By Open Book
The 64th Cannes International Film Festival awarded the Palme d’Or to The Tree of Life, The Artist and Melancholia.[1] Some say the Cannes International Film Festival is where films can exemplify a countries social construct. In the first part of this series Blockbuster vs. Indie Films: Part 1, we discussed American consumers preference for blockbuster films and why major studios are veering away from producing specialty films. In this article we will discuss the current market and future distribution and what consumers can do to support indie filmmakers.
What’s an indie film? It’s a low budget (5 to 25 million) film made outside the studio system. An independent film represents the filmmaker’s vision untouched by studio executives. They usually take on issues mainstream films will not address. In other words they go against the system be it, political, social, class etc…. Film festivals play a key role in helping local filmmakers get their films seen and distributed. Yet, not all indie films will be seen this year. According to an article Indie Films State of the Union, it states,
“In fact, indie films are not in good shape. Here are the numbers that prove it: Only about 40 of the 3,812 finished films that were submitted to Sundance this year will get any kind of distribution at all. That’s slightly over one percent. The other 98% you will never get to see – not even on Netflix.[2]”
So what caused this problem? Many speculate the advancement of digital technology opened the floodgates and now filmmakers can produce films cheaper and faster. Although, some want to blame the indie filmmaker and distributors for the oversaturation. The truth is, all this attention has provoked some serious debate over what American audiences want to see. More scrutiny over quality versus quantity. Should more indie films go straight to video than seek theatrical release? Are American audiences not seeing indie films due to poor marketing and availability? The list goes on. Yet, one question still remains.
What does the future hold for indie films? Some interesting ideas have begun to circulate. One company called Cinetic Media started by John Sloss is a top indie films sales agent, advocates making films available on the Internet rather than in theaters. In an article from the New York Times in 2008 John Sloss states,[3]
“We’re going to make it our business to go to every portal, every mobile provider, every video-on-demand service and make the most aggressive deals we can,”
So what does this mean to the average consumer? So far indie films (sometimes referred to as art house or specialty) fail to attract consumers attention online. Mainstream films are still winning over indie films online and in theaters. Some claim this problem can be resolved through aggressive marketing. However according to an article in the New York Times, the Motion Picture Association (MPAA) the average cost for marketing an indie film was 25.7 million in 2007, which was up nearly 44% from the year before. The marketing overhead is what caused major studios to back away from distributing indie films. Today it’s believed there is more support for American indie films internationally than domestic. However, it’s still too soon to tell given moviegoers are so unpredictable. For example it was reported in February 2011 by the MPAA moviegoers 50 and older attendance was up due to films like King’s Speech, Black Swan, True Grit and The Fighter being released.[4] So what’s it going to take to resolve these issues relies on consumer support and demand. What were some of your favorite indie films from last year and why?
Please join us for a discussion: Tuesday 5/24/2011@7pE/12UTC
[1] http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/05/22/cannes-film-festival-2011awards/
[2] http://www.culturalweekly.com/indie-films-state-of-the-union.html
[4] http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/26/business/media/26moviegoers.html?_r=1&ref=motionpictureassociationofamerica
comicreleaf
comicrelief2
Comic Relief
parisienne
littlebells
Lurker
ozzie20
Open Book
LIH
linkedinhollywood.com 
Thank you Open Book! This answered questions I had from earlier. 🙂
I finally saw KS on DVD, saw BS in the theater, and saw TF 4 times: 3 in the theater and once on DVD. Is it coincidence that these films were picked and distributed widely because of the cast or would they have still been successful (story line) with an unknown cast? What do you think?
It makes me sad indie films are not making it. It truly saddens me that 98% of films will never be seen, especially on netflix! I love my netflix and love going to the “foreign” section because I know there are some amazing films. If Cinetic Media can make it work with the internet, I hope it is successful. My only downfall with the internet is I hate is I don’t have a laptop and my desktop is not in a place where I can sit comfortably.
