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Jim Jarmusch’s Golden Rules
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Rule #1: There are no rules. There are as many ways to make a film as there are potential filmmakers. It’s an open form. Anyway, I would personally never presume to tell anyone else what to do or how to do anything. To me that’s like telling someone else what their religious beliefs should be. Fuck that. That’s against my personal philosophy—more of a code than a set of “rules.” Therefore, disregard the “rules” you are presently reading, and instead consider them to be merely notes to myself. One should make one’s own “notes” because there is no one way to do anything. If anyone tells you there is only one way, their way, get as far away from them as possible, both physically and philosophically.
Rule #2: Don’t let the fuckers get ya. They can either help you, or not help you, but they can’t stop you. People who finance films, distribute films, promote films and exhibit films are not filmmakers. They are not interested in letting filmmakers define and dictate the way they do their business, so filmmakers should have no interest in allowing them to dictate the way a film is made. Carry a gun if necessary.
Also, avoid sycophants at all costs. There are always people around who only want to be involved in filmmaking to get rich, get famous, or get laid. Generally, they know as much about filmmaking as George W. Bush knows about hand-to-hand combat.
Rule #3: The production is there to serve the film. The film is not there to serve the production. Unfortunately, in the world of filmmaking this is almost universally backwards. The film is not being made to serve the budget, the schedule, or the resumes of those involved. Filmmakers who don’t understand this should be hung from their ankles and asked why the sky appears to be upside down.
Rule #4: Filmmaking is a collaborative process. You get the chance to work with others whose minds and ideas may be stronger than your own. Make sure they remain focused on their own function and not someone else’s job, or you’ll have a big mess. But treat all collaborators as equals and with respect. A production assistant who is holding back traffic so the crew can get a shot is no less important than the actors in the scene, the director of photography, the production designer or the director. Hierarchy is for those whose egos are inflated or out of control, or for people in the military. Those with whom you choose to collaborate, if you make good choices, can elevate the quality and content of your film to a much higher plane than any one mind could imagine on its own. If you don’t want to work with other people, go paint a painting or write a book. (And if you want to be a fucking dictator, I guess these days you just have to go into politics...).
Rule #5: Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere
that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour
old films, new
films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random
conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds,
bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal
from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work
(and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality
is nonexistent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery—celebrate
it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc
Godard said: “It’s not where you take things from—it’s
where you take them to.” MM
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COMMENTS | POST A COMMENT 
- Comment by Chohrge on 1/10/09 at 8:30 am
Some language cleansing is required here.
- Comment by hugo on 1/10/09 at 1:24 pm
Don’t bother cleaning up the language - it’s perfect as it is. Any children interested enough in directing to want to read this article is no doubt mature enough to handle the f word.
- Comment by jeroboam bramblejam on 1/11/09 at 11:27 am
Words to live by: “...Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows.” - Jim Jarmusch
Words to die by: “Some language cleansing is required here.” - Chohrge
- Comment by rate movies on 1/18/09 at 6:14 pm
this is a great article.
- Comment by Alekx on 1/18/09 at 7:01 pm
Groovy.
Straight to the point.
Great Job!- Comment by John Weil-Seattle Personal Injury lawyers on 1/19/09 at 4:15 am
Direction is not a game of Tom Dick and Harry, Hats off to those who dare to direct, it needs lots of skill and creativity.
- Comment by Digital Video Fan on 1/20/09 at 7:10 am
I like this - it has attitude
Telling it like it is - good one!
A.
- Comment by hid kit on 1/30/09 at 2:41 am
I stumbled across this artile while searching for something else but WOW what an excellent read.
I particularly agreed with “Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination.”
I couldn’t agreed more. Bookmarked this site, thanks.
- Comment by ryan on 2/09/09 at 8:09 am
The same could be said of most art forms. Please yourself and others will follow.
- Comment by Florida Loan Modifications on 2/09/09 at 8:45 pm
Thanks for the post, during these trying times with the economy, hopefully we can see a celebration of the indie projects that focus on dialogue over special effects.
- Comment by casininio on 2/22/09 at 2:00 pm
Jim Jarmusch is my idol
- Comment by Mini-New Mexico personal injury lawyer on 3/19/09 at 4:31 am
Thanks for the post, really very informative post for all the readers.
