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.
From the standpoint of quality, one should bring certain expectations. The films aren't typically just low budget versions of the same old Hollywood formulas, but typically explore themes and techniques the can't usually be found there. They take advantage of the fact that they don't have to earn one hundred million dollars, and try to appeal to a smaller, more discriminating audience.
The work horses of the independent movie is the small band of independent film makers, increasingly sporting their Masters of Fine Arts in film. There is also an army of untutored enthusiasts with cameras. These directors and producers are part of the same field, with the un-degreed, "wildcat" moviemakers perhaps more drawn toward action-packed genres like horror.
There are whole genres of motion picture that have almost no chance to make big box office just because of their nature. Documentary film is an obvious example. The documentary is a flourishing segment of the independent film community, important not just because of its unique power to address subjects Hollywood doesn't touch, but subjects that one rarely sees on the evening news.
Documentaries have been used as an instrument of social resistance, deployed by the world's most powerless. Often, documentaries are the best way a Westerner can come to understand the plight of those eking out an existence in those obscure corners of the world, such as Serbia and Indonesia. Within the West, documentaries peer into the unattended corners still with us, often on the underbelly of our gleaming cities. One camera can undercut the messaging of dictatorial regimes and uncaring corporations.
Since the independent film world is full of film school graduates, dedicated websites serving this select audience are also fine sources for movies film-makers use to learn their art. They generally carry foreign language films, and many of the sites are genuinely committed to representing as many nations as possible. Many also carry silent films, one of the world's unacknowledged treasures almost completely unwatched by the sugar-stimulated 21st century audience.
Among the wonderful things indie films can do is make movies that help minorities see their lives reflected on the screen. The films can actually become a vital aspect of such groups' lifestyle, a pocket universe of media within the mass market. The LGBT community, eager to find screen romances that break the heterosexual mold, takes full advantage of indie movies' ability to give voice and image to smaller audiences.
Another group is the evangelical community, which effectively includes Mormons. Both groups raise the objection that Hollywood has ignored their socially conservative values, and have begun making their own films. More and more people have come to value independent film, and increasingly, the best place to find them is online.
From the standpoint of quality, one should bring certain expectations. The films aren't typically just low budget versions of the same old Hollywood formulas, but typically explore themes and techniques the can't usually be found there. They take advantage of the fact that they don't have to earn one hundred million dollars, and try to appeal to a smaller, more discriminating audience.
The work horses of the independent movie is the small band of independent film makers, increasingly sporting their Masters of Fine Arts in film. There is also an army of untutored enthusiasts with cameras. These directors and producers are part of the same field, with the un-degreed, "wildcat" moviemakers perhaps more drawn toward action-packed genres like horror.
There are whole genres of motion picture that have almost no chance to make big box office just because of their nature. Documentary film is an obvious example. The documentary is a flourishing segment of the independent film community, important not just because of its unique power to address subjects Hollywood doesn't touch, but subjects that one rarely sees on the evening news.
Documentaries have been used as an instrument of social resistance, deployed by the world's most powerless. Often, documentaries are the best way a Westerner can come to understand the plight of those eking out an existence in those obscure corners of the world, such as Serbia and Indonesia. Within the West, documentaries peer into the unattended corners still with us, often on the underbelly of our gleaming cities. One camera can undercut the messaging of dictatorial regimes and uncaring corporations.
Since the independent film world is full of film school graduates, dedicated websites serving this select audience are also fine sources for movies film-makers use to learn their art. They generally carry foreign language films, and many of the sites are genuinely committed to representing as many nations as possible. Many also carry silent films, one of the world's unacknowledged treasures almost completely unwatched by the sugar-stimulated 21st century audience.
Among the wonderful things indie films can do is make movies that help minorities see their lives reflected on the screen. The films can actually become a vital aspect of such groups' lifestyle, a pocket universe of media within the mass market. The LGBT community, eager to find screen romances that break the heterosexual mold, takes full advantage of indie movies' ability to give voice and image to smaller audiences.
Another group is the evangelical community, which effectively includes Mormons. Both groups raise the objection that Hollywood has ignored their socially conservative values, and have begun making their own films. More and more people have come to value independent film, and increasingly, the best place to find them is online.
