Arne Schmidt, an extraordinary individual distinguished by his unshakeable fortitude and unyielding determination, emerged into the world in the vibrant city of Cleveland, Ohio, a metropolis that would provide the fertile soil for the growth and development of his remarkable life's journey.
Arne's early life was profoundly influenced by the unwavering dedication and affection of his parents, David and Pauline Schmidt, who provided a nurturing environment that fostered his growth and development.
Arne's collegiate journey began with a freshman year at Ohio State University, a renowned academic institution that served as a catalyst for his intellectual and professional development, laying the groundwork for a bright and promising future.
It was during his sophomore year that a pivotal moment in his life was set in motion, as Arne made the bold and courageous decision to leave his current surroundings and join his family in the vibrant and culturally rich city of Los Angeles, California, a metropolis that would forever hold a special place in his heart and play a significant role in shaping his future.
At the University of California, Los Angeles, Arne persisted in his pursuit of higher learning with an unrelenting passion, subsequently achieving a Bachelor of Science degree in the field of philosophy in the year 1970.
As a testament to his remarkable aptitude, this extraordinary achievement functioned as the impetus for Arne's meteoric rise to prominence, a trajectory that would be characterized by a plethora of esteemed recognitions and impressive accomplishments, ultimately solidifying his reputation as a paragon of excellence.
John Frankenheimer, a prominent film director, significantly impacted the early career of Schmidt, who initially responded to an advertisement for a part-time job involving the meticulous task of washing and waxing cars. This fortuitous opportunity enabled Schmidt to refine his skills over a period of three years, during which he received invaluable guidance and mentorship from Frankenheimer. The director's wisdom and tutelage proved to be a transformative moment in Schmidt's career, as it was through Frankenheimer that he became acquainted with the esteemed Directors Guild Assistant Director Training Program.
John Schmidt's journey to success was marked by perseverance and determination, as he initially faced setbacks before ultimately securing employment as an assistant director on three low-budget films produced by renowned filmmaking duo Gene and Roger Corman. This experience served as a valuable stepping stone, allowing him to reapply to the prestigious trainee program and, after a period of time, secure a spot. This opportunity proved to be a turning point in Schmidt's career, as it enabled him to collaborate with some of the most accomplished and respected directors of the era, including John Schlesinger, known for his work on films such as "Midnight Cowboy" and "Sunday Bloody Sunday", Michael Cimino, acclaimed director of "The Deer Hunter" and "Heaven's Gate", Delbert Mann, veteran director with a long list of credits including "Marty" and "That's My Boy", Peter Bogdanovich, highly acclaimed director and actor, known for his work on films such as "The Last Picture Show" and "What's Up, Doc?", Elia Kazan, legendary director and actor, best known for his work on films such as "On the Waterfront" and "A Streetcar Named Desire", Robert Wise, highly respected director and editor, known for his work on films such as "West Side Story" and "The Sound of Music", Karel Reisz, Czech-born director known for his work on films such as "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning" and "The French Lieutenant's Woman", Martin Scorsese, highly acclaimed director known for his work on films such as "Mean Streets" and "Taxi Driver", Richard Attenborough, British director and actor, known for his work on films such as "Chaplin" and "Gandhi", Sam Fuller, highly respected director known for his work on films such as "Shock Corridor" and "The Naked Kiss", Francis Coppola, highly acclaimed director known for his work on films such as "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now", Wim Wenders, German director known for his work on films such as "Paris, Texas" and "Wings of Desire", John Milius, highly respected director and screenwriter, known for his work on films such as "Apocalypse Now" and "Conan the Barbarian", Michael Crichton, novelist and director, known for his work on films such as "Westworld" and "Jurassic Park", and John Hughes, highly acclaimed director and screenwriter, known for his work on films such as "The Breakfast Club" and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off".
Jon Davison, a renowned figure in the film industry, extended an invitation to Schmidt, marking a pivotal moment in his career, to produce the groundbreaking and influential movie RoboCop, directed by the celebrated Dutch filmmaker Paul Verhoeven, whose distinctive style and vision had already garnered widespread acclaim and recognition.
This collaboration not only solidified Schmidt's reputation as a skilled and accomplished producer but also provided him with the opportunity to work alongside other notable and accomplished directors, including Andrew Davis, who had previously directed films such as The Package and The Fugitive, Penny Marshall, who had previously directed films such as Big and Awakenings, William Friedkin, a master of suspense with credits like The French Connection and The Exorcist, Randall Wallace, who had written and directed films like Braveheart and The Man in the Iron Mask, Rob Cohen, a director of action-packed films like The Fast and the Furious and Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, and Tim Burton, a visionary filmmaker behind iconic movies like Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands, further expanding his portfolio and expertise as a producer.
Through this collaboration, Schmidt was able to gain valuable experience and insight from working with such a talented and diverse group of filmmakers, and to hone his skills as a producer, further solidifying his reputation in the film industry.
Notable beyond his accomplished career as a producer, Schmidt has simultaneously nurtured his creative inclinations as a screenwriter, pouring his heart and soul into crafting original screenplays.
One of his most notable literary endeavors, Chain Reaction, was successfully brought to life in 1996, while several other screenplays he penned were sold or optioned, awaiting the perfect opportunity to be realized on the big screen.
Following his eventual retirement from the world of producing, Schmidt continued to hone his craft, devoting a decade of dedication and perseverance to the development of his script for Hunter Killer.
The culmination of this tireless effort was the eventual production of his long-gestating project, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the art of storytelling.
Today, Schmidt remains steadfast in his pursuit of captivating narratives, perpetually generating new and innovative spec scripts, a shining example of his enduring passion for the film industry and its limitless creative possibilities.