Thanks again OB!
Yeah, it is shocking only 1% will ever be seen. However, not every indie film is great. I mean there are good and bad ones like anything else. But I think when u have less to work with u spend more time developing characters and plot lines more aggressively.
With big budget films it’s easy to hide poor character and script development with shock and awe. However at the end I want to discuss the entire experience not just one aspect of it, which is sometimes the case with blockbuster films. What do u think?
ITA! I don’t mind shock and awe. I don’t mind senseless plot with 90% action than dialogue, but that’s when I don’t have enough energy to want to think. 🙂 As we have discussed before it’s not cheap to see a movie so if I’m going to spend my $10.50 (that’s what it is here), I want to walk out, come back here and talk about everything! I’ve never been able to discuss cinematography or even costumes like we do here and I LOVE IT!!!
When I was growing up I remember my mom and I talking about the films we saw together and that lead into deeper discussions about real things that go on in this world. Our discussions got me thinking, therefore I love stimulating conversation.
Blockbusters are great, but I hate asking myself questions that never get answered. YKWIM? Movies are very influential.
LB! U mentioned u go to film festivals sometimes. Did u ever see a film at a festival u thought was good but did not make it into theaters?
I want to hear that answer too. I haven’t been to a film festival in a long time.
I’ve only been to the one in San Jose and HTB was it. I would absolutely love to go to more but I don’t know how to go about it. Any tips? I would love to go to the one Santa Monica. My mom lives in LA so that would be perfect.
I’m sure there are websites for local film festivals.
Especially in the LA area, the last one I went to was there.
Thanks CR! I will have to check it out! I must say I am thankful for IMDB, because when I find actors and actresses I really like in indies, it’s nice to find their other work so I can put it on my netflix list.
I have become an IMBD fanatic too. I’m looking for a 4-step program to break the habit.
O.k. my favorite site and I’m a subscriber. It is http://www.indiewire.com/
The LA Film Festival is in June LB! This is a really great one to go too.
Oooooh! Thanks OB! I will see if I can work it out to go because that would so much fun. 🙂
Thanks for the website, I’m going to bookmark it!
U are welcome!!
Thanks OB,
Sorry got lost in that link. I’ve never been there before so I appreciate the new site.
No Problem!!
Interesting site!
Open Book,
Great article, finance wise the scenario you are describing is actually really troubling. I’m a fan of both kinds of movies myself. I rely on Indies for relief from some blockbusters that I just don’t have any interest or time for. If I don’t want to sit through a “Fast Five” or some broad comedy like the “Other Guys” I’m probably looking for a “King’s Speech” or a “Social Network”. If I personally think the Indies are too pretentious like say “Michael Clayton” or “Crazy Heart” I’m looking for a “Thor”. I know everyones’ personal tastes impact everyone’s choices. For many my preferences may be reversed options for someone else.
The fact that there are fairly no differences in price to produce these films is really scary. Sorry, I believe higher marketing budgets for the Indys really diminishes the difference in viewpoint. Without independent voices, despite quality of vision or development, what intellectual options do audiences really have?
Again this was a great article.
Hi CR!
Great Q’s and perspective.
I think diversity is so very important. I like to see a film to match whatever mood I’m in sometimes.I do like to be surprised when watching a film I think indie films are perfect for that.
What was the last film you chose to match your mood?
LOL!!! Hmm! I’ll have to come back to that one.
Diary of a Mad Black Woman. 🙂
I’m afraid to ask but I’ll be bold. How did that match your mood?
LOL I love the scene in the closet where all of her clothes are being thrown out. It reminds me of someone I know.
Chuckle, chuckle, I’m going to have to get over my fear of asking you.
LOL
Plus I can pull a Madea mood like you would not believe. Not that that’s a good thing. 🙂
LOL!
LOL! Paris….