- Comment by Johnny on 4/03/09 at 1:26 pm
Wow Jim, 5 rules every director and anyone who works on set for that matter, should adhere to.
I am a P.A. and I had chills running down my spine reading these rules.
This article really resonates with me as I am currently writing and directing my own spec spots, and scripts.- Comment by jimbrother on 4/04/09 at 4:12 am
Yo, i completey agree with you. What jim is said is exactly right.Right there i was..
thanks to jim once again.
regards,
water damage dallas- Comment by debt quote on 4/14/09 at 5:03 pm
Completely agree with the above comment. Great Rules! Thanks for sharing this.
- Comment by Josh LaFayette on 4/28/09 at 11:38 pm
Brilliant.
- Comment by directory on 4/30/09 at 5:18 am
good!!!
- Comment by bwin on 5/11/09 at 8:24 am
Great post ! thanks Dude !
- Comment by Sandy28 on 5/17/09 at 6:29 pm
Very good pic! Has added to itself
- Comment by club penguin on 5/21/09 at 3:37 am
Don’t bother cleaning up the language and it’s perfect as it is. Any children interested enough in directing to want to read this article is no doubt mature enough to handle the f word.
- Comment by William Lee on 5/30/09 at 9:09 am
‘Cleansing’ is creepy word.
- Comment by thani on 7/09/09 at 8:48 am
Superb Stuff JJ!
How’s it that everybody seems to love the stealing part though? Definitely says something innate about us.
Note-making, note-worthy. Thanks Jarmusch.
- Comment by Budapest on 7/19/09 at 8:25 am
I love Rule #2. Don’t let the fuckers get ya. It also applies for all the other areas of life. I’d say it’s a golden rule for life.
- Comment by Wedding Butterfly on 8/14/09 at 11:23 am
I’ve always wanted to creating films. I have too many ideas swimming through my head but I fear I may not make it but now I realize, nothing ventured nothing gained. Thank you for this post. I’ll keep your rules in mind. Or maybe I shouldn’t see this as “rules”, more like guidelines, right?
- Comment by HGH on 8/31/09 at 12:02 am
Thanks for the wonderful information- just wondering if anyone else has had any relevant experiences to share
- Comment by Lingerie on 9/03/09 at 4:55 pm
First golden rule: There are no rules. That’s a great concept and it’s not just applicable in the cinema world but also life in general. Thanks for the information. I will most certainly follow your “rules”, or maybe I should say guidelines.
- Comment by Internet TV software on 10/06/09 at 12:57 pm
I gotta remember that. The most important rule is that there are no rules, and just as well because hey stifle creativity.
- Comment by civil rights litigation on 10/13/09 at 8:57 am
Rule 4 is a good point. Film making is a collaborative process and without cooperation there’s a slim chance of ever making a good movie.
- Comment by P90X Reviews on 10/15/09 at 3:28 pm
“Don’t let the fuckers get ya” Yeah! I say to hell with them. You’ll never get anywhere if you keep on listening to all the haters.
- Comment by takong delvis on 10/16/09 at 4:54 am
This article is great and atraight to the point. I like it. wow!
- Comment by @OlhoNaTV on 10/20/09 at 7:33 pm
It’s so filming!
- Comment by netyazari on 10/24/09 at 1:02 pm
- Comment by Grand Palladium Punta Cana on 10/28/09 at 10:37 am
Sycophant, a person who uses flattery to win favor from individuals wielding influence. I agree, they should avoided at all cost.
Grand Palladium Punta Cana- Comment by Tony-Audio on 10/30/09 at 1:16 pm
Jim Jarmusch is my idol
- Comment by cipi - it services on 11/02/09 at 2:17 pm
tnx for data sharing ! i very like your post and hope to read more from your blog
- Comment by Wintersport Oostenrijk on 11/11/09 at 11:10 am
Hehe, great article! I love rule number 5 since I believe 99% of the planet is doing it! ;)
- Comment by Michael Bartlett on 11/23/09 at 4:26 pm
Finally - somebody writing with some sense. 99% of the people I deal with in the business don’t have a f*cking clue what they are talking about - it’s always “You can’t do this” and “You can’t do that.”
