Strictly speaking, any American movie not made by one of the major studios can be considered an indie movie. In practical terms, it represents a broader range, and includes virtually any kind of film that doesn't have the budget of a big Hollywood film. These almost never get released onto the big screen, even in the sophisticated LA and NY film markets. Those who want to keep in touch with the scene should find out about finding indie movies online.
In terms of quality, it is best to expect to find excellence, but the sort of excellence independent film offers. The typical movie is not simply an inexpensive version of the familiar, formulaic Hollywood movie, but looks into all the corners of life Tinseltown rarely peaks into. There is an advantage to not needing to break a hundred million on opening weekend. It allows an appeal to a more knowledgeable and dedicated viewership.
Perhaps the backbone of independent film is the indie filmmaker, often possessing a Master's degree from one of the growing number of film schools. Frequently, these films are also the work of undegreed, guerilla filmmakers. These types blur together almost seamlessly, with the latter group perhaps a bit more likely to emphasize genre like horror.
The nature of entertainment nearly dictates that there are going to be genres that almost never hit the marketplace jackpot. First among these is the documentary. Documentaries are of out-sized importance in the indie film market. They have a rare capacity to shine a spotlight upon issues that are ignored by Hollywood, and which are ignored by the nightly news as well.
Documentary films have become a weapon of resistance for the powerless living in untended corners of the world, places like Indonesia and Rwanda. At home, they have been a tool for giving attention to impoverished or otherwise marginalized groups of people. The camera counterbalances the advantage in resources possessed by multinational corporations and oppressive regimes.
The world of film school, consisting of graduates, faculty, and current students, naturally dovetails with the world of independent film. Accordingly, the websites that cater to the indie audience often carry those films students use to learn their art, whether "independent" or not. They frequently carry foreign language films, especially acknowledged international classics. They also offer silent films, which are ignored by the blockbuster-addled public.
Minority communities have a special relationship with independent films. These movies help form an alternative media reality to go with their distinct lifestyle. Perhaps first among these people are gays and lesbians, a community with a standing need to see representations of romance that do not reduce to the standard, heterosexual story of a boy and a girl.
Another such minority community is composed of evangelical Christians, Mormons, and other conservative religious groups. Such groups have long complained about a Hollywood culture they feel once reflected traditional values but no longer does so. They too, are building their own media bubble. There are numerous reasons to escape mass media fare and support independent movies.
In terms of quality, it is best to expect to find excellence, but the sort of excellence independent film offers. The typical movie is not simply an inexpensive version of the familiar, formulaic Hollywood movie, but looks into all the corners of life Tinseltown rarely peaks into. There is an advantage to not needing to break a hundred million on opening weekend. It allows an appeal to a more knowledgeable and dedicated viewership.
Perhaps the backbone of independent film is the indie filmmaker, often possessing a Master's degree from one of the growing number of film schools. Frequently, these films are also the work of undegreed, guerilla filmmakers. These types blur together almost seamlessly, with the latter group perhaps a bit more likely to emphasize genre like horror.
The nature of entertainment nearly dictates that there are going to be genres that almost never hit the marketplace jackpot. First among these is the documentary. Documentaries are of out-sized importance in the indie film market. They have a rare capacity to shine a spotlight upon issues that are ignored by Hollywood, and which are ignored by the nightly news as well.
Documentary films have become a weapon of resistance for the powerless living in untended corners of the world, places like Indonesia and Rwanda. At home, they have been a tool for giving attention to impoverished or otherwise marginalized groups of people. The camera counterbalances the advantage in resources possessed by multinational corporations and oppressive regimes.
The world of film school, consisting of graduates, faculty, and current students, naturally dovetails with the world of independent film. Accordingly, the websites that cater to the indie audience often carry those films students use to learn their art, whether "independent" or not. They frequently carry foreign language films, especially acknowledged international classics. They also offer silent films, which are ignored by the blockbuster-addled public.
Minority communities have a special relationship with independent films. These movies help form an alternative media reality to go with their distinct lifestyle. Perhaps first among these people are gays and lesbians, a community with a standing need to see representations of romance that do not reduce to the standard, heterosexual story of a boy and a girl.
Another such minority community is composed of evangelical Christians, Mormons, and other conservative religious groups. Such groups have long complained about a Hollywood culture they feel once reflected traditional values but no longer does so. They too, are building their own media bubble. There are numerous reasons to escape mass media fare and support independent movies.
