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    Back to The Business

    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.

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    By Kim Masters • Jul 30, 2016 • 29m Listen

    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)

    In this episode

    2 stories
    1. 1:28

      Hollywood breakdown

      Matt Belloni, executive editor of the Hollywood Reporter joins Kim Masters to discuss top entertainment news stories of the week.

      Read the story
      7 min
    2. 8:36

      '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 story
      20 min
    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Kim Masters

      partner/writer at Puck News, host of KCRW's “The Business.”

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Kaitlin Parker

      Producer, 'The Business' and 'Hollywood Breakdown'

      CultureEntertainmentArts

    In this episode

    2 stories
    1. 1:287 min

      Hollywood breakdown

    2. 8:3620 min

      'Indignation' director James Schamus

    Back to The Business