Cleveland native David Lester is set to return to his hometown this weekend to share insights from his impressive four-decade career in film. Known for his behind-the-scenes contributions to major Hollywood projects, Lester will headline the Greater Cleveland Film Commission’s “Behind the Camera” gala on January 9, 2025, at the Cleveland History Center. Additionally, he will host a workshop for aspiring film professionals at Tri-C’s Metropolitan Campus the following day.
Lester’s journey began in North Olmsted, Ohio, where a pivotal moment at age 12 sparked his interest in filmmaking. After watching David Lean’s film “The Bridge on the River Kwai,” he became captivated by the unseen crew members who made the magic happen. This curiosity led him to pursue a degree in speech at Northwestern University, where he gained access to motion-picture equipment.
His early experience included working as a cameraman and floor director at WEWS Channel 5, where he covered significant events, including the famous fires of the Cuyahoga River. These formative experiences propelled him to USC Film School, where he studied alongside notable filmmakers, including George Lucas.
Lester’s career took off with his involvement in “Star Wars,” where he helped devise innovative filming techniques for miniature explosions. This experience opened doors to future projects, including overseeing special effects for “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” and “TRON.” He eventually became a production manager on acclaimed films such as “Broadcast News” and “Bull Durham,” where he honed his skills in coordinating complex film sets.
Throughout the 1990s, Lester returned to Ohio for significant projects like “The Shawshank Redemption,” filmed in Mansfield, and “Air Force One,” which utilized locations in Cleveland. His involvement in these films was largely due to practical considerations, such as the availability of filming sites and local talent.
“We looked at several recently closed prisons and quickly determined that the Ohio Reformatory was the best fit for our vision of Shawshank,” Lester explained. For “Air Force One,” the production team needed a location that could stand in for a military base in Germany, leading them to choose Rickenbacker International Airport near Columbus.
Today, at age 80, Lester reflects on the changes in the film industry since he began. He emphasizes that while technology has evolved, the essence of storytelling remains paramount. “I’m a storyteller at heart, and I don’t like story being minimized in service to just plain spectacle,” he stated. His recent favorite film, “Train Dreams,” embodies this belief, showcasing the narrative depth he values.
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission, led by president and CEO Bill Garvey, aims to attract film and television production to the region. The commission works to develop local talent, ensuring that aspiring filmmakers have access to training and opportunities. “When I did both of those films, I hired talent out of Cleveland,” Lester remarked, highlighting the importance of nurturing local crews.
In conjunction with the gala, Lester’s Production Assistant Workshop on January 10, 2025, is designed to provide hands-on experience and insights into the film industry. He hopes to inspire participants to persevere through challenges, encouraging them to believe in their ideas and contributions. “You have to be tough enough and have confidence in your own ideas and ability to contribute,” he noted.
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission presents “Behind the Camera with David Lester” at 5 p.m. on January 9, 2025, at the Cleveland History Center, located at 10825 East Blvd., Cleveland. The Production Assistant Workshop is scheduled for 10 a.m. on January 10, 2025, at Tri-C’s Metropolitan Campus, located at 2900 Community College Ave., Cleveland. For ticket and registration information for both events, visit clevelandfilm.com.