An independent film is a film that is produced outside of the Hollywood studio system, a series of monopolistic practices by several major American film studios which controlled the production, distribution, and exhibition of films in the US from the early 1920s through 1950s. They release few movie clips online and then release the complete movie. Though its monopolistic practices were officially ended by the Paramount Decision in 1948, four of the five Golden Age majors continue to exist as major Hollywood studio entities through 2008.
Though film production companies in other countries have at times achieved and maintained full integration in a manner similar to Hollywood’s Big Five, the Hollywood system and style remain uniquely American in character and origin. As such, movies produced outside of America are generally qualified as foreign rather than independent. Independent films today are generally defined as American movies financed and distributed by sources outside today’s Big Six and its subsidiaries.
Independent films are the king in the free movie market. Thus, it’s good to check out an independent film every once in a while. Independent films don’t always have the best acting, actors, or directing- but some independent films have inspired Hollywood hits. It’s always nice to check out such films to get away from the Hollywood Norm as well, and best of all, it’s free.