The Business
James Schamus makes directorial debut with 'Indignation'
James Schamus was a successful producer of independent films with his company, Good Machine, and then as the CEO of art-house label Focus Features for 13 years. In 2013, he was fired and decided to try something new. Schamus tells us about calling the shots on his directorial debut, Indignation.
As head of Focus Features for 13 years, James Schamus released such movies as Lost in Translation, Brokeback Mountain and The Kids are Alright. But in 2013, he was fired -- and emboldened to direct his first film. His new feature, Indignation, is based on a Philip Roth novel. He tells us about taking a career leap at age 56, and why he doesn't believe in asking for advice.
Photo: Director James Schamus (L) and actor Logan Lerman on the set of Indignation. (Alison Cohen Rosa/Roadside Attractions)
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2 storiesHollywood breakdown
Matt Belloni, executive editor of the Hollywood Reporter joins Kim Masters to discuss top entertainment news stories of the week.
Read the story7 min'Indignation' director James Schamus
James Schamus has long been a huge figure in the world of independent film. In the early 1990's he and Ted Hope founded the production company Good Machine, where they released movies which launched the careers of directors like Ang Lee and Todd Haynes.
Read the story20 min