Panel + Conversation
Jonathan Demme
Oscar-winning filmmaker Jonathan Demme is a triple-threat: director, writer and producer. Among the highlights of his wide-ranging film career are “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991), “Philadelphia” (1993) and The Talking Heads concert film “Stop Making Sense” (1984). Joel Stillerman, AMC’s president of programming and development, talked with Demme about his lucky breaks, his evolution as a filmmaker, and his love of filmed music.
Recorded Sunday, May 9, 2015 at Wellmont Theatre
In Conversation is presented by 
Jonathan Demme describes starting out in the film industry: his college-newspaper review of the film “Zulu” led to a meeting with movie producer Joseph E. Levine, and then to a job working for the legendary mogul.
Jonathan Demme remembers his first job interview with independent filmmaker Roger Corman – a job that led to Demme’s first shot at writing and producing a film.
Joel Stillerman asks Jonathan Demme about his evolution as a filmmaker. Demme describes the path to his current perspective: that filmmaking is an active collaboration between everyone on the cast and the crew.
Jonathan Demme describes his passion for creating music films, including his work with Neil Young, his upcoming film of Justin Timberlake’s “20/20” tour, and classic Talking Heads film, “Stop Making Sense.”
