) and Lone Wolf McQuade (1983).

Later, a TV show called Walker, Texas Ranger came out. Steve Carver and his partner felt it was very similar to Lone Wolf McQuade. They even filed a lawsuit, but they did not win.

Later Career and Photography

In the late 1980s, Steve directed more movies. These included Oceans of Fire (1986), Jocks (1987), and Bulletproof (1988). He also directed some movies without being credited. He became known as a director who could step in and help "save" a movie if it was having problems.

Eventually, Steve left directing movies. He decided to focus on photography. He said that working with Roger Corman had been great, but other producers made him tired. In 1995, he opened his own photography lab in Los Angeles.

He was also featured in a documentary film called That Guy Dick Miller, which was about the actor Dick Miller.

Death

Steve Carver passed away on January 8, 2021, in Los Angeles. He was 75 years old. He died from COVID-19.

Films Directed by Steve Carver

• The Tell-Tale Heart (1971) (short film)
• The Arena (1974)
• Big Bad Mama (1974)
• Capone (1975)
• Drum (1976)
• Fast Charlie... the Moonbeam Rider (1979)
• Steel (1979)
• Angel City (1980) (TV movie)
• An Eye for an Eye (1981)
• Lone Wolf McQuade (1983)
• Oceans of Fire (1986) (TV movie)
• Jocks (1987)
• Bulletproof (1988)
• River of Death (1989)
• Dead Center (1993)
• The Wolves (1996)

See also

In Spanish: Steve Carver para niños