WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE ON AN INDIE VS A STUDIO PRODUCTION? (In the Entertainment industry.)

Indie Film Production / Photo Credit: Ken Atchity

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE ON AN INDIE VS A STUDIO PRODUCTION? (In the Entertainment industry.)

Bruce Bisbey…please follow me at: https://dumbdogproductionsllc.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/DumbDogProductionsLLC/ thank you.

What is the difference on an indie vs a studio production?

In the movie world, there are two very distinct ways that films are made. One, are Independent films, which are made outside the Studios system and the others are Studio Pictures, which are made within the Studio system. Within these two unique brands, movies can differ greatly. While it’s true that Studios can back Independent Films by giving them a wider distribution, many Studios have created independent production companies, which create films that have a more independent feel. In addition to these production companies, which work within the Studio system, are literally thousands of fully independent production companies that exist all over the world.

Money is a key element in the studio vs. independent film debate that can make or break any production. Studio films secure a variety of monetary resources that make their production possible. The funding of studio films can come from private investors, film production studios, presales, product placements or a combination of sources. During a studio film’s development stage, presales can grant distribution rights of the finished project to foreign territories. These presale arrangements allow movie theaters, television networks and home video companies in foreign territories to make studio films available for their audiences during a specific timeframe. The resourceful nature of Hollywood funding is what helps producers secure money to meet multi-million dollar film budgets. Studio films also tend to include the involvement of famous actors, directors and Hollywood companies which make these projects attractive to investors.

Independent films are less likely to secure funding using the same methods as productions supported by major Hollywood studios. There are many reasons why money is difficult to find but lack of a star cast has been among the top hurdles for these types of films. Many directors or producers of independent films fund these projects using their own money because they have limited resources for film production money.

Independent Film could also be called “small” films. The budget is smaller than a Studio Picture, which means that it costs less to make. The crew and even the cast can also be smaller too. This usually means that Independent Films focus on the telling of a smaller story through character development rather than action. It’s rare that Independent Filmmakers rely on Computer Generated Imagines or Visual Effects to tell their stories but it’s not exactly impossible.

In contrast to “small” films, Studio Pictures could be called “big” films. They have big budgets, often exceeding $100 million, they have big crews and big casts, including big name actors. They use big sets, have big hair and makeup budgets and present a big marketing campaign to sell the film to a wider audience. They may also have big explosions, big action and/or lots of Computer Generated Images/Visual Effects. These films are often known as blockbusters. However, not every Studio Film is a blockbuster.

What the differences really come down to is how each story is told. Since Studio Pictures have larger budgets, they often through in more action or more star power because they can afford to, while Independent Films usually go for a character-driven approach. This means that the movie places its characters at the center of the action, rather than the story. We, the audience, get to know the film’s characters on a more personal level. We often find out where they have been in life and usually experience some kind of a personal journey with them. We often find them at the pinnacle of their careers or love life and then there’s some loss. Or, we find them at the depth of despair and then we see them rise above the noise.

Film Production

The production stage of filmmaking is another area where many studio films have an advantage over independent film projects. Production teams working on a studio film have access to remote locations around the world that helps add visual appeal for their projects. Hollywood studios also hire professionals who specialize in creating rain, elaborate set designs, combat, explosions or any other ideal element that helps to increase a film’s entertainment value. Independent film producers with similar needs would not likely survive in this scenario. Equipment expenses alone could potentially bankrupt an independent film before production starts. Many independent films consist of simplistic locations and minimal effects or stunts.

Men and women who produce these projects usually rely on donated goods, services and locations, which limits their options for fancy production elements. These production restrictions helps to separate quality independent films from amateur projects because the director and film crew members are forced to be creative when filming scenes. Production resources or lack thereof can cause producers to choose the side with money in a studio vs. independent film debate. There are downsides to depending on fancy effects and exotic locations when measuring a film’s potential for success. While studio films have access to advanced sources of special effects, props and expensive locations, some independent film productions still prevail using spectacular cinematography, editing and acting performances.

