New Indie Filmmakers to Fill Miramax Shoes

Masters of indie filmmaking Miramax are officially closed for business as the start of 2010. Once known as the most progressive indie filmmaking production companies in the industry, Miramax opened and closed the doors of the New York offices for the last time in January 2010. Closing the NYC office was the final stage in what initially appeared to be the down sizing of the Miramax operations. Instead, of cut backs and down sizing the reins of one of the most successful Indie production companies was turned over to the capable hands of Disney Film division.

Originally founded in 1979 by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, Miramax was the mammoth indie filmmakers of their time. The Weinstein pair was renowned for cultivating new talent that went onto star in the leading roles of the production company's output over the decades. Weinstein brothers are Miramax was essentially noted in history for bringing the indie film movement to the forefront on mainstream film acceptance with no exceptions. They were most successful with their introduction of Asian and European filmmakers to an international level of distinction through numerous highly successful collaborations.

In 2005, founders Bob and Harvey Weinstein left the Miramax production company they invested many years cultivating. Sadly, the writing was already on the wall for Miramax long before the powerful founders made their official exist. Miramax had been struggling for sometime in the lead up to the Weinstein and Miramax parting of the ways. With film releases such as "Cold Mountain" starring Nicole Kidman and Judd Law and "The Aviator" starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Cate Blanchette the production appeared to be busy as usual.

Old fashion Hollywood themed films became the Miramax productions team's focus. Critical acclaimed film after film was the result of the continued hard and dedication those who remained at Miramax exhibited. The old fashion theme and style of "No Country For Old Men" saw the production team victoriously claim top praise at the Oscars in March 2008. However, for many in the know "No Country For Old Men" unofficial ending of the Miramax era. Film budget costs and production budget cuts over the year that followed took their toll. The backlash of economic fallout left many production companies scrambling for a quick fix solution to financial difficulty including Miramax.

As of January 2010, Miramax turned their focus towards becoming a more effective distributor of the film industry. In spite of Hollywood's most successful indie film production companies of our times closing their doors forever the film product we have adored over the decades are not gone forever. Look out for new Miramax film releases later this year including "The Baster" on Aug. 20 and "Gnomeo" is due out on Feb. 11, 2011. Who will be the next indie filmmakers of our time?

http://hollywoodprophets.com/2010/02/26/indie-revival-kevin-smiths-contribution-to-independent-film/