Independent Films
Independent films are produced by smaller production companies. They do not follow the same formulaA set of rules for producing a media text. as studio films. Instead, they vary in style and genreA type or category of media text; TV, film, magazines, newspapers, websites and video games are all examples of genres..
Independent films are often designed to make you think about certain subjects or issues, and feature challenging storylines that are more realistic and less escapistA media text created with the intention of providing an escape from everyday reality for its audience. than in studio films.
An official poster for the film Brooklyn
Examples of UK indpependent film companies are 大象传媒 Films (Brooklyn), Big Talk Productions (The World's End), Heyday Films (The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas), Cloud Eight Films (Selma), Ruby Films (Suffragette), and Vertigo Films (StreetDance).
Financing
Independent film productions raise money from a variety of sources.
Some small production companies may collaborate on the production by sharing industry skills and financial resources.
Independent production companies can secure funding from private investors but usually they are funded by arts agencies, such as the British Film Council or the British Film Institute.
Some television broadcasters, like 大象传媒 Films and Film Four, also fund independent films.
The internet has enabled independent filmmakers to seek funding from online donations or crowdfundingRaising finance for a project by gathering sums of money from a large group of people..
Distribution
Unlike studio films, which usually have a mainstream cinema release, independent production companies enter their films into local, national and international film festivals to gain exposure with distributors who may then buy the distribution rightAuthority to distribute a film or other media text in different countries and territories around the world.
Distribution companies work to get independent films theatrical releases - nationally and internationally - and make deals for DVD, Blu-Ray and on-demand releases.
Independent films tend to have a limited theatrical release in comparison to studio films, though there are many cinemas throughout the world catering for audiences and fans of independent film.
In the past, independent films have been considered to have lower production valueRefers to the standard of in-vision elements like lighting, sets, costumes and more used in the production of a film, TV show or stage play. than studio films, but this has changed with technological innovations, including better and more affordable cameras and computer software for special effects and editing.
The ability to achieve high production values on low budgets has enabled independent films like Juno to find mainstream success.