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The article looks at the trends of financing the indie film industry. Topics discussed include the aspects of equity, gap, and backstop, the provision of free money which include crowdfunding, grants, and soft money in which a film is shot in the state which offers tax incentive, and the significant of considering agents in promoting and working with the film.

The article discusses Video on Demand (VOD), a common form digital distribution of films and how it has benefited the Independent film making. Various destination platforms are discussed that cater to the distribution needs of various genres of films. Topics include flexibility of these platforms, independent film-making as a sustainable enterprise, and challenges for indie documentary filmmakers such as obscurity. Examples of online video streaming services are Hulu, Indieflix and Youtube.

The article provides suggestions to filmmakers for making road movies and offers information on four independent road movies including "Dear Eleanor," directed by Kevin Connolly, "Harmontown," directed by Neil Berkeley, and "Land Ho!," directed by Martha Stephens. Topics discussed include foundational motivation for film characters, selection of appropriate film crew, and constant coverage and shooting of everything that could be possible.

The article discusses several film festivals to be held across the globe from April 23, 2014-Winter 2015 including the Ashland Independent Film Festival which would encourage filmmaking, the Brooklyn Film Festival which would offer a total of 50,000 dollars in awards and the Florida Film Festival.

The article offers information on 25 best film festivals in 2011 by the journal "Movie Maker," where filmmakers and writers can submit their film entries. It says that Austin Film Festival in Texas offers an opportunity for writers with cash prizes of up to 5,000 dollars in eight writing categories for television and movies. It adds that Big Apple Film Festival (BAFF) in New York presents a series of awards to influential individuals in the local independent moviemaking industry and community.

The article highlights factors to be considered by independent moviemakers when organizing a film festival in the U.S. in 2011. Factors include establishing a distribution plan, making the festival their partner and using their alumni status. The article states that self-distribution has become a more beneficial route and a more viable option for independent movies due to technological advances.

The article focuses on the journal's 10th annual ranking of the best cities in the U.S. where independent moviemakers can live and make movies in 2010. It mentions the factors that have been considered in ranking the cities such as financial incentives, talent access, and 2010 city forecast. It says that Albuquerque, New Mexico is a mini movie spot which had 24 film and television productions in 2009. Gary Bond of Austin Film Office says that Austin, Texas is their excellent cast and crew base.

The article offers guidance on production sound mixing in independent films, focusing on the author's experience as sound mixer for the film "Tangerine." He suggests sound mixers to read the script before accepting a movie, assess the equipment needed, pack only as much as they can carry because independent films are usually small and moving constantly. The author also emphasizes the importance of a shotgun boom microphone in independent film productions.

The article offers tips from several costume designers for costume design production in independent films. Nadine Haders suggests to read and breakdown the script, divide it up by all characters, and consider possible costume changes. Meghan Kasperski talks about the benefits of thrifting, couponing, loaning, and renting clothing and accessories. Cris Araujo recommends to consider using the actors' personal clothing.

The article discusses the relationship between an independent film director and the actors, focusing on the author's own experience as a director. The author accounts how he serves as co-writer, confidant, and friend to his cast, particularly in his feature films "Ponies" and "The Wannabe." He also offers tips for directors in working with their cast, emphasizing the importance he places to the actors.

The article offers suggestions for independent moviemakers who participate in film festivals. It cites the importance of providing the film all the essential materials like posters, press kit, screeners, and other audio-visual materials that can be used to promote the film. It also suggests attending the screening during the festival to interact with the panel, audiences, media, and other moviemakers. DVFilm owner Marcus van Bavel notes that having fun of what one does relieves any burden.

The article focuses on the challenge given by the author to Mike Tyson to show his true self in the independent film "Tyson," which the author directed. The author had the idea of making a film about Tyson when he watched him performed in a scene with Oli Grant and Raekwon in a downtown gym. He said that Tyson spoke with a complex and meditative self-awareness regarding prison, humiliation and murder. The film "Tyson," ended by leading to questions about the future.

The article reports on the growing popularity of films that deals with religious themes or faith-based films. The success of Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" is described. The improvement in the quality of mainstream indie films is discussed. Sony has teamed with Christian distributor Provident-Integrity to deliver specialty film product to the Christian space.

The article cites the response of independent moviemakers regarding the meaning of independence. Film Independent, the governing body responsible for the Spirit Awards, has defined an independent film as one that demonstrates uniqueness of vision, originality and economy of means and achieves financing from independent sources. Writer-director Rajnesh Domalpalli defines an indie film as one that is free of studio control.

The article offers information on various companies which had helped establish the appearance of American independent moviemaking. It states that the transformation of studio-focused films to movie productions has changed the industry in moviemaking. Among the listed companies which had made contributions in independent movies include Pro8mm in Burbank in Los Angeles, California, Indie-Dolly Systems in Glendale, California and Digital Film Central Inc. in Vancouver, ritish Columbia

The article presents Mark Decena's narrative of his experiences in the production, direction, and distribution of the independent documentary film "Unflinching Triumph". Decena assumed the identity "J. R. McCord" . The film chronicles the 2005 National Staredown Championship of the National Association of Staredown Professionals (NASP) and its victor Phillip Rockhammer.

The article presents various independent films presented through the Sundance Film Festival. The films include "Blood Simple," which has earned the Grand Jury Prize for Dramatic Film, "Stranger Than Paradise," a 1985 film directed by Jim Jarmusch, "Heathers," a 1989 film directed by Michael Lehmann and "El Mariachi," a 1993 film directed by Robert Rodriguez.

