Why Make Independent Films?

I could wrap up this essay up right here by asking “what’s the alternative?”

But let me elaborate with a little context and strategy.

The old theatrical release (until about 10-15 years ago) is definitely a thing of the past and theatrical – beyond blockbusters - is struggling to reinvent itself.  I have some thoughts about that, but for another time.  

The point is that the major studios hardly buy any finished films.  There was a time every studio had its indie label - Focus, Searchlight, Sony Classics, TWC, New Line, Paramount Classics, Warner Independent.  Streaming blew up, the Pandemic fanned the flames and streamers spent like drunken sailors.  They staggered out of the Pandemic realizing the bottom line eventually matters more than eyeballs.  The net result is that fewer than ever “establishment” movies are getting financed without an auteur or a major star.  There are only so many of those and only so many slots.  The big sales out of festivals and markets are now the rare occurrence.

So what’s a filmmaker/producer to do?  Independently produce your films AND plot how to navigate this new distribution landscape.  There are so many ways to raise money these days; to wit:  equity, tax credits, pre-sales, gap-lending, 181 investors, tax-deductible donations, and even sponsorship.  And you need to make it knowing who your audience is, for the right price, with the right cast… and make it excellent.  No problem!

The value of a theatrical release with accompanying marketing campaign of any reasonable scale still seems to give a title a leg up with future recognition and revenue generation.  It’s more money and a lot of work (are filmmakers really meant to be in charge of their own films’ release?  - I don’t think so, but what is the alternative?).  

So what does this mean?  Maybe it means raise 20-25% more than you need so you can guarantee your film is theatrically released in at least a platform launch (a handful of  major media cities).  Think about who your release partners might be (they can be hired), along with marketing and PR teams.  Build your audience while you’re making your film.  Determine if festivals are a necessary part of your launch.  If you make a 5M film and have 1M to release it, you can make a modest dent with that.  And if the film gods find it in their hearts to conjure a studio or quality indie label acquisition, you can return those funds to investors and win their hearts earlier than you have otherwise.

Think it through.

Until next time,

JTH