Welcome new and returning visitors to our discussion tonight. Please feel free to jump in and voice your opinion on this topic.
HI Open Book!
Hi everyone!
Hi LB and OB.
Hi! *waves*
I remember seeing my first independent film, Enchanted April, when it came out in 1992. It was at the art house nearby. When I first saw it, I thought it was slow and boring, but hey, I was only 15. I saw a few years later in college and I truly enjoyed it.
Chuckle chuckle, “what a difference a day makes….”
Exactly, but it was nice to be exposed to indies so early on because I realized that there were so many quality films “out there” that weren’t in most theaters.
LB!
I started watching foreign films when I was young too. Sometimes the subject matter was a bit over my head but I still liked watching them I don’t know why. LOL!!
Probably because you are an intellectual and appreciate quality work! 🙂
That’s too high a compliment I can’t live up to LB! LOL!! I’ve always been overly curious about different cultures.
LB & OB,
I rarely admit it but I really love foreign films. I believe the last time I was at a discussion about a foreign film it was an Indian film.
I was amazed how different and similar their films and culture were.
When or if you don’t travel much a foreign film is a good substitute.
Open Book,
What would you say to those who have trouble defining or distinguishing independent voices? I believe everyone consumes features films, yet it may be hard to distinguish what is really an independent viewpoint and what is not.
For instance obviously a novel or painting is more likely to be the product of a fewer group of viewpoints. In a film with potentially thousands at work, it may be difficult to distinguish what has a unique viewpoint.
I certainly recognize what Hollywood thinks is unique in the viewpoint of a movie like “Tree of Life” but I really don’t see it being dissimilar from what so many are attracted to in movies from that South western US. Looking back at the Rotten Tomatoes reviews of a film like “The Passion of the Christ”. That was a truly different viewpoint from what Hollywood traditionally appreciates yet it was really well received by American audiences.
How can we expect that movie and others like it will continue to be made made if the marketing bill is so high?
Good Q CR!
Currently, films are seasonal. Meaning HW will put out more films during the Fall then in the Summer etc. However, Summer and Fall months are big profitable periods for theaters. Anyway, indie films can’t compete in that market it’s just majorly difficult. The best times would be right before or after the Fall and Summer season.
That seems logical. I’m going to watch to verify you are correct.
…in regard to summer and fall seasons…
Hi Everyone!
Hi Paris.
Hi CR!
Hi!!!
Hey! What’s up????? *hugs LittleBells*
Hi Paris!
How are u?
Hi Open Book!
I’m good. how are you???
Not bad can’t complain!
I think that indie films are doing poorly because no one knows about them. They have poor marketing or none at all.
Are you thinking of any in particular.
CR, is your question in response to my statement? If it is, no i’m not.
S’okay. Yeah i was talking to you. Sounded like you had something in mind, but then again if the Indy film doesn’t have a marketing budget I guess we might not hear about it.
That’s true! But word of mouth in the age of social media are indie filmmakers saving grace. IMO!! I think people need to get out and attend more film festivals.
I was just thinking…..is there a website on the net that showcases strictly indie films where people can view a trailer and possibly do a Q an A with the actors/director of the film? If there’s not there should be.
Good idea, Paris! That would be awesome!
I would apply for the patent immediately, that idea was good and necessary
Paris! Indiewire has that sometimes.
Paris! Are u talking about a indie film site that’s show
nothing but indie films?
yep.
Well no then indiewire don’t do that. It’s a great idea I like it.
I like that idea too.
Let the record show the idea was stated here!!!!
LOL where is the patent form to fill out?
Can you add that we talk live with costumers, cinematographers, , musicians, etc?
We are all your witnesses Paris.
Speaking of word of mouth, I believe most people pay closer attention to friends than critics. I used to share of point of view with friends of mine and if they said something was funny that’s immediately what I went to go see.
I don’t trust critics. I didn’t make them my spokesperson.
LOL.
I understand actors frequently move projects to visibility on their own because they have a message or idea they want to project. I believe this happened in Leonardo DiCaprio’s case with Blood Diamond. What challenges do you believe specifically actors have when addressing some of the topics you bring up in this article?
Good Q CR!
I think the challenges for actors doing indie films has always been about risk. I mean sometimes u can afford it and sometimes u can’t. Doing indie films is not about making money so if u can afford to possibly not make any money on a film than go for it. However, if u can’t then it’s not a good time to take that risk. IMO!
I remember last decade there were a lot of actors who did indie films as a way to change their image. Yet there are some actors who I predominatly see doing indies.
He occassionally does other stuff but Joseph Gordon-Levitt seems to only do indies.
I think he’s getting into bigger films now since he did Inception.
Paris or OB,
When actors endorse the director’s vision for an independent film then does he or she always benefit in the end? It appeared that Kristen Dunst really got screwed at Cannes when the director (of their film Melancholia) suddenly decided to inform everyone he was a Nazi sympathizer. That was an aside but I am curious….
Do you think contemporary actors have to be on the lookout for Indie films to best shape their image(s)?
IMO, actors always have to be on the look out for who they associate with on a professional level. The actor is also putting his/her reputation on the line. I think that actors really have to research who they will be working with before make a committment to a project.
ITA!
thank you.
Well I think the Jurors sympathized with her and gave her an award because of it. Anyway, it is a risk u end up taking as an actor. That’s why it’s important to become an executive producer.
why an ep? how does that help? I’m still learning.
Well as an EP u have more say on how a film turns out.
I didn’t hear anything about that. Was that at Cannes this year?
Yep! Let me see if I can find the video for u.
Paris
Here’s the video
http://www.break.com/index/kirsten-dunst-mortified-at-cannes-by-director-2060717
OMG OMG I can’t believe he said all that. Poor Kirsten. I just wow. I can’t believe he said he sympathized with hitler and i won’t repeat other things he said.
The look on her face is priceless.
…. I’m laughing with her not at her….
If I was her, I would of pulled the microphone away and told him to shut up because he’s just making it worse!
Poor girl!
It would be interesting to do a poll within your city/neighborhood/group of friends and find out what types of films interest them. What do they go to see? Why? Would they ever step out of their comfort zone. I think society has a big role in what movies get distributed to the theaters.
The only thing is…people don’t like to step out of their comfort zones. They are to afraid of what they might find even though what they might find would be better for them.
If they only knew….I have stepped so much out of my comfort zone so much in this last year and I have made some amazing discoveries and met some fantastic people!
Littlebelles,
On your recommendation I went to see Bridesmaids. Normally I never would have seen that film. It was hilarious and really sad. Thanks for breaking me out of my comfort zone.
*thumbs up!!!!*
Ok what part did you like the best? What part was the grossest? Would you have changed anything?
OK, where do I start?
Sorry I don’t remember the actor’s character names so breaking down the hilariosity will be hard but here goes…
FUNNY: Kristin Wiig’s character trying to get the police officer’s attention.
SAD: Kristin Wiig’s character arguing with the teenager in the jewelry store.
FUNNY: Kristin Wiig’s character drunk or doped up on the plane.
SAD: Kristin Wiig’s character being propositioned for a BJ in John Hamm’s car.
FUNNY: Kristin Wiig’s character looking at the graffiti job on her old bakery.
SAD: Kristin Wiig’s character tearing up Maya Rudolph’s character’s bridal shower.
To be honest I was laughing with her not at her. Lots of LOL…..
Yep, yep, yep! I have to say the whole bathroom scene at the bridal shop was so gross because it was so realistic! And yet, I was laughing because that’s how gross scenes like that really are!
Yes, and getting the cops attention was awesome! I especially loved when she drove by and you couldn’t see anyone!!! hahahahahaha!
Well, the gross stuff I can’t even mention. Except….
