Richard Pepin
| Richard Pepin | |
|---|---|
| Born | Richard Joseph Pepin February 8, 1948 Canada |
| 💀Died | August 14, 2025 (aged 77) Lake Arrowhead, California, U.S.August 14, 2025 (aged 77) |
| 💼 Occupation | Film producer, director, cinematographer |
| 📆 Years active | 1981–2003 |
| Known for | Co-founder of PM Entertainment |
Richard Joseph Pepin (February 8, 1948 – August 14, 2025) was a Canadian-born American filmmaker who co-founded the independent film production company PM Entertainment. Working primarily in the direct-to-video market, Pepin produced, directed, and served as cinematographer on numerous low-budget action films between 1981 and 2003.[1]
Early life and career
Pepin was born in Canada and moved to Los Angeles in the 1960s.[1] He began his film career in 1981 with the horror film Scream, serving as both producer and cinematographer.[2]
PM Entertainment
In the late 1980s, Pepin co-founded PM Entertainment Group with Joseph Merhi.[2]
PM Entertainment focused on producing action films for the direct-to-video market, developing efficient production methods to create spectacular action sequences on limited budgets. The company produced over 100 films between 1989 and 2000.[2] Notable productions included the "Ring of Fire" film series, the "CIA" film series, and various martial arts and action films featuring actors such as Don "The Dragon" Wilson, Gary Daniels, and Lorenzo Lamas.
Television production
In 1996, PM Entertainment expanded into television production with L.A. Heat, starring Wolf Larson and Steven Williams as Los Angeles police detectives. The series achieved international success, particularly in Germany where it reportedly displaced Baywatch as the country's most popular American action series.[3]
Company sale
PM Entertainment was sold in 2000. The company had produced over 100 films during its operational period.[2]
Industry influence
Several individuals who worked at PM Entertainment later achieved success in major Hollywood productions. Producer John J. Kelly, who began as a production controller at PM Entertainment, later produced Academy Award-nominated films including 127 Hours and Into the Wild, as well as major releases such as Deadpool and Divergent.[4] Stunt coordinator Spiro Razatos became second unit director on the Fast & Furious franchise and Marvel's Captain America films. | Director Art Camacho went on to direct films for Sony Pictures and Lionsgate.[5]
Filmography
Pepin worked in multiple capacities across PM Entertainment's productions, serving as producer, director, and cinematographer on various films. His directorial credits included The Sender (1998), Cyber Tracker (1994), and Cyber Tracker 2 (1995).[6]
Death
Pepin died on August 14, 2025, in Lake Arrowhead, California.[1] He was survived by his wife Shelly, whom he married in the 1970s, and three children: Genevieve, Carly, and Christian.<ref> name="latimes-obit" />
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Richard Pepin Obituary". Los Angeles Times. August 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Richard Pepin Biography". Fandango. Retrieved September 2025. Check date values in:
|access-date=(help) - ↑ "L.A. Heat (Series)". Sandy Point State Park Network Wiki. Retrieved September 2025. Check date values in:
|access-date=(help) - ↑ "Filmmakers". Waffle Street Movie. Retrieved September 2025. Check date values in:
|access-date=(help) - ↑ "Art Camacho: A Filmmaker's Journey". Martial Arts & Action Entertainment. May 16, 2020. Retrieved September 2025. Check date values in:
|access-date=(help) - ↑ "Richard Pepin". IMDb. Retrieved September 2025. Check date values in:
|access-date=(help)
External links
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