The mainstream alternative: demand for thought-provoking content, along with low-cost video technology, is encouraging indie storytellers

Post, Dec, 2004 by Christine Bunish

The independent film industry finishes 2004 in a strong position, with documentaries and narrative films alike scoring big with audiences and the box office. Indies are also garnering their share of critical acclaim.

CAROLINE KAPLAN

Senior Vice President

IFC Entertainment

New York, NY

(www.ifcfilms.com)

STRENGTHS: "Many wonderful movies were made in the independent arena this year, and the industry will continue to make high-quality, character-driven films that can break out. We'll also continue to see the emergence of the documentary as a viable theatrical entertainment form. We're excited about From Dust To Glory, a documentary about the Baja 1000 race from Dana Brown, and our colleagues have a lot of docs on their slates.

"More and more great partnerships are being formed with European companies interested in expanding into the US. Foreign language films are still a small but critical part of independent film distribution. We're also encouraging and supporting new auteurs like Rebecca Miller. A wealth of independent directors are turning out wonderful, personal films audiences are responding to, and the talent community has embraced these directorial voices."

WEAKNESSES: "More and more distribution companies have passion, talent and experience, but there are a limited number of screens. That's not a weakness, that's a challenge we all face, whether we're big or small independent distributors. We're all competing in a more crowded marketplace."

OPPORTUNITIES: "We'll continue to build the relationships with directors and producers we've worked so hard to develop so we can keep growing together. We'll also work much more closely with our new IFCTV network to reach its core audience and beyond: it's about being synergistic and smart. In addition, we're going to be forging new alliances, like the one we formed with Focus Films to buy the Danish film Brothers--that's a case of competitors becoming colleagues. And we'll collaborate more with strong foreign partners."

THREATS: "We're living in a scary, uncertain time, and it's hard to know what interests people in terms of entertainment. Personally, I want to see movies that mean something to me, that provoke me to think, that entertain me. Whether you're making small films or blockbusters, it's a question of how to expand our world instead of limiting our world--how not to be daunted by the global situation."

OUTLOOK FOR 2005: "There will be a lot of shake ups in the arena with companies reinventing themselves and going through transitions. But the industry will continue to be strong. IFC's own outlook is very bright. We have a really strong slate for 2005. There's nothing like seeing people leave a theater laughing, crying or just really enjoying themselves. That's the reason any of us are in this business."

LARRY FESSENDEN

President

Glass Eye Pix

New York, NY

(www.glasseyepix.com)

STRENGTHS: "Films out of the independent scene represent an original voice that might not make it into mainstream productions, mainly for financial reasons. Independent films often have a unique point of view, but they can speak to wide audiences and make plenty of money. And the ingenuity required when you don't have a large budget can be exciting. The genre I'm associated with, through Glass Eye Pix's Scareflix series and my own films, is horror. Horror can do well with a low budget. You're usually going for that off-kilter feeling, and you get it whether you want it or not because you don't have all the equipment of a higher-budget production.

"Independent films also hold the potential excitement of discovering new talent behind the camera or in front of it. There are numerous examples in all genres where new stars have been launched."

WEAKNESSES: "The most obvious weakness is not having enough money to fulfil your vision. It can mean shorter shoots, less time in production, smaller staffs, less time in the mix room. Where the lack of money hurts most is in distribution and advertising. You can have a fabulous movie, but if you can't get it out with a good ad campaign you'll suffer. The worst [film] from Hollywood with good advertising will have a good first weekend. But a small independent film might never even be able to claw its way to that first weekend."

OPPORTUNITIES: "There's more risk and outspokenness in independent films, more reaction to the events of the day. As the mainstream news media has let people down, there have been more opportunities for documentaries. True-life stories and analyses of political issues are increasingly popular. Narratives can be a little more edgy; you still have the opportunity to do something unexpected.

"Technology is also a big opportunity, from affordable edit suites to cameras and even special effects than can now be accomplished with home systems."

THREATS: "A glut of product, of helter-skelter quality, threatens to make us lose track of what it's all about. Some people just want to make films because it's cool and fun, but remember it's an artistic expression. I don't want to censor anyone, but I hope people will make films with a point of view and not just churn something out."