Never in a wedding dress, but like Maya Rudolph’s character I could imagine the horror going in the street in broad daylight with cars and people passing by…
I’m with u LB! High FIVES!!!
That’s true society does play a big role in terms of where a film might get distributed.
I’m here, I’m here! I’m so sorry, I completely forgot. I’ve got alot to catch up on now!
Hi Ozzie!
Hi Ozzie.
Hi Ozzie!
Hello all! 🙂
Wussup!!!
Lol! Headache again! How are you?
Boooo!!!!!!!! Sending you happy thoughts (of Rob)!
O.k. The only person who answered my Q in the article was LB!
What was your favorite indie film last year and why?
I didn’t see any indies last year.
oh well if King’s Speech is an indie. Yes i saw KS alot.
I did??? Oh, yeah, I did. haha!
I can’t remember what movies I saw last year, lol! I have an atrocious memory. Wait I remember one! The Girl With a Dragon Tattoo.
How was that? I think I can stream it, but have no idea if it’s worth it!!!
I liked it but it’s not for the weak hearted. There’s a rape scene in it, that may upset people. I fast forward that part! I have the other two ones on dvd and I enjoyed them too.
I think the first one was better than the second one. IMO!
Yes, I think the first one is the best. Maybe because it was focused on solving a case together rather than Blomkvist trying to save Lisbeth on his own. But they’re still good.
…Black Swan, Kings Speech, Social Network, The Fighter…
While ya’ll are answering OBs question, if you were to pick a film to be written on your tombstone to symbolize you, what would it be and why? (Yeah, weird question I know)
OMG….ummmmm I don’t know. For some weird reason i’m compelled to say Schindler’s List. The reason for SL is I hate injustice and am a compassionate person. Well at least I think I am. Good Q LittleBells.
Fantastic movie and I am just like you. Good pick!
I can see those attributes in u Paris!
awww thank you! I appreciate that.
Oh God, that’s a difficult question! I honestly don’t know.
LOL! How fun…..Hmm! The Unbearable Lightness of Being
Oooooo!!! I haven’t seen that! I will have to put it on my que and try to figure you out! LOL 🙂
On a side note: Just saw there’s a trailer for the new muppet movie!
OH my gosh, just watched the trailer! So excited!!!
Back on topic….
I think I would have to buy a big tombstone because it would be between Terms of Endearment and steel Magnolias. Yes, how chick flickie am I?!
However, I love these movies because I am all about family and close friendships. I believe we need people in our lives we love to kick us in the pants and be there with a shoulder to cry on. I also love my mom very much and well…minus the cancer, I feel I can really relate to ToE.
That’s so beautifully put LB! Sorry to hear about your Mom.
Well she’s not quite as controlling now, but being an only child in a single parent home made our relationship quite tense at times. What I love about my mom is I can totally see her going off on the nurses in the hospital if I needed pain meds! That scene gets me every time. Now that I’m a mom, I completely get it.
LB,
you and i are alot alike with the mom situation.
Thanks, by the way. 🙂
Everyone,
I need to go for the evening. It was fun talking to everyone. Open Book, excellent article. 🙂
Night, night Paris! 🙂
Night Paris!
Goodnight Paris!
Always a pleasure….
Night Paris
Ok, my last question about indie film and blockbusters: if there was an art house by your house, would you be more apt to go see blockbusters (that you may or may not know much about) or indies (that you may or may not know)?
I would probably go to the art house because I can always rent the blockbusters. Can’t always say that for the indies.
ITA-So true!
Great question, but I like both equally. i’m not sure proximity would matter.
Maybe now that I know how challenged Indies are I want to say differently.
We have five more minutes before the end of our discussion tonight. Do u have anymore Q.
Good night all.
See you next time! 🙂
Everyone thanks for joining us. It was another great discussion. If I did not answer all your Q tonight I will check back tomorrow.
Goodnight!
Night all!