The 50 Wealthiest Angelenos: James Cameron

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NET WORTH:

$680 million 4.6%

LAST YEAR: $650 million

AGE: 58

RESIDENCE: Malibu

SOURCE OF WEALTH: Movies

THE MONEY: Screenwriter, director and producer behind blockbusters over three decades; his films have grossed nearly $6 billion worldwide. Reportedly received $350 million payday for 2009’s “Avatar” and $97 million for initial release of “Titanic” in 1997. Takes on projects through Santa Monica-based Lightstorm Entertainment production house and Burbank 3-D technology firm Cameron-Pace Group.

BUZZ: Resigned from board of Beverly Hills 3-D technology firm RealD Inc. in February, citing heavy workload. In preproduction for two “Avatar” sequels, first of which might not hit theaters until 2016 or 2017. Won major court victory in January when California federal judge ruled he independently created the “Avatar” story and didn’t have to share profits with artist who claimed he pitched a similar storyline in 1991 – one of several such lawsuits since “Avatar” became a box-office and licensing success. Walt Disney Co. has rights to create “Avatar” attraction at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Fla.; expected to open in 2016. Though he claimed last year that he’s in the “Avatar”-only business for now, Lightstorm has taken on additional projects, mostly in the documentary field. Last fall acquired film rights to Taylor Stevens’ adventure novel “The Informationist” for Cameron’s post-“Avatar” to-direct list. Cameron-Pace, Dolby Laboratories and Royal Philips Electronics in April created partnership for next-generation technology, including glasses-free 3-D TV and mobile content viewing. Cameron helped develop variety of 3-D, underwater filming and remote vehicle technologies, including digital 3-D Fusion Camera System. Born in province of Ontario and still Canadian citizen. Has been married five times. Currently married to “Titanic” actress Suzy Amis, with whom he has three children.

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