LodeStar Pictures Est. 1956
LodeStar Pictures Logo created by Daniel H. Disney
Meredith A. Disney
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Charles Elias Disney
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Daniel H. Disney
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LodeStar Pictures: Film Financing Pioneers...
Cecil B. deMille
LodeStar Pictures is an early private film financing entity originally established by Meredith A. Disney in 1956 in Kansas City, Missouri. Offices were originally located in the historic Scarrit Building in downtown Kansas City. The enterprise relocated to California in 1972. Meredith mortgaged personal real estate property to assist with early minor seed financing for a film directed by longtime close personal family friend--the legendary film pioneer Cecil B. deMille. The investment paid off and led to another film financing deal and this established LodeStar Pictures as a reliable private source for independent films.
Cecil B. deMille has always been considered one of the "Fathers of Hollywood" as well as one of the founders of Paramount Pictures Corporation and his extraordinary and exceptional career as a creator of many magnificent films spanning several generations is second to none! Actually, Cecil and Walt Disney were very longtime close personal friends. Both men shared the same conservative and political beliefs!
Meredith’s son Charles Elias Disney joined her in the enterprise and other films were privately financed. In later years Daniel H. Disney and David Nelson and others became associated with LodeStar Pictures. Charles was also the President of Central Cinema Company in the 1970's. This entity operated several multiplex theatres in the Midwest and was sold in 1980.
The name of “LodeStar” was chosen by Meredith because LodeStar's very clear meaning and definition characterizes what she intended for her fledgling film financing enterprise: “A star that leads or guides!”
Meredith went on to expand her success with the original film financing project and in ensuing years numerous other films received “seed” financing from LodeStar Pictures.
When the enterprise moved to California, the entity was later associated with, among others, Goldcrest Ltd. And, the LodeStar Pictures offices were first at Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood for many years, and later at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, and finally in Hollywood again in the First National Building at Hollywood Blvd. and Highland Avenues, until 2006 when the entity merged with another film financing enterprise.
Cecil B. deMille has always been considered one of the "Fathers of Hollywood" as well as one of the founders of Paramount Pictures Corporation and his extraordinary and exceptional career as a creator of many magnificent films spanning several generations is second to none! Actually, Cecil and Walt Disney were very longtime close personal friends. Both men shared the same conservative and political beliefs!
Meredith’s son Charles Elias Disney joined her in the enterprise and other films were privately financed. In later years Daniel H. Disney and David Nelson and others became associated with LodeStar Pictures. Charles was also the President of Central Cinema Company in the 1970's. This entity operated several multiplex theatres in the Midwest and was sold in 1980.
The name of “LodeStar” was chosen by Meredith because LodeStar's very clear meaning and definition characterizes what she intended for her fledgling film financing enterprise: “A star that leads or guides!”
Meredith went on to expand her success with the original film financing project and in ensuing years numerous other films received “seed” financing from LodeStar Pictures.
When the enterprise moved to California, the entity was later associated with, among others, Goldcrest Ltd. And, the LodeStar Pictures offices were first at Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood for many years, and later at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, and finally in Hollywood again in the First National Building at Hollywood Blvd. and Highland Avenues, until 2006 when the entity merged with another film financing enterprise.
Brothers Daniel H. Disney & Charles Elias Disney expanded LodeStar Pictures into a new century...
When LodeStar Pictures founder Meredith A. Disney passed away in 1998, her sons Charles Elias Disney and Daniel H. Disney continued the film financing enterprise in Hollywood. They provided the seed financing for numerous films and actually expanded the staff in their offices located in Hollywood at one of the most visible intersections in the historic and iconic First National Building Hollywood Blvd. and Highland Avenue!
Daniel and Charles Elias have since retired and are enjoying so-called "less stressful" lifestyles and enjoy volunteering with various church causes, advocating in behalf of the less fortunate, endangered animals, and many philanthropic endeavors. LodeStar Pictures merged operations in 2006 and what remains: "Countless wonderful, inspiring, and joyful memories, and most importantly, long and life-lasting friendships!" Any continued income derived from LodeStar Pictures is used exclusively and solely to fund several non-profit charitable and philanthropic efforts as envisioned by the founder of the enterprise!
Daniel suffered a near fatal heart attack and endured a five-bypass open heart surgery in the summer of 2014 and is still recovering as well as can be expected! Charles Elias was attacked by a female lioness in 2016 while he was filming in South and East Africa and as an active advocate in behalf of saving endangered species--something he has been quite passionate about for all of his life! He is still slowly recovering from this encounter that he solely attributes to his own carelessness--and, as he says: "These magnificent creatures are man-eaters and must always be respected as such! I do so truly love these awesome creatures and will always serve as their human advocate!" Some retirements! Aye!
Daniel and Charles Elias have since retired and are enjoying so-called "less stressful" lifestyles and enjoy volunteering with various church causes, advocating in behalf of the less fortunate, endangered animals, and many philanthropic endeavors. LodeStar Pictures merged operations in 2006 and what remains: "Countless wonderful, inspiring, and joyful memories, and most importantly, long and life-lasting friendships!" Any continued income derived from LodeStar Pictures is used exclusively and solely to fund several non-profit charitable and philanthropic efforts as envisioned by the founder of the enterprise!
Daniel suffered a near fatal heart attack and endured a five-bypass open heart surgery in the summer of 2014 and is still recovering as well as can be expected! Charles Elias was attacked by a female lioness in 2016 while he was filming in South and East Africa and as an active advocate in behalf of saving endangered species--something he has been quite passionate about for all of his life! He is still slowly recovering from this encounter that he solely attributes to his own carelessness--and, as he says: "These magnificent creatures are man-eaters and must always be respected as such! I do so truly love these awesome creatures and will always serve as their human advocate!" Some retirements! Aye!
Charles Elias Disney & brother Daniel H. Disney in the LodeStar Pictures Hollywood offices celebrating a birthday (2001)
Charles Elias Disney in the LodeStar Pictures Hollywood offices (2001)
It's all about making films!
LodeStar Pictures Est.1956. Executive Offices formerly in the historic First National Building in Hollywood, California (2000) located across from the Dolby Theatre, where the annual Academy Awards are presented. Also across from the famous Disney El Capitan Theatre, the Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Grauman's Egyptian Theatre.