Jean Claude La Marre

Jean Claude La Marre Biography

Sometimes Credited As: Jean Claude LaMarre, Jean LaMarre

Jean Claude La Marre has quickly established himself as one of the leading young black filmmakers in the industry today.

Jean Claude La Marre has done so by carefully guiding his career, both in front of and behind the camera, with talent and determination as well as an unwavering commitment to make a difference in the world of urban filmmaking.

Whether it be as an actor appearing in such acclaimed works as Malcolm X, a screenwriter penning projects for a variety of studios including Columbia Pictures, Warner Bros., Artisan Entertainment, and Morgan Creek, or as a director whose growing list of credits include the history making urban Western, Gang Of Roses, LaMarre has not only influenced urban filmmaking but filmmaking as a whole.

"There are two types of black filmmaker...," said LaMarre who decided to take a step into directing and producing several years ago following a career of critically-acclaimed performances opposite some of the biggest names in the industry, including Denzel Washington, Danny Glover, and Samuel L. Jackson.

"Talented black filmmakers and filmmakers who are black," continued LaMarre who decided early on to be one of the latter by taking the road less traveled. Following in the footsteps of successful black filmmakers, such as Antoine Fugua (Training Day), F. Gary Gray (The Negotiator), and the Hughes Brothers (Menace II Society), LaMarre is making his mark in the film industry.

LaMarre's commitment to creating urban-influenced films that appeal to a worldwide audience is evident in the product generated under his gifted hand.

His most recent project includes Gang of Roses, the premiere independent urban Western featuring an all-star cast including Lil' Kim, Bobby Brown, Monica Calhoun, Marie Matiko, Stacey Dash, Macy Gray, and Louis Mandylor, written and directed by LaMarre. Set for a 2003 theatrical release, Gang of Roses takes viewers on an old west 1800's adventure with an original hip-hop flavor.

"Gang of Roses works on so many levels," said LaMarre. "It's every child's fantasy, its horses, its cool outfits, its hip-hop, and it empowers urban women. It is a film that accomplishes what I set out to do...to make films that have valuable messages, provides urban entertainment that is not limited to an urban audience and most importantly, films that I can be proud of and watch with my young son."

Additional projects slated to be released next year include the urban college comedy Higher Ed and Nora's Hair Salon. LaMarre has also inked a deal with Columbia Pictures for the hip-hop comedy Blazin' Four, developed and written by LaMarre for the highly successful Kings of Comedy; Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric The Entertainer, and Bernie Mac.
A native of Brooklyn, New York, LaMarre relocated to California in 1999.

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