Differences between mainstream and independent films

Differences between mainstream and Independent films

Independent films

Independent films target the niche audience, which show a specific genre which usually has a gritty narrative. As independent films target a niche audience their profits won’t be as big as a mainstream as they purposely target a defined group instead of the masses. Independent film usually has a smaller box office than mainstream films, this results in smaller budgets for their films. As their budgets are quite small they are unable to use the latest technology. It also affects the way they market and the films exhibition. This results in them to resort to doing as much below the line advertising as possible. If the budget is quite low, it may limit where the film will be shown e.g. national/regional. A lower budget could mean that there may not be any famous actors/directors included in the film. Instead they include unknown actors. This is the case with production companies and any other companies which are involved with the film. In independent films it is rare that you would see one of the big six, unless it is a subsidiary company of one of them.  An example of a Independent film opening is 'Reservoir Dogs'.The opening scene of Reservoir Dogs starts with a black screen and starts its titles while the screen is still black. Unlike many mainstream films like Jurassic World which plays non diagetic music to start with, Reservoir Dogs has diegetic dialogue from the following scene in. Another example of a film opening is Ex Machina. The opening of Ex Machina starts with a black background and the films titles. It then goes straight to the film. This is seen frequently throughout independent films, they go straight into the film unlike mainstream films which slowly get to the film

Mainstream

Mainstream films target the mass audience, which shows an open genre which has a narrative that is aimed to be enjoyed by the masses. Mainstream films target the mass audience this results in their profits to be very large, which allows them to invest more into new films. Due to their big budget it allows them to invest in the newest technology and allows them to film in 3D or IMAX. Their budgets allow them to be shown worldwide and in multiplex cinemas, in well-known cinemas e.g. Odeon and Cineworld. A big budget means that they are able to cast famous actors/directors to star in their films. This is the case with production companies and any other companies which are involved with the film. In mainstream films it is very common that you would see one of the big six producing the film as they dominate the film industry. An example of a Mainstream film opening is 'Jurassic World'. The opening scene for Jurassic world is CGI heavy. It starts with the cracking of a dinosaur egg. with sinister non diegetic music playing in the background, The font of the title sequence appears very natural with shaders added into them to make them appear 3D and make them stand out.

From doing this research am I now know the key differences between Mainstream and Independent films. This will help me in the near future when I have to make my own film opening. This activity will help me choose what type of institution and film I will pick. Then when I do choose I will know the limits I have from my chosen Institution.