|
What is Independent Film?
The question of what makes a film “independent” is more difficult than ever to answer.
Some say it applies to any film whose production is not financed by a major studio, yet these days, most major studios have an independent wing. Others believe it’s about who controls the final cut, while others feel it’s about content or technique.
When it comes to filmmaking, what does truly independent mean to you?
Tell us what you think.
8/21/06
Matthew Brown
Arlington
Passion with out sacrifice, Film has always been the format without regret, and when a true visionary breaches the point of creative freedom, I think independence is accomplished with and without the big budget money.
5/22/06
ronald walters
Baker, Ca.
"Truly" independent filmaking is a boundless idea. Independent is equivocal to "TRUTH". It has many shapes and forms and cannot be defined as black or white. My personal opinion is that independent is when someone has a goal or vision and follows their path. They might get knocked on the ground many times as well as be lifted off their feet, along this journey, but they take it knowing that they are a part of something greater than themselves and revel in the fear and exuberance of what just might happen along this journey.
5/15/06
marcel fayant
edmonton, alberta
Having a belief in your imagination and skills as a writer and hopefully you can take that to a video or film level. Definitely it will not be an easy task to get your words onto a visual format, but nowadays technology makes things easier. What you thought once was for others, can now be for you . Is there success? It depends how big you are trying to reach for, that big one can be hard to attain and can be a downfall for ones emotions. You've done it, but still you hurt. Easy to give up, harder to keep yourself in check, and move onto the next project. It might take years for your success. It might take a day to leave it all together.
4/3/06
Paula Cavagnaro
California
It is funny, so often we define elements of art and life with words that are ingrained in us. Sometimes I know what they mean but I forget their meaning. So when the question is posed - "What is independent film" I decide to look up independent which is defined as "Free from the influence, guidance, or control of another or others; self-reliant."
I thought about that for a minute and decided that I think that is a good description of independent film - self reliant. Films that are engaging, questioning, moving, etc based solely on what they are about or how they are told instead of how they are polished for this or that demographic. Raw, unapologetic for its style or content - that is independent film. Or at least what I want it to be.
3/10/06
Harold McNaron
Atlanta, GA
Maybe the "independant" label is going through the same lifespan that the "alternative" label went through in music a little while back. At first, both scenes were a reaction to popular, financially-successful art. There was little to no financial support for indy/alternative artists who sought out new artforms or, at least, artforms that did not fit what was currently popular/financially successful. Then alternative/independant artists caught the attention of groups larger than their close friends & families. Artwork began to sell & become popular. The question is now begged, alternative to what?Independant of what?
I we could start a movement focused on defining exactly what "independant" means. We could have tenets and stickers of approval like the Dogma 95 Collective.
3/10/06
Margarita
Idaho
Sometimes I think independent film is defined by the budget because the major studio thing seems to bloat the budget. I heard Crash was
made for $6mil which seems impossible with that cast. And Junebug was made for $1mil. So there's probably something to the budget issue.
But what about indies being films that just need a little more love and understanding than can be given by a studio executive who has to spend most of his (or her) time covering their ass(es)? Crash was reportedly turned down by the majors who didn't want to deal with the themes . . . . Probably also has to do with the filmmaker's vision and not wanting to do a work "for hire" for a studio looking for the next blockbuster.
3/6/06
Wilm De
An independent film provokes controversy makes one think more about a subject usually you know nothing about and is made by a few people over the course of many months sometimes years Example of these would be Love & Diane which two years later I am still thinking about.
3/6/06
Frank Rosen
Los Angeles
After viewing the Oscars last night and seeing the results - independent films were at the top - from Crash to Capote to Brokeback and even Hustle and Flow. It makes me wonder if Hollywood is reacting to the political climate by going toward what our current govt. would call "liberal" themes. Nevertheless, the blurrr between independent and non-independent is just that.... a blur. Does it matter? Yes, if the director has creative control instead of a bunch of suits calling the shots through focus groups and what made box office bucks - that's independent to me. Original ideas, plurality of thought and filmmaking innovation without the pressure attached to big budget endeavors - that's independent to me!
Thanks for asking.
3/6/06
Fiona
Port Townsend, WA
Hats off the the establishment, I guess.
Robert Altman, who's been outside the Hollywood system his entire career, was honored by the Academy at the oscar ceremony last nite. In the past the Academy of Motion Pix Arts & Sciences was the bastion of what is non-indie. If you look at what won the Independent Spirit Awards, the Golden Globes and the Oscars, you will see that this year independents have moved over into what was once the mainstream. And Crash for Best Film? That was a surprise. Maybe it's just that the Academy voters are getting younger, or maybe it doesn't matter anymore...
3/6/06
Wendy B.
San Francisco, CA.
I feel like independent film is film that is operating outside the corporate system (although, because of recent successes, this line is getting blurred). In my vision of what indie film is, there aren't as many layers in the creative decision making process, and they are not driven by the bottom line. Whenever an organization grows, it adds levels of management, which tamper with the ability to create fresh, provacative content. To me, indie film is about telling personal stories, where the endings don't have to be happy and the whiz bang doesn't come from added effects, but from the story itself, and the characters. A lower budget makes it more possible to take risks.
I am always interested in the filmmakers, and have heard countless stories of labors of love because a story must be told, even though it means going into debt and sacrificing personal time. I don't think this is necessary, but it illustrates the level of dedication these filmmakers have. They have a personal connection to the story.
The fairly recent revolution in digital cameras and desktop editing systems have made it possible for a number of stories to be told which would have never seen the light of day. Because of their successes, we have seen funding available for topics that would have been considered too unpopular or controversial before. The whole effect for me, is that the films I am able to choose from feel much smarter and less formulaic. If this influences the whole industry, it can only be a good thing, but I am always on the lookout for new filmmakers on a shoestring who are telling their own story as only they can.
2/17/06
Robin Wild
Paradise, CA
I believe that these days an independent film is mostly related to budget, since the big studios are professing that they are on the edge themselves. Heres a good example from actor Alec Baldwin when he was on the Dave Letterman show a few years ago promoting The Cooler:
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 filmmakers, that scene is one shot, and done before 9 a.m.
|
the National Endowment for the Arts