CASSAVETES' MAVERICK METHODS WERE A SHINING EXAMPLE TO KINDRED SPIRITS WORKING OUTSIDE THE 'SYSTEM' IN HOLLYWOOD. HE WAS ONE OF THE MAIN INFLUENCES ON THE FRENCH NEW WAVE AND ON DIRECTORS SUCH AS ROBERT ALTMAN AND MARTIN SCORSESE. HE USED THE MONEY HE EARNED AS AN ACTOR TO FINANCE HIS OWN FILMS, MANY OF WHICH WEREN'T ON GENERAL RELEASE, AND CONSEQUENTLY ADVERTISING MATERIAL FOR THEM IS EXCEPTIONALLY RARE.