Louis Leterrier French film director, actor and producer Date of Birth: 17.06.1973 Country: France

1. Louis Leterrier: Early Life and Education
2. Assistant Director and Early Collaborations
3. Breakthrough with "The Transporter"
4. Solo Debut and "The Transporter 2"
5. Hollywood Success with "The Incredible Hulk"
6. "Clash of the Titans" and Beyond

Louis Leterrier: Early Life and Education

Born on June 17, 1973, in Paris, France, Louis Leterrier was raised in an artistic family. His father, François Leterrier, was a filmmaker, and his mother, Catherine Leterrier, a costume designer, who nurtured his passion for art. Catherine was the elder sister of French politician and former Prime Minister Laurent Fabius, making Louis his nephew.

Initially drawn to music, Louis became a drummer in a rock band. However, his interest in filmmaking soon took hold. At eighteen, he left France after taking advertising courses and pursued his studies at New York University's acclaimed Tisch School of the Arts.

Assistant Director and Early Collaborations

In 1997, Leterrier served as Jean-Pierre Jeunet's assistant on "Alien Resurrection," the final installment of the iconic sci-fi franchise. Upon returning to France, he worked with Luc Besson on advertisements for "Internet Club" and "L'Oréal." Leterrier also contributed as second assistant director to Alain Chabat's "Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra."

Breakthrough with "The Transporter"

Leterrier's directorial debut came in 2002 with the high-octane action film "The Transporter," starring Jason Statham. He shared directorial duties with Hong Kong actor and director Corey Yuen, focusing on overall direction while Yuen handled fight scenes and car chases. Leterrier joined Chris Nahon and Pierre Morel as part of the "Besson stable," a group of filmmakers working on films produced by Luc Besson.

Solo Debut and "The Transporter 2"

Leterrier's first solo directorial effort was the martial arts film "Danny the Dog," starring Jet Li in 2004. Besson entrusted him with the directorial reins for "Transporter 2," which this time took place in Miami. Leterrier also directed the music video for the song "Cinglé" by the band Enhancer.

Hollywood Success with "The Incredible Hulk"

As part of a wave of French filmmakers invited to Hollywood, Leterrier directed his first American blockbuster, "The Incredible Hulk," in 2008. Starring Edward Norton as the titular superhero, the film garnered critical and commercial success.

"Clash of the Titans" and Beyond

Leterrier's most recent project was a remake of the 1981 film "Clash of the Titans," penned by Lawrence Kasdan and produced by Warner Bros. Released in 2010, the film hinted at Leterrier's aspirations to establish it as a successful franchise.