Jim Jarmusch, an independent filmmaker who has been a key player in the industry since his 1984 film "Stranger Than Paradise," recently expressed concerns about the current state of the film industry. In an interview with The Guardian to promote his new album "Silver Haze," Jarmusch discussed how the industry has changed, lamenting the fact that deals he was able to negotiate earlier in his career are now no longer possible.
Jarmusch believes that if anyone were to ask for similar deals today, they would be "laughed out of the fucking building." Despite this, Jarmusch remains committed to his fiercely independent spirit and distinctive voice, having released a wide range of films from hip-hop martial arts movies to vampire romances over the years.
However, he also acknowledges the increasingly difficult landscape for artists and the lack of sustainable business models for independent filmmakers. Even with these challenges, Jarmusch is still planning his next movie, proving that he is not ready to give up on the industry just yet.
According to Jarmusch, the film industry has essentially vanished and the situation has only worsened over time. He expressed frustration with the fact that the type of split-rights deals he used to be able to negotiate with financiers, which allowed for equal 50-50 shared profits after costs, are no longer feasible. In fact, if someone were to suggest such a deal today, they would be ridiculed.
Jarmusch's uncompromising creative process is increasingly at odds with the current economic landscape that filmmakers must navigate. He acknowledges that he is a control freak who must work on his own terms, from selecting his own collaborators to producing the film through his own company, and retaining final cut. While he allows financiers to give notes on a rough cut, he contractually has no obligation to use them.
Despite the challenges he perceives in the film industry, the auteur remains committed to creating new work and is currently developing another feature film, which may not involve any music. While he was hesitant to share too many specifics, he did reveal that he is finalizing the cast for the untitled project.
Jarmusch stated that he wrote the screenplay with certain actors in mind, but is currently working to bring them on board. He compares actors to wild animals that he must corral and hopes to capture some incredible performers for the project. Despite the difficulties involved, he is determined to bring his vision to life.
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