Throughout the history of cinema, mainstream and studio films have held the title for popularity. However, according to the Daily Free Press, following the dual strike of the Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild- American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) in 2023, the deficit between major studio films and independent films has decreased and independent media is receiving its time in the spotlight.
With the workers of most big-name production studios on strike, the industry was left open for smaller studios and lesser-known filmmakers to make their names.
Having a film produced by a major company or studio allows for a financial upper hand and an easier time marketing and advertising. Mainstream audiences are a lot more likely to recognize the title of the newest Disney live-action prequel than an Australian adult stop-motion animated film following a young girl in the 1970s with a cleft lip who collects snails (shoutout “Memoir of a Snail”).
However, while “Memoir of a Snail” amassed 70 nominations and 12 wins, Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” only received 15 nominations. Independent films stand apart from big-budget films due to their tendency to push boundaries and think outside the box.
A prime example of this is “The Brutalist,” a film following a Jewish architect who immigrated to the United States after surviving the Holocaust. Following awards shows, the 2024 historical drama walked away with Oscars for Best Actor and Best Music as well as Golden Globes for Best Actor, Best Director and Best Motion Picture- Drama.
Besides their unique storylines, the ever-growing plethora of streaming platforms has played a large part in the popularity of these movies. While it can be difficult to finance successful theatrical releases without a major studio, independent filmmakers can rely on streaming services to get their work recognized. Additionally, getting a hold of these titles is a lot more cost-effective for the platforms themselves; it’s a win-win!
One theory for this shift in Hollywood centers on something referred to as the “blockbuster mentality,” in which filmmakers resort to copy-paste movies, prioritizing profit over originality.
In the midst of trying too hard to make the next big blockbuster, major studies lose their chances to those independent creators that focus on making bold statements with their talent.
Ultimately, this comeback means exciting things for the future of cinema. Audiences can expect to continue to see more diverse perspectives and unorthodox ideas portrayed on the big screens. According to the American International University, “Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a film enthusiast, or simply curious about the world of indie cinema, there’s never been a better time to dive in and explore.”
