He has 400 movies to his name. And he says now is 'the most difficult' time to make one

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“I’ve spent my entire life working on independent films,” says veteran producer Cassian Elwes, “and this may be the most difficult period of time ever.”Elwes has been in the thick of indie producing for 40 years, finding plenty of success with titles like “The Butler” and “Dallas Buyers Club.” His latest, the Gus Van Sant-directed “Dead Man’s Wire,” was one of his hardest yet to get across the finish line, even as its journey to an awards season release — its Oscar-qualifying run begins Dec.12 — highlighted everything about passion and perseverance that keeps Elwes doing it.

“I had those moments, staring at the phone, it isn’t ringing, and thinking, ‘What am I going to do?’ But I’ve always had this motto to myself, to never give up.As I’ve gotten older, when people say no to me, it just drives me harder.”Not for nothing was Elwes interested in telling the true story of Tony Kiritsis (Bill Skarsgård), who became an outlaw folk hero in the 1970s when he kidnapped the son of an insurance company executive.

As ill-advised as Kiritsis’ problem-solving was, the metaphor for indie film was apparent.“This guy wants to fight the system,” says Elwes.

“I hoped we could plant in people’s minds that there’s an alternative to what we get from studios.”Describe your low point getting “Dead Man’s Wire” made.In the early part of last year, the whole movie just blew up.During preproduction, everybody left.

The actor, the director.Then the guy who gave me the money for preproduction called and said, “I didn’t give it as a gift.

You have 60 days to give it back to me.” I thought, I’m just going to have to knock it out.I was in this level of depression.

Then one day, I’m having coffee at the Soho House, and I see Gus Van Sant walking across the room, like a message from God.I ran over to him.

“Gus! I’ve got a movie for...