Indie Film
A film produced outside the major studio system, typically with lower budgets and greater creative freedom.
Definition
An indie (independent) film is a motion picture produced without financing or distribution from a major Hollywood studio. Indie films are typically characterized by lower budgets, non-traditional narratives, artistic experimentation, and stories that might be considered too niche or risky for mainstream studio investment.
The indie film ecosystem includes everything from micro-budget features shot for under $50,000 to mid-budget productions financed by independent production companies. Film festivals like Sundance, SXSW, and Toronto serve as primary launchpads for indie films seeking distribution deals.
Why It Matters
The independent film sector drives creative innovation in cinema. Many of the most celebrated filmmakers — from the Coen Brothers to Greta Gerwig — began in indie film, where creative freedom allowed them to develop distinctive voices before transitioning to larger productions.
For the industry, indie films serve as a testing ground for new talent, storytelling approaches, and audience appetites. Streaming platforms have dramatically expanded distribution opportunities for independent work, creating viable careers for filmmakers working outside the studio system.
Examples in Practice
A first-time director makes a feature film for $7,500, premieres it at Sundance, and sells distribution rights to a streaming platform for $12 million.
An independent production company finances a film that major studios passed on, which goes on to earn $200 million worldwide and multiple Oscar nominations.
A filmmaker uses crowdfunding to raise $50,000 for an indie documentary that gets selected by 30 film festivals and leads to a multi-project deal with a production company.