Independent films are produced with minimal budgets, often financed by the producers themselves or outside sources. They explore controversial themes and offer experimental filmmaking techniques, with complete artistic control given to the director and crew. Independent films may take a longer path to completion, but success in film festivals can lead to major distribution. Traditional actors and directors may also work on independent films for personal interest or as a favor to friends.
An independent film is a film produced independently with a minimal shooting budget. Producers often have to raise all the finance, which means either investing in the film themselves or finding outside finance. The director usually agrees to waive his usual union fee or offers to work for a percentage of the film’s profits, if any. Likewise, the writers, production staff, and actors involved agree to work for union-wide minimum wages or other compensation.
Independent films often benefit from remaining independent of a major film studio. Many of the themes explored in these films would not be considered appealing to the mass audience sought by the major studios. Controversial topics or experimental filmmaking techniques are part of indie culture, which prides itself on not being formulaic or mainstream. A director and his crew usually enjoy complete artistic control over the production.
While major studio films may go straight to theaters, independent films may have a much more roundabout path to follow. They can be completed over time, beginning with principal photography and possibly ending several years later with post-production work. A finished film can be entered into several prestigious competitions and film festivals. Success in these smaller venues can get the film noticed by major distributors. If a film is successfully picked up by a studio or distributor, it could actually be seen on thousands of screens, and producers could actually recoup their initial investments.
Sometimes, independent films actually feature a number of traditional actors, writers and directors looking for smaller projects of personal interest. Actress Parker Posey, for example, has become known as the “Queen of the Indies” for her frequent appearances in low-budget films with high artistic concepts. Traditional actors or directors may also agree to work on a film as a personal favor for a friend just starting out in the business or as a diversion from the usual roles Hollywood can offer them.
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