The Indie Hero Pt.1

As you may or may not have guessed I’m going to go into indie films this week. An Indie or Independent film, is a film that was produced outside of major film studios. Indie films are generally screened at festivals before any type of wide release.

What’s an indie?

Many Indie films have a greater degree of subject matter that is often times controversial. As independent films they have the ability to do such topics because they don’t have to abide by the rules of major studios. Subject matter, nudity, explicit language, and violence are all things that major studios put limitations on to make a reliable profit. Basically these films are too risky for the big dogs in the industry. Smaller studios can take these on, because they need the risk for more publicity. For instance Mysterious Skin is about a male prostitute and a boy who is obsessed with ufos, when they get together they realize horrible truths about themselves and why they are the way they are.

As you may be able to tell by now I am a huge Joseph Gordon-Levitt fan.

Many times indie films give unknown actors and new studios a starting ground for making film. By hiring new talent they don’t have to pay the actor as much as a high profile actors. Seasoned actors can go and do films with different values that aren’t mainstream and be quite successful.

As of 1908 independent film was created due to a particular man by the name of Thomas Edison and his trust owned the patents for raw film. His trust had a monopoly on most of the film industry. Those who did not join his trust were claimed independant, and if they used any of Edison’s patents they would be prosecuted. They all decided southern california was the best place to hide out and also take advatage of the natural landscape, but it was mostly to avoid the fines. Eventually the supreme court threw out the patents.There is alot of history behind Indie film, and you can find the details here.

In the 1990s Indie film saw a substantial boom in festivals and box offices.The indie film that made large mainstream success was Teenage Mutant Ninja Mutant Turtles raking in over 100 million in revenue. It has been the most successful independent film in history. In more current times anyone can make a film. It’s relatively cheap in comparison to what is major film budgets. You don’t need an extensive budget or a large cast. You just need a good idea and and a few passionate people who are willing to get behind you and that idea.

Recommendations

Here are some good indie films in my opinion that are worth watching