The number of ppl who build their excellent reputations on pure BS is amazing - these self-serving ilk have no understanding about what real filmmaking is about.
I stuck to my guns as a director and it worked out. Admittedly I got shafted on my first distribution deal, but we were young and green at the time and desperate to have a film ‘out there.’
Now I know better and I quite enjoy calling ppl out who try to commit sins against Rules 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Originality - I kind of think it still exists. And I certainly don’t think we should all be going out there making a film about a guy who turns out to be dead at the end and then claim we had never seen Jacob’s Ladder. M Night - I’m looking in your direction!!
;)
- Comment by Raleigh Coupons on 12/02/09 at 4:07 pm
Thanks for the guidelines. Definitely something to keep in mind when you try to venture into the film industry.
- Comment by Mark Ewans on 12/07/09 at 3:03 pm
Really a good and interactive post, i think the post is informative and knowledge providing both in regard of current affairs and present economic Situations.
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Nailart- Comment by twitter music backgrounds on 12/08/09 at 8:54 am
The next time I visit Downtown Detroit, I would like to check out the music scene. What kind of a music scene does Downtown Detroit have and where are the best places to see good music. I am interested in seeing contemporary new age music, classical music, and jazz music.
- Comment by pallet delivery on 12/26/09 at 10:07 am
“Nothing is original” That is so true. Even this phrase isn’t original. All ideas come from inspirations or influences.
- Comment by enozth on 2/01/10 at 1:14 pm
Great post ! Thank you for your post
- Comment by Therapeutic Pillow on 2/07/10 at 9:04 pm
The first rule rocks! Yeah, no rule actually when it comes to film making.
- Comment by levis 501 on 2/08/10 at 10:31 pm
Yes, I do agree that we should always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: “It’s not where you take things from—it’s where you take them to.
- Comment by Belinda Scheider on 2/15/10 at 9:21 pm
“Don’t let the fuckers get ya.” Among all of the rules, this one rocks! Love it! Thanks bro.
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stack on gun cabinet- Comment by Tiara Thompson on 2/15/10 at 9:23 pm
Well, I still love rules #1...there’s no actually rules. You know why I like it? Coz I love impromptu. O yeah.
Hindu Baby Names- Comment by Zack-HID on 2/19/10 at 11:03 am
Groovy.Straight to the point.Great Job!
- Comment by Tony-Sponsor on 2/22/10 at 10:53 am
“Nothing is original” That is so true. Even this phrase isn’t original. All ideas come from inspirations or influences.
- Comment by beanbag2100 on 3/02/10 at 11:08 am
Completely agree with the above comment. Great Rules! Thanks for sharing this.
- Comment by Leona Millenium on 3/15/10 at 3:46 am
Wow Jim, 5 rules every director and anyone who works on set for that matter, should adhere to.
I am a P.A. and I had chills running down my spine reading these rules.
This article really resonates with me as I am currently writing and directing my own spec spots, and scripts.
Free Make Up Samples- Comment by Ms. Mercedes Jones on 3/15/10 at 1:24 pm
Don’t bother cleaning up the language - it’s perfect as it is. Any children interested enough in directing to want to read this article is no doubt mature enough to handle the f word.
- Comment by Leona Millenium on 3/16/10 at 12:28 am
It’s an open form. Anyway, I would personally never presume to tell anyone else what to do or how to do anything. To me that’s like telling someone else what their religious beliefs should be.
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v necks- Comment by Bobo on 3/28/10 at 10:23 am
Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. That’s what I thought too. combat arms aim bot
- Comment by Ragnarok on 4/02/10 at 7:25 am
The film is not there to serve the production. Unfortunately, in the world of filmmaking this is almost universally backwards. The film is not being made to serve the budget, the schedule, or the resumes of those involved. Cooking Class Tuscany
- Comment by CTS on 4/07/10 at 10:40 am
This website is so helpful!!
This helped me make an awesome movie!!
I got 97% on in my CTS class!!
Although, some points were taken off for mentioning the second rule.- Comment by skimboards on 4/23/10 at 10:03 am
This are some serious words of wisdom. I’m learning a lot!
