Independent Films

Independent Films 

An independent film, or indie film

 is a film that is produced mostly outside of 

a major film studios.

 The term also refers to art films which 

differ noticeably from most mass marketed films.

In addition to being produced by independent production companies, independent films are often produced and/or distributed by subsidiaries of major studios.In order to be considered independent, less than half of a film's financing should come from a major studio.Independent films are sometimes distinguishable by their content and style and the way in which the filmmakers' personal artistic vision is realized.Usually, but not always, independent films are made with considerably lower budgets than major studio films.Generally, the marketing of independent films is characterized by limited release  designed to build word-of-mouth or to reach small specialty audiences.

The Society of Independent Motion Picture Producers

Main article: Society of Independent Motion Picture Producers .In 1941 Mary Pickford , Charlie Chaplin, Walt Disney, Orson Welles, Samuel Goldwyn, David O. Selznick, Alexander Korda, and Walter Wanger - many of the same people who were members of United Artists- Founded the Society of independent Motion Picture Producers .Later members included Willian Cagney, Sol Lesser, and Hal Roach. The society aimed to preserve the rights of independent producers in an industry overwhelmingly controlled by the studio system. SIMPP fought to end monopolistic practices by the five major Hollywood studios which controlled the production, distribution and exhibition of films 

In 1942, the SIMPP filed an antitrust suit against Paramount's United Theatre . The complaint accused Paramount of conspiracy to control first-run and subsequent-run theaters in Detroit. It was the first anti- trust unit,  brought by producers against exhibitors alleging monopoly and restraint of trade.

In 1948, the United States Supreme Court Paramount Decision  ordered the Hollywood movie studios to sell their theater chains and to eliminate certain anti-competitive practices. This effectively brought an end to the studio system of Hollywood’s Golden Age .

By 1958, many of the reasons for creating the SIMPP had been corrected and SIMPP closed its offices.

Technology and independent films today

The independent film scene's development in the 1990s and 2000s has been stimulated by a range of factors, including the development of affordable digital cinematography cameras  that can rival 35 mm film   quality and easy-to-use computer editing software. Until digital alternatives became available, the cost of professional film equipment and stock was a major obstacle to independent filmmakers who wanted to make their own films. In 2002, the cost of 35 mm film stock went up 23%, according to Variety.

But the advent of consumer camcorders   in 1985, and more importantly, the arrival of digital video  in the early 1990s lowered the technology barrier to movie production. An off-the-shelf personal computer  and a non- linear editing system  have dramatically reduced costs of post-production, while technologies such as DVD, Blu-ray Disc and online video services have simplified distribution. Even 3-D technology is available to low-budget, independent filmmakers.

With new technology, especially the new digital cameras Arri Alexa and RED Epic, independent films can create footage that looks like the real 35mm cameras but without the high cost. These cameras also use only available light so independent films do not need to bring outside light into the scene. These cameras are designed to capture a noiseless image from 200 to 1000 ASA. In addition to new digital cameras, independent film makers are benefitting from the new editing software. Instead of needing a post-house to do the editing, independent film makers can now use cheap editing software, a computer, and VOIP Software to keep in touch over the country. Editing software available are Finalcut and DaVinci Resolve. BlackMagic released DaVinci Resolve for only $US995 when they bought the company. These new technologies allow independent film makers to create images that are comparable to the high-budget films. In 2008 Canon released the first DSLR camera that could shoot full HD video, the Canon 5D Mark II. With the creation of the 5D Mark II independent filmmakers have the ability to shoot video at 1920 by 1080 at 24frames per second, giving the video footage a "look" that is much alike 35mm film cameras. Also the camera allows for a greater depth of field, exchangeable lenses and low light capabilities, something independent filmmakers have been longing for, for years.

Director Francis Ford Coppola, long an advocate of new technologies like non-linear editing and digital cameras, said in 2007 that "cinema is escaping being controlled by the financier, and that's a wonderful thing. You don't have to go hat-in-hand to some film distributor and say, 'Please will you let me make a movie?'"

Independent Film Studios

First Look Studios 

This is an independent American film studio that usually specializes in home video releases. Some of the films made by this company are: Leaves of grass, All about you, Infinity, Smiley face, Paris je t’aime and many many more.

First Look Studios, Inc. engages in the acquisition, production, distribution, and licensing of motion pictures and other programs in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It distributes theatrical and home video/DVDs of its motion pictures and specialty programs through rental and retail providers. The company also licenses international distribution rights directly to pay television, pay-per-view, and basic cable broadcasters, as well as to individual broadcast stations and station groups. In addition, it licenses distribution rights internationally in various media, such as theatrical, video/DVD, pay television, free television, satellite, and other rights to local territorial distributors. As of December 31, 2005, the company owned and controlled various distribution rights to approximately 700 motion pictures; and had rights to distribute and sell approximately 1,600 other specialty titles, such as television series, compilations, fitness, Japanese anime, music concerts, and other DVD products. 

The company was incorporated in 1993 as Entertainment/Media Acquisition Corporation and changed its name to Overseas Filmgroup, Inc. in 1996. Further, it changed its name to First Look Media, Inc. in 2001 and to First Look Studios, Inc. in 2005. First Look Studios is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. First Look Studios Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Nu Image, Inc

     

Media Job Roles

Media Jobs research 

In media, many times one has to start from a lower job than the one he/she has studied or aimed for. Although this may be seen as a set back, it helps the new worker to gradually grow into his dream position. Although one may have certificates and degrees, working in the real industry is much more difficult and different. 

The media industry has a lot of categories that are packed with different jobs. These categories are 

• Commissioning 
• Corporate Relations
• Development
• Management 
• Finance 
• Human Resources 
• Legal and Compliance 

 The Commissioning Department :

This department chooses which programs are made. They are responsible for for working around the strategies and priorities of the respective channels. Usually what happens is that independent producers or production companies come up with new ideas for programs. They pitch their ideas to the commissioner and he/she decides wether the project will be funded or not.  This is how one can become a commissioner 

Corporate Relations 

This department makes sure that the company’s (or Tv station’s) mission statement is understood by the public, the government and the other important people in the public and private sector of the community.

Unlike other media roles, usually whoever is in this sector has studied it or other similar subjects.

Development

This area is probably the most known among the people. Many say the development is the factory of the media production, especially in the ideas sector.People in this sector are constantly researching and inventing new ideas to pitch to commissioners.

The ‘lowest’ job in the development area is probably the runner. Many people started their career in media from this entry level position.This position is not always the same, a runner can be told to get the coffee and post the mail, or he.she could be placed on a specific program helping the development team get everything ready. A runner has to be enthusiastic and not necessarily a graduate. Usually the job of a runner requires long hours and being ordered about by people above you, but many say that it is a fun and exciting job for people interested in media. Also another plus side is that this job enables you to meet a lot of people that can be crucial to your career in the long run. 

Researcher 

A researcher is a varied role which puts the researcher in the heart of the production. It is a job that requires good team work since he/she will be working closely with the rest of the team. Usually the researchers are those people that are always willing to do something extra for the job. The actual roles may vary according to the size of the project, the style. Another thing a researcher has to be is multi tasking since the roles change so frequently. For example , a researcher might be asked to gather information about a subject, finding interviewees, researching locations for filming, taking photos of places for the director to see, sharing the information with the script writers. Another important aspect of the job is making sure that what is being done has consent and permission.