The Challenges of Finding Good Indie Movies
Finding good Indie movies has become increasingly difficult, as advancements in technology have allowed virtually anyone to create films. No longer is film-making the domain of creative, underdog geniuses who have been making movies since they were young. High-quality footage and lighting are now accessible to all, but storylines, acting, and dialogues often fall short.
Initially, film festivals like Sundance and Cannes were established to showcase the best of unknown talent. However, within a few years, every major city in the United States began hosting its own film festivals. This development had both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, it provided talented filmmakers with a platform to present their work; on the other, it flooded festivals with subpar films, diminishing their significance.
Nowadays, many young filmmakers and actors treat film festivals like red-carpet events, seeking respect and fame without demonstrating humility. The films themselves often lack attention to essential aspects like lighting, sound, camera angles, and editing. As these skills are not taught in most courses and are easily available online, many budding filmmakers jump into creating movies without first learning the basics and building a strong foundation.
Sound, one of the most critical aspects of a movie, is often poorly handled in indie films, with noticeable hissing and audio differences from one scene to another. Lighting, too, is frequently lacking, even though modern DSLR cameras with 35-50mm lens capabilities enable decent scene lighting. Many filmmakers simply don’t know how to use these tools effectively.
Aspiring filmmakers should focus on building a strong foundation before pursuing their dreams. One way to learn the craft is by taking basic editing, sound production, and lighting classes at local community colleges, which often cater to emerging YouTube filmmakers.
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME