Being Independent

“Independent in my mind means free. Independent means you are free to say what you want. It does not necessarily say you will be able to do it very easily and anyone is going to give you any money to do it. It might mean it is very uncomfortable” -Tilda Swinton

While doing research on genres and movie types, i stumbled upon this quote by actress Tilda Swinton. I think this quote perfectly embodies what I want my film to be and where I want it to go. Although I want my film opening to be entertaining and successful of course, more than anything I want it to have a purpose and I want it to mean something to me. The Indie Spirit Awards, giving recognition to independent films, even state in their criteria for eligibility that a film may be considered independent if its “subject matter is original and provocative.” In theory my film is both, and I hope in the end result my film meets both these descriptions as well.

In making my film fall under the Independent category, I think this gives me great artistic freedom and liberty in doing what I want. The idea that independent films ARE often uncomfortable brings me comfort, comfort in knowing that although my idea may seem a little odd, there is still a brand and audience to market my product toward.

Another big characteristic of independent films is their budget. These films typically have a lower budget and therefore result in more raw and natural footage, although this is often also an artistic choice. Of course, my film opening will have no where near the budget that an independent film in the real film industry would have, for even the movie 12 Years a Slave with a $20 billion budget is considered independent. Although there was controversy surrounding this film and its eligibility of being independent because of its relatively higher budget. Overall however, based off of a study analyzing different independent films submitted to the Sundance film festival in 2014, it was found that the average budget for an indie film is $750,000. No matter of the budget however, the “look” a movie has is always up to the director. Independent films range from extremely raw, homemade-esque production, to quality and picturesque visuals. Take the movie Thirteen ($1 million budget), Perks of Being a Wallflower ($13 million budget) and Mean Creek ($500,000 budget). All different styles of cinematography, yet they are all considered to be independent feels and despite their differing camera choices, they do all have a real and genuine feel to them. Deciding what kind of quality I want my film to have will be a very important step in my creative process.

Not so coincidentally, all of the movies I used above as examples of indie films are also coming of age films. This is the genre that I will tackle in my film opening because I think it is one that is most relatable to me and my target audience. Coming of age films follow the lives of a young protagonist or protagonists as they emerge into adulthood and “undergo some sort of formative experience.” Whether it be establishing meaningful relationships, battling with drugs or one's sexuality, discovering oneself and maturing after a journey, coming of age films cover it all. The only problem with me choosing to tackle a coming of age film is that a big characteristic of these films is that they are reflective. They are usually told in the future looking back by the character who lived the experience or by a secondary source who witnessed it all. Take John Hughes The Breakfast Club club for example. Arguably one of the most iconic coming of age films of all times, and it is told by the different characters looking back on their experience that Saturday morning in school and explaining what the learned. Of course, I am coming of age but I have not yet come of age, so I can’t exactly reflect on my topic completely and honestly, but regardless I can do my best. I can also offer insightful perspective and commentary that would be relevant to my character at present moment and would create a genuine touch to my film. For this reason I am not worried about taking on this type of genre.

"The “Coming of Age” of Coming-of-Age Films." The Princeton Buffer. N.p., 12 June 2014. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.

Digital image. Www.pinterest.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2016.

"History, Nostalgia, and Adolescence in American Film." History, Nostalgia, and Adolescence in American Film. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.

"Is ’12 Years a Slave’ an Indie? Here Are the Spirit Awards Rules of Eligibility." Variety. N.p., 26 Nov. 2013. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.

A silhouette of a fan with a camera on his head and a single light, filming his own movie. Digital image. Eckerd College at Sundance Film Festival. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.

"Sundance Infographic Reveals Some Promising and Not So Promising Numbers in Independent Film." No Film School. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.

Vine, Richard. "What Is Indie Cinema?" The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 04 Nov. 2008. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.