Film producer Daly dies aged 71

Daly, whose films include The Terminator, started as a music manager

British film-maker John Daly, who produced Oscar-winning movies including Platoon and The Last Emperor has died, aged 71.

He died in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after struggling with cancer, his daughter Jenny said.

Daly helped to produce films that earned 13 best picture Academy Awards and a further 21 Oscar nominations.

He helped to launch the careers of actors Keanu Reeves and Julia Roberts.

Early success in show business came in 1967 when, together with actor David Hemmings, he formed Hemdale - a company which managed rock bands including Black Sabbath.

The company went on to become an independent film producer, making hit films including Tommy.

Hemdale went on to make more than 100 films.

"John was truly a giant in the industry who changed film-making for the better," said Lawrence Lotman, of Film and Music Entertainment - the production company that Daly had been chairman of since 2003.

He is survived by daughter Jenny and three sons - Michael, Julian and Timothy.