Legendary filmmaker Roger Corman, known as the ‘King of the Bs’, has passed away at the age of 98. Corman, who was an Oscar-winning pioneer of independent filmmaking, breathed his last on May 9 at his home in Santa Monica, California, surrounded by his family.
Corman was renowned for his low-budget classics such as ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and ‘Attack of the Crab Monsters’. His films were revolutionary and iconoclastic, capturing the spirit of an age. Despite working on a tight budget, Corman’s movies were always profitable, and his company became a training ground for many major talents in the industry.
Quentin Tarantino paid tribute to Corman, thanking him on behalf of movie lovers worldwide. Jonathan Demme praised Corman for providing tremendous value at an affordable price. Corman’s influence extended beyond the big screen, as he found new outlets for his films on platforms like Showtime and the Sci Fi Channel.
In 2005, Corman signed a deal with Buena Vista Home Entertainment for distribution rights to over 400 of his produced films. Additionally, in 2010, he partnered with Shout Factory for exclusive North American home video rights to 50 of his films.
Roger Corman’s legacy in independent filmmaking will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers. His contributions to the industry have left an indelible mark, and his films will be remembered for their creativity and innovation.