Character-driven films are not concern with placing a story at the forefront. It’s not about trekking across thousands of miles of mystical landscape in order to through a golden ring into a pool of hot lava. In war movies, the character-driven film would focus on the characters in the unit rather than having them find one Private in order to bring him home. Those examples, are story-driven films. Story-driven films have a huge significance on Hollywood and bring in the most revenue at the box office. Independent Films have financially done quite well in the past but they often bring in less of a return.

Independent Films, aka “small” films, tend to be character-driven. They’re made with less money, have a smaller cast and crew, they work on smaller sets and have less visuals to work with. To compensate, characters tend to be the star of the film. These characters are put into realistic situations and must fight through real life drama or react with real life comedy.

Studio Pictures, aka “big” films, tend to have more to work with. They have bigger budgets, bigger casts with bigger names, and bigger crews with bigger names, larger and sometimes more exotic sets and they can afford more visual effects. They tend to be story-driven. The first and foremost importance is placed on the characters going somewhere to experience something. Or to spend the entire film training to compete in an event. Or even to rescue another character from certain demise.

Longer hours. Finances will dictate that the shooting schedule needs to be complete before anyone can go home. When going into overtime the 1st AD will ask if people mind staying on, don’t be surprised if some members of the crew walk off set. You always have the choice so do what’s right for you.

Less cash means fewer people. The larger departments such as Art Department can be more moderate on a production of a lesser budget.

Your pay can be very low on a low budget feature, make sure to find out what they're paying before accepting any position.

Decisions are made quickly on indie productions; this is because - 1. Time is money, and the 1st will not tolerate procrastination, and 2. The director will not have to cross check with members of the studio over little details of costume, lighting, action.

Working on lower budget films can be hard work, sadly this is where the industry loses many talented individuals who decide it isn’t the right path for them; some go on to work in other areas of the industry while others leave altogether. If you manage to stay the course and work on the bigger budget studio productions, you'll find that more money makes a difference in working hours and your pay. Some of the main differences you may notice will be:

The decision process is much slower. When any creative decisions are being discussed the director will need to defer to the producers and execs for their approval before shooting can commence, acquiring formal sign off is imperative. Much of this would have been discussed in pre-production, but last minute changes are always a possibility.

Better resource due to an expansive budget. More crew can be brought into a production if it's running behind, departments manage their own budget but can go to the UPM if there are any extra costs. Many hands make light work, so the staffing levels of the Art Department on a studio production, for example, can run into the hundreds.

Better catering. It sound simple, but those long days are going to require fuel - you know the expression ‘an army marches on its stomach’ - well you do now. Runners cannot live on nervous energy alone, and a nice team of caterers can make all the difference (when you get the chance to grab lunch that is).

Better organization. More hands in the production office and on set often lead to a well-run shoot, it's not always the case as some high-end features do run over schedule due to a variety of circumstances and interventions - but at least you'll be getting paid.  You can have the same team of ADs and PAs on a low budget and a top end budget, their approach to the production will be the same, but they can only work with the resources they're given.

Film Distribution

Studio films are often produced by entities that also own a distribution company, providing an automatic sales outlet. Their credit list of star actors also gives studio films an edge when producers seek to expand their exhibition territories. A wide calendar of distribution opportunities help studio films make their production budget money back plus profits. Since they are made outside of the Hollywood studio system, independent films have a tougher chance of obtaining distribution opportunities. Producers submit these projects to film festivals and markets with the intent on attracting distribution offers from larger studios. While thousands of independent films are submitted to festivals each year, only a few get accepted to be shown and an even smaller percentage is granted theatrical distribution.

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, Careers Hub, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Blurb, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Chron, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, How Stuff Works, WGA, BBC, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Bright Hub, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Production Beast, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros, UCAS, Frankenbite, Realty 101, Liberty Me, Careers Hub, Sokanu, Raindance, Film Connection, My Job Search, Prospects,

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Indie Film Production / Photo Credit: Ken Atchity