As we see more and more independent projects achieving high-profile recognition during awards season, it can seem like Hollywood is paying close attention to the film industry outside of big-budget studios. However, it can be tough to break into the industry with a small budget and without the might of a huge production company behind you. So, what’s standing in the way of independent filmmakers winning the big prizes?
Of course, number one on the list of challenges facing an independent filmmaker has always been the issue of finances. Sadly, it’s a fact of life that having more money behind you greases the wheels and makes everything from casting to scouting a location to the promotion that much easier.
For runaway box office success story “Get Out”, production costs were kept down by deferring payment to those involved until it could be taken from the film’s profits. Production company Blumhouse has been employing this strategy for years with success. “Get Out” went on to earn more than six times its production cost during its opening weekend alone. Clearly, sometimes taking a risk can pay off!
Another potential obstacle is the recent boom in the video on demand (VOD) services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Video. People tend to see streaming services as a death knell for cinema releases, but it could be argued that they are providing a vital platform from which more independent content can be launched.
For example, alongside his increasing Hollywood success, actor and comedian Kevin Hart produces his own material through his independent company Hartbeat Productions. Much of this material has appeared on Netflix at the same time as its DVD release, giving him more control over the distribution of his work.
Hart is known for his bold approach to comedy and his persona, recently attempting to outmaneuver Olympic champion Usain Bolt in a series of different challenges. These character traits seem to extend into his work ethic, as his long-time manager Dave Becky says that he’s always been entrepreneurial and adept at self-promotion. Perhaps the best way to combat the threat posed by VOD is to follow Hart’s lead and embrace it.
Sometimes this approach can come at a cost though. Oftentimes, the driving force behind an independent project is one person acting as casting director, fundraiser, shoot organizer, screenplay writer and film director, all of which can prove exhausting. Even if there is a team working on the film, there are often fewer people involved than with a blockbuster movie. This means that everyone’s time and energy in is in high demand, and the risk of burnout is high. It takes a lot to get a film from concept to filming to the festivals and hopefully, onto the scene during awards season.
A successful example of this is the multiple roles played by the producers of the Oscar-tipped film “Call Me by Your Name.” James Ivory was originally hired to direct the feature but ended up writing the script instead. The job of directing ended up being given to the film’s location consultant, Luca Guadagnino. This collaborative effort seems to have paid off though, as the film was nominated for four Oscars.
Despite the challenges facing independent filmmakers today, they do continue to achieve results on the world stage. Hollywood may not be ready to dismiss its endless sequence of sequels and reconstituted plotlines anytime soon, but fresh ideas and talent are still managing to break through. Let’s hope that this year’s 90th Academy Awards chooses to reward that perseverance and bravery.
In Conversation with Michael Oblowitz Director of Confidential Informant
Confidential Informant stars Mel Gibson, Dominic Purcell, and Kate Bosworth