- Comment by Cast Iron Register Covers on 5/07/10 at 8:27 am
Your ideas are topnotch! This will really be helpful to aspiring film makers.
- Comment by joe-chip on 5/07/10 at 10:05 am
Don’t bother cleaning up the language - it’s perfect as it is. Any children interested enough in directing to want to read this article is no doubt mature enough to handle the f word.
- Comment by Lotions on 5/14/10 at 9:50 am
Thanks for sharing these golden rules. Great work!
- Comment by dresses on 5/30/10 at 9:19 am
It is natural that women wants to look different from others and for this purpose they spend heavy amount on their makeup, jewelry, shoes and other accessories, the same case is with the dresses. The south Asian women spend little more than other part of world’s women on their beauty and dressing. When they go for functions like marriage ceremonies and occasions like EID DEVALI and BASANT. Women try to be in traditional dresses, which should be according to the latest fashion requirements and the purpose behind this effort is to look different and prominent. and we recongnize this and we made some special formal wear for those who are too much touchy about their dresses.
hope you people like this.
thanks- Comment by Ram Ramirez on 6/06/10 at 8:07 pm
Completely agree with the above comment. Great Rules! Thanks for sharing this.
- Comment by bill peters on 6/07/10 at 10:28 am
I don’t like the comment that nothing is original. There are too many american films that just follow the same format.
- Comment by Tony The Alarm Guy on 6/08/10 at 10:33 am
Jim Jarmusch is my idol
- Comment by Remote on 6/10/10 at 4:56 pm
Talent is innate. Though some learn at workshops,but innate talent is way far too good.We can never teach someone to cry,we can just gave them drive or hints on how to make it best.
- Comment by Ultimate Frisbee on 6/18/10 at 2:32 pm
I’m spaming your post.
- Comment by Loan Modification in Florida on 6/19/10 at 12:39 am
Great article. You are so right when saying nothing is original! I have to say that I truly enjoyed the read. You held nothing back and really there is NO grey area in your writing. You have inspired me to devour the old films!
- Comment by mercedes rent a car on 6/24/10 at 4:42 am
Don’t bother cleansing up the terminology - it’s perfect as ıt’s. Any kids fascinated enough in directing to wish to read this article is no doubt mature sufficient to handle the f word.
- Comment by Scott on 6/25/10 at 3:19 am
I admire direction. It is not just a petty work, it is worship. Until and unless you are not engrossed in the subject, you can never produce the yearned creativity. http://www.bestdebtcare.com/forum.php
- Comment by توبيكات on 7/03/10 at 1:15 pm
thanx for all
- Comment by ktx on 7/17/10 at 7:30 pm
@Chohrge: you missed the whole point.
- Comment by Web Tasarım | John Alden on 7/23/10 at 8:48 am
Thanks for the post it’s lovely!
- Comment by Mobile Phone offers on 7/24/10 at 3:11 am
I always wonder why rule number one is always there is no rule?
- Comment by offshore on 8/13/10 at 3:40 am
I am sure these rules will take me to Jail :)
Lolz well i feel the rules actually mean to break the conventional film making rules and be passionate.
You must agree with me because i am carrying a gun as Jim Mentioned- Comment by villash on 8/21/10 at 2:34 am
I also always people around who only want to be involved in filmmaking to get rich, get famous, or get laid. Generally, they know as much about filmmaking as George W. Bush knows about hand-to-hand combat...Transfer Test Northern Ireland
- Comment by macaaandina.net on 8/22/10 at 10:05 am
The next time I visit Downtown Detroit, I would like to check out the music scene. What kind of a music scene does Downtown Detroit have and where are the best places to see good music. I am interested in seeing contemporary new age music, classical music, and jazz music.
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The greatest point here is ‘There are no rules’, because real directing is such an unexpected process that you can not make any rules to follow.
- Comment by Facebook on 8/28/10 at 3:19 am
I’ll check back here often. Thank you for the info.
- Comment by Mr. Clean Teeth on 8/30/10 at 2:58 pm
I love this guy, thanks man
This story was published in the Winter 2004 MovieMaker Magazine. The headline was:
My Golden Rules
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posted 08.9.10
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