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.

Technology

Until the advent of digital alternatives, the cost of professional film equipment and stock was also a hurdle to being able to produce, direct, or star in a traditional studio film. The cost of 35mm film is outpacing inflation: in 2002 alone, film negative costs were up 23%, according to Variety. Film requires expensive lighting and post-production facilities.

Related Topics:
Digital - 35mm film - 2002 - Variety - Post-production

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But the advent of consumer camcorders in 1985, and more importantly, the arrival of high-resolution digital video in the early 1990s, have lowered the technology barrier to movie production significantly. Both production and post-production costs have been significantly lowered; today, the hardware and software for post-production can be installed in a commodity-based personal computer. Technologies such as DVDs, IEEE 1394 connections and non-linear editing system pro-level software like the open source Cinelerra or the commercial Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro and consumer level software such as the open source Kino, or the commercial Final Cut Express and iMovie make movie-making relatively inexpensive.

Related Topics:
Camcorder - 1985 - Digital video - 1990s - Personal computer - DVD - IEEE 1394 - Non-linear editing system - Open source - Cinelerra - Adobe Premiere Pro - Final Cut Pro - Kino - Final Cut Express - IMovie

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Popular digital camcorders, mostly semi-professional equipment with

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3-CCD technology, include:

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• Canon http://www.canondv.com/xl1s/ , GL2, XL1(S), XL2
• Panasonic AG-DVX100/AG-DVX100A
• Sony VX-1000/2000/2100
• Sony PD-150/170

Most of these cost between US$2,000 - $5,000 in 2003, with costs continuing to decline as features are added, and models depreciate.

Related Topics:
US$ - 2003

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