Independent film

An independent film (or indie film) is a film initially produced without financing or distribution from a major movie studio. Creative, business, and technological reasons have all contributed to the growth of the indie film scene in the late 20th and early 21st century.

Indie vs Major

Creatively, it was becoming increasingly difficult to get studio backing for experimental films. Experimental elements in theme and style are inhibitors for the big studios.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On the business side, the costs of big-budget studio films also leads to conservative choices in cast and crew. The problem is exacerbated by the trend towards co-financing (over two-thirds of the films put out by Warner Bros. in 2000 were joint ventures, up from 10% in 1987). An unproven director is almost never given the opportunity to get his or her big break with the studios unless he or she has significant industry experience in film or television. Films with unknowns, particularly in lead roles, are also rarely produced.

Related Topics:
Warner Bros. - 2000 - 1987

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Another key expense for independent movie makers is the music for the film. The licensing fees for popular songs can range between US$10,000 - $20,000.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Anecdotal evidence for the difference between indie films and studio films abounds. The following example was taken from a guest on David Letterman's talk show in November 2003:

Related Topics:
David Letterman - Talk show - 2003

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

:The scene "Amy opens the window" takes half a day and perhaps ten shots in a big studio production:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

::Amy walks to the window,

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

::Window itself,

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

::Amy touching the handle,

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

::shot from outside the window, etc.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

:For independent film makers, that scene is one shot, and done before 9 a.m.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Independent movie-making has resulted in the proliferation of short films and short film festivals. Full-length films are often showcased at film festivals such as Robert Redford's Sundance Film Festival, the Slamdance Film Festival or the Cannes Film Festival. Award winners from these exhibitions often get picked up for distribution by major film studios, and go on to worldwide releases.

Related Topics:
Short film - Short film festival - Film festival - Robert Redford - Sundance Film Festival - Slamdance Film Festival - Cannes Film Festival

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~