What is an Indie Film / Independent Film?

Independent film
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An independent film, or indie film, is a film that is produced outside, "independent", of the Hollywood Studio system. Additionally, the term is used to describe less commercially-driven art films which differ markedly from the norms of plot-driven, mainstream classical Hollywood cinema. These films are often produced by subsidiaries of larger studios, such as Sony Pictures Classics, but are not really considered independent films even if less than half of its budget comes from a major movie studio. In 2005, about 15% of the U.S. domestic box office revenue was from independent studios. Independent films are often distinguishable by their content or style. The writer or director's original authorial intent or personal creative vision is usually maintained in the final film.
The independent film scene's development in the 1990s and 2000s has been stimulated by a range of factors, including the development of affordable high-definition digital video cameras that can rival 35 mm film quality and easy-to-use computer editing software and the increasing visibility of independent film festivals such as the Sundance Film Festival.

History
The roots of independent film can be traced back to the early pioneer filmmakers in the 1900s who resisted the control of a company called the Motion Picture Patents Company and the Edison trusts. Independent filmmakers built their own cameras and moved to Southern California where they laid the foundations of the American film industry as well as the Hollywood studio.This period can be classified as the first era.
The studio system eventually became so powerful that some filmmakers once again sought independence as a result. The second era of indie filmmaking is highly influenced by World War 2. Numerous social and cultural changes had been taking place all over the world at that time due to the effect of the ongoing war, which created a pool of new ideas and views to be tested in the films; one of which is the conception of Film Noir: a style very much prevalent even in the crime dramas of the recent years. Some of the greatest films of the 20th century such as Citizen Kane and Chinatown fall into the category of film noir.
The third era, comprising the time span of the 60’s and the 70’s is shaped by the Freedom of speech and Anti-war movements, and not the least, The Hippie Movement. In this period the indie directors and producers insisted on making films that are more “down to earth”. While the major studios kept on producing films the same old storyline which kept the moviegoers off the theatres, independent filmmakers started realizing the potential the teenagers hold in the 13-17 year old demographic.
And finally comes the modern era, starting from the late 80’s till today. This period is characterized by the swarm of new indie films released frequently, thanks to modern inventions of cost-efficient technology which make the process of creating and distributing films easier than before. Filmmakers no longer have to depend on the major studios to provide them with filming equipment as this have become inexpensive and accessible; neither have they to rely on the studios to edit and distribute films. Editing can be done on the home computer because a large array of professional scale editing software is available in the market. Previews and teasers of new films can be viewed on the Internet for free. Pulp Fiction, The Blair Witch Project, Clerks, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind are few of the influential films of the 20th and the 21st century.
What links all these periods is the concept of independent production as a form of resistance to any attempts towards monopolization of the American film industry. Independent filmmakers around the world have created a diverse range of filmmaking styles that symbolize their own unique cultures and subcultures such as experimental film and underground film. Some independent filmmakers use digital video techniques. While most of the U.S. film industry is located in Los Angeles, one-third of all independent films in the U.S. are produced in New York City.

Technology
Until the advent of digital alternatives, the cost of professional film equipment and stock was a major obstacle to independent filmmakers who wanted to make their own films. The cost of 35 mm film is steadily rising: in 2002 alone, film negative costs were up 23%, according to Variety.[2] Studio-quality filming typically required expensive lighting and post-production facilities.
But the advent of consumer camcorders in 1985, and more importantly, the arrival of high-definition digital video in the early 1990s, have since lowered the technology barrier to movie production considerably. 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 DVD, FireWire connections and professional-level non-linear editing system software make movie-making relatively inexpensive.
The first independent film released on HD DVD was One Six Right on November 1, 2006.

Independent versus major: Indiewood
On the business side, the cost of big-budget studio films also leads to conservative choices in cast and crew. The problem is exacerbated by the trend towards co-financing. An unproven film director is almost never given the opportunity to get his or her big break with the studios unless he or she otherwise has significant industry experience in film or television. Films with "unknowns" in the cast, particularly in lead roles, are also rarely produced by the Big Six.
The increasing popularity and feasibility of low-budget (but not necessarily low-quality) films over the last 15 years has led to a vast increase in the number of aspiring filmmakers -- people who have written spec scripts and who hope to find several million dollars to turn that script into an independent film sensation like Reservoir Dogs, Little Miss Sunshine, or Juno. These aspiring filmmakers often work day-jobs while they pitch their scripts to independent film production companies, talent agents, and wealthy investors. Their dream seems much more attainable than before the independent film revolution because these novice filmmakers no longer need to gain the backing of a major studio and access to perhaps a hundred million dollars to make their film.
Independent movie-making has also resulted in the proliferation and repopularization of short films and short film festivals. Full-length films are often showcased at film festivals such as the Sundance Film Festival, the Slamdance Film Festival, the South By Southwest film festival, the Raindance Film Festival, ACE Film Festival, or the Cannes Film Festival. Award winners from these exhibitions are more likely to get picked up for distribution by major film studios.