A major figure in international film distribution turned studio head and leading producer of big-budget Hollywood action fare, Kassar is reputed to be the youngest person to ever form his own foreign distribution company, Kassar Films International. Created in 1969 when the future mogul was a mere 18, the firm specialized in the sale, distribution, and exhibition of feature films throughout Asia and Europe. Before long Kassar also boasted successful offices in Rome and Paris. In 1976, he formed Carolco Pictures, Inc. with partner Andrew Vajna, whom he had met while on a business trip to Hong