On September 27, the DGA Eastern Region Special Projects Committee hosted a special evening in the Guild’s offices in New York with one of the godfathers of the U.S. Independent Film movement, Director John Sayles.

Following an introduction by East Coast Special Projects Committee Chair Raymond DeFelitta, Sayles sat down with moderator Jace Alexander to discuss his long career that began as a screenwriter for producer Roger Corman in the 1970s.

Sayles launched his directing career in 1979 with Return of the Secaucus Seven. He recently released his 17th feature film Amigo. For the evening’s discussion, clips were shown from his films Matewan (1987), The Secret of Roan Inish (1994), and Limbo (1999).

Sayles noted the good fortune he has enjoyed over the years of finding terrific acting talent prior to their becoming known industry-wide, such as David Strathairn, Gordon Clapp and Chris Cooper, whom who he has continued to work with. He explained how restrictions of working within a budget can lead to creative choices and cutting styles. He remarked at the extraordinary talent pool in Ireland that brought the language alive in The Secret of Roan Inish.

An actor in Sayles's Eight Man Out (1987), moderator director Jace Alexander showed footage of his performance as a ball player in the film. Sayles also praised the many excellent cinematographers that have brought his vision in each film to life.

Known as a storyteller, Sayles has also directed music videos for Bruce Springsteen including Born in the USA, I’m on Fire, and Glory Days. His book Thinking in Pictures, about the making of Matewan, is taught in film classes and has never been out of print.

Sayles joined the DGA in 1996.