How has Jim Jarmusch remained an independent filmmaker?
Jon Kilik: He’s stayed true to what he’s been doing from the beginning. With Stranger than Paradise, Jim set a standard and inspired so many young filmmakers, including me. Stacey Smith: Everything about him is independent. He doesn’t know how to work any other way. With Jim, there’s no development process. The development process is: Jim writes the script and decides who he’s going to collaborate with. Actors want to work with him, because of the respect he shows his cast. He develops longstanding relationships with his creative team and he’s extremely collaborative, but it’s a bit like alchemy. There’s something about the way he brings everything together that is absolutely unique…and he can only do that if he has the freedom to do it his way. JK: He has created a wide range of material, but all of it consistent with his own style. The film world tries to pressure any artist to change. He’s remained steadfast and stayed true to his instincts, his style, and his way of working. He’s r