A list of the top U.S. cities for producing independent films is presented. The number one city to produce an independent film is New York City. This city is followed by Austin, Texas and Portland, Oregon. Data is given for good film locations and government support for independent filmmakers.

An interview with American film director Mark Duplass is presented. When asked about his current position in the movie making industry he discussed the studio system and its synergy with movies. Duplass spoke of reverse-engineering of movies, building a film from the materials available and sustained budget. He spoke of taking financial responsibilities and risks as his he believes independent film making is a profitable business. Duplass also mentors young filmmakers.

The article focus on gender discrimination in the film industry and representation of women cinematographers in film studios and independent sectors. Topics discussed include a series of statistics about the number of women working in the 250 films of 2012 from the New York Film Academy, misconception regarding technical proficiency of women and increased hiring of women film directors and cinematographers on indie films as compared to their hiring on studio films.

The article focuses on the collaboration between independent film writer and director Alexandre Rockwell and actor Steve Buscemi in "In the Soup." Buscemi mentions the challenges of getting the film together and losing the financing. Rockwell asserts that Buscemi has the presence of mind as an actor during the shooting. He also cites the biggest differences in making "In the Soup," and "Pete Smalls Is Dead?"

The article offers information on various film festivals in the U.S. and abroad. It states that Albuquerque Film Festival (AFF) in 2011 will honor actor/artist Dean Stockwell, the recipient of the 2011 Dennis Lee Hopper Award. It says that Barebones International Film and Music Festival explores the history, culture and art of Muskogee, Oklahoma with independent films. It adds that Big Bear Lake International Film Festival shows the emerging talent of independent moviemakers and screenwriters.

The article highlights factors to be considered by independent moviemakers before posting their films online in the U.S. Factors include promotion, protection and payment. The article reveals the role of websites in distributing independent films and expanding the independent movie marketplace. It presents the view of Scilla Andreen, chief executive officer (CEO) and co-founder of online independent boutique IndieFlix, regarding film distribution.

The article focuses on the distribution methods and decisions made by various independent filmmakers for their movies. It states that moviemaker Paul Devlin started his distribution for his film "Blast" by understanding his audiences. Meanwhile, actor Jaime Gomez distributed his film "In the Blink of an Eye" online through the company Cinsay.com. Moreover, director Cory McAbee distributed his film "Stingray Sam" through downloads for computer and devices such as iPods and cell phones.

The article overviews the digital video development in cult movies and independent films in the U.S. Despite the continuing economic crisis, Blue-ray releases continue reaching the market. Some movie studios emphasize that they were not only limiting to Blue-ray, but also on video on demand. Kevin Kasha of Anchor Bay Films believe that Blue-ray creates major effect on the quality of the original films.

The article profiles several companies and vendors that can help independent filmmakers in making their independent movies in the U.S. in 2008. The companies noted include Andersson Technologies LLC, Band Pro Film & Digital Inc., Future Media Concepts, Boston Camera Rental Co. and Global ImageWorks LLC.

The article provides information on securing a budget through private equity and hedge funds to make an independent film. The author inferred that favorable conditions in private equity and hedge fund industries have made film an asset class for investors. He suggested that a filmmaker must understand the context of film investment when asking people to invest in a film. He also added that putting the right investment presentation gives the best chance of succeeding.

The article presents guidelines on the art and science of motion picture subtitles for foreign language independent films. Critical success factors for subtitles are readability and timing. Seven steps are presented for subtitling a film regardless of language, genre, format, or length. The European Association for Studies in Screen Translation has a set of subtitling standards.

The article explains that the Internet provides various opportunities for the distribution, promotion, and marketing of independent films. Video social networking Web sites include iKlipz, MySpace, and YouTube. Dplay is a site that matches filmmakers with buyers and distributors. Podcasting and video downloading sites include Netflix and TotalVid.

The article reports that independent filmmaking studios are changing the rules of motion picture production, direction, and distribution. Independent films include "The Wind That Shakes the Barley," "Private Fears in Public Places, "Sharkwater," "The King of Kong," and "Pan's Labyrinth". Studios include Independent Film Channel (IFC), New Line Cinema, HBO Films, and Picturehouse.

The article presents the author's insights regarding the creation and distribution of independent films. He mentions the problem on great supply of movies with less demand from big studios, which can be resolved by the availability of new technologies and abundance of film festivals where independent film makers can showcase their works. He also shares his distribution plan on his newest feature film "Head Trauma." The release of an alternate soundtrack for the film is also mentioned.

The article highlights the success of independent films in 2005. A study by consumer research firm OTX showed a decline in the 2005 box officer performance indicating a fractured audience that no longer relates to over-hyped but low quality film. This situation created an opportunity for independent moviemakers to produce work that connects with audiences. Independent films that became box office hits include, "March of the Penguins," "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill," "Mad Hot Ballroom Dancing," and "Diary of a Mad Black Woman."

The article interviews Peter Guber, chairman and chief executive of Mandalay Entertainment Group. He believes that the Sundance Film Festival has become even more relevant in 2005 because it focuses on independent films, and these films have become competitive in recent years. The classification of independent films may be based on its financing or production, but all films are dependent on getting domestic distribution. The market has broadened its range to include almost all type of films and the definition of documentary films have been stretched to include only reasonably true events.