Mark Seiler, a veteran studio executive and former president of RKO Pictures, Hemdale Films, and CEO of Capella Films, passed away on July 7 at the age of 75. His death followed a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and complications from COVID-19. Throughout his career, Seiler was instrumental in the financing and production of numerous successful and critically acclaimed films.
Seiler was born on May 2, 1948, in Glen Cove, New York, to Carl Seiler and Madelyn Seiler. He grew up in Sands Point, Long Island, and attended Buckley Day School, Choate Rosemary Hall, and Paul D. Schreiber High School. He later graduated from Tulane University with a BS in Economics.
After completing his education, Seiler found himself in Hollywood and began working for RKO Pictures, a revival of the historic Hollywood studio brand. RKO Pictures was the movie and video subsidiary of RKO General Inc., which was a unit of Gencorp Inc.
Seiler quickly climbed the ranks and became president of RKO Film Group. At the age of 37, he was named president of RKO Pictures in July 1985, replacing C. Robert Manby. Seiler recruited his friend, attorney Jerry Offsay, to join RKO and take over the film group. Offsay later became president of programming for Showtime Networks and now runs his own company, Parkchester Pictures. Seiler’s decision to bring Offsay on board had a profound impact on his life and career.
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One of Seiler’s strengths was his ability to spot talent, both creative and executive. During his time at RKO, he played a major role in casting Denzel Washington in the George Segal dramedy “Carbon Copy” after seeing the young actor’s theater work. He also handpicked the cast for the war movie “Hamburger Hill,” which included future stars Don Cheadle, Dylan McDermott, Courtney B. Vance, and Steven Weber.
Seiler’s eye for talent extended beyond actors. He recognized the potential of Marc Platt, who went on to produce successful films like “Legally Blonde,” “Bridge of Spies,” and “La La Land.” Platt credits Seiler with guiding him and instilling confidence during his early days in Hollywood.
In the early 1990s, Seiler transitioned from RKO to become CEO of Capella Films, a German-backed film financing company. During his tenure, Capella backed several successful comedies, including “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” “Dumb and Dumber,” “The Mask,” and “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.” The company also ventured into critically acclaimed dramatic films, such as “The Shadow” and “Nobody’s Fool.”
Towards the end of the 1990s, Seiler shifted his focus to anti-piracy technology. He formed a partnership called Geocodex, specializing in geo-encryption. Initially, Geocodex provided services to the film industry and later expanded to other fields.
Seiler is survived by his fiancée, actress Morgan Fairchild, as well as his sisters Carolyn Seiler Hehir and Amy Seiler, and his brother Scott Seiler. A memorial is being planned for early December. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Mark Seiler’s contributions to the film industry, his keen eye for talent, and his dedication to combating piracy have left a lasting impact. His legacy will continue to inspire and shape the industry for years to come.
