Paul W.S. Anderson

Producer-director

By JEFF SNEIDER

Anderson, left, and Jason Statham on the set of 'Death Race.'

Anderson grew up playing "Space Invaders" in his local British arcade. Today, his "Mortal Kombat," "Resident Evil" and "Alien vs. Predator" pics have collectively grossed more than half a billion dollars worldwide.

"I approach each movie as a new entry within the world of the videogame," he confides. "As a filmmaker, you ignore the fans at your own peril. But it's also important to court nonfans, because you can't make a hit franchise with just gamers. You have to build a broader audience."

Anderson is rewriting the script for "Castlevania," which he is also producing for director Sylvain White. Meanwhile, a bigscreen version of "Spy Hunter" has taken a backseat while Anderson finishes post-production on "Death Race."

"I don't feel pigeonholed, because it hasn't stopped me from making other movies," he says.