From Script to Screen: The differences between a mainstream and independent film

Independent and mainstream films have a range of differences and normally it is easy to tell which is which. But the films are produced, marketed and distributed differently which can be harder for independent films.

There are a lot of differences between mainstream and independent films for example the companies that make independent films are small, some are even made by one individual. Whereas mainstream films have a massive team including people to role the camera, do computer affects, actors, stunt doubles, set designers and much more which independent films cannot afford. Another feature that makes mainstream films more popular and famous are the a-list actors that are used such as Will Smith, Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz and Angelina Jolie. Which independent films can’t afford, so they have to use unknown actors which makes the film less appealing to some because people see a film just because it’s got a certain actor in. But if the characters role is to be mysterious having an unknown actor will help because the audience won’t have any expectations. You can tell if a film is independent by the low budget setting and there are normally no special effects which mainstream might normally include and could do so easily, so films spend most of there money of special effects and graphics.

Another difference between these two are the soundtracks as mainstream films usually use famous, well known songs or songs special made for the film whereas some independent films don’t really use a proper soundtrack, but London to Brighton actually use about 7 songs throughout the film one of which is by Plan B who are quite famous now, but not really in 2006. Another point that can help the production of films is whether it has a Novel, Sequel or an award winning director which normally mainstream films do have one of for example Harry Potter which has all three. Independent doesn’t really have any of these points which can also make it hard to produce.

A major difference between these types of the films is the money. Independent films have a significantly lower budget; some independent films don’t have all the money to make the film at the start and have to borrow throughout making the film. But mainstream films cost a lot more for example Batman: the dark knight reportedly took $185 million to make. Also mainstream are tended to be thought of as blockbusters or Hollywood films which are usually seen first in cinemas whereas independent films are less commercial. The release of mainstream films on DVD’s are usually depends on the popularity of the film but around 3-6 months.

Some independent films to market use the internet by discussing your film on Internet forums or others attend independent film festivals or attend other small filmmakers premiere events. The posters made for independent films are quite basic using a shot of building/character in the location whereas mainstream film posters are usually of the main cast stating all of the actor’s names and have been edited to have a white background or something similar. Mainstream film makes trailers which are shown on T.V or in the cinema and this is how usually people find out about films. But if independent films do have trailers they aren’t that good, but can be scene of the internet. There is actually a magazine dedicated to independent films where posters can be advertised which is a good way to market your film.

            A distributor’s job is to releases a movie to the public either theatrically or for home viewing. Mainstream films usually go into cinemas all over and are distributed by big companies such as 20^th Century Fox, Columbia Pictures or Paramount Pictures. Although independent films are small there are still distributers special for independent films for example Miramax Films before it was acquired by The Walt Disney Company, another is Verve Pictures.

            Overall, independent and mainstream films use different techniques and are very different when finished. Mainstream films are mainly viewed but it doesn’t mean that independent films aren’t as good.