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.

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)

Kim Masters
partner/writer at Puck News, host of KCRW's “The Business.”
Kaitlin Parker
Producer, 'The Business' and 'Hollywood Breakdown'

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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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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.

Share