Damaging Characteristics of an Independent Film

Contrary to what general movie going audiences may believe, independent films are not created equal. However, most of the film productions within this category have similar characteristics that cause viewers to assume that if they watched one, that means they have seen them all. Here are a few characteristics of an independent film that should not be the only factor considered when determining whether it is worth buying or watching in a movie theater.

Low-Production Budgets
In addition to Hollywood studio system, media and consumer spending habits have seemed to build a general expectation among movie going audiences that films have to be made with multi-million dollar budgets. Under this belief system, the quality of a film is supported on the basis of dollars and cents instead of the performances, storyline and execution of the script.

Since big budgets often mean recognizable celebrities will appear on-screen, movies that have more funds for their production will likely gain more interest from audiences than it's low-budget counterparts. As a result, Independent films that are worth watching and supporting get ignored during their release even if they have favorable reviews or film festival recognition due to it's low budget.

If a film like "Big Momma's House 2 " can succeed at the box office in 2006 despite being poorly received by critics, it is disappointing that movies such as the Duplass Brothers' "The Puffy Chair " barely made one quarter of a million dollars when it was released the same year. "The Puffy Chair" had good reviews but also opened in less theaters, which is another factor hurting independent films.....limited releases.

Limited-Releases
Upon their theatrical release, many independent films are at a financial and social disadvantage compared with larger budget, mainstream films due to lower representation on theater screens around the country. Alex Hodrige's "In Search of a Midnight Kiss " may have earned significantly more revenue and been popular among general movie going audiences if it were shown in even half of the 2, 975 theaters that screened "Knocked Up " starring Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogen.

"In Search of a Midnight Kiss" may have enjoyed similar successes as "Juno ," from a financial standpoint if it were released in more than 11 theaters. Despite being all good comedies in their own right, the independent films including " Juno " and "In Search of a Midnight Kiss" did not receive as much exposure as "Knocked Up."

Independent films are worth watching and giving as much support as studio films receive. Significant improvements in the way independent films are perceived could open up new possibilities for entertainment available to consumers and more satisfied movie goers who do not want to be subject to nothing but summer blockbusters containing more special effects than interesting plot points.