“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,

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