2019 EDA Spring Newsletter

Riverside County Film Commission

Riverside County: The Indie Filmmaking Capital of the World Lights, Camera, ACTION!

Above: Michael Feifer shooting for LifeTime Movie Network at the RUHS Hospital, Moreno Valley, Ca.

Riverside, CA - An independent film, independent movie, indie film or indie movie, is a feature film or short film that is produced outside the major film studio system, in addition to being produced and dis- tributed by independent entertainment companies. Independent films are sometimes distinguishable by their content and style and the way in which the film- makers’ personal artistic vision is realized. Generally, the marketing of independent films is characterized by limited release, but can also have major marketing campaigns and a wide release. Independent films are often screened at local, na- tional, or international film festivals before distribu- tion (theatrical or retail release). An independent film production can rival a mainstream film production if it has the necessary funding and distribution. Riverside County has become a hub for In- dependent film makers. Why is this? Netflix and

Amazon provide access to a much wider potential audience while promoting a diverse range of stories and ginning up excitement for independent films in general. Amazon says it has seen “good demand” for independent films. “If you don’t live right in a city, it may not be convenient to see some of these very interesting independent films,” says Roy Price, head of Amazon Studios. “But once you take that con- straint out of the system, we’ve observed there are categories that tend to thrive when they have greater availability. It’s been a good few years for indepen- dent films and documentaries.” While most independent filmmakers don’t set out to make a film specifically for Netflix or Am- azon, the companies have shown a notable interest in making and acquiring films (and TV shows) with diverse casts, locations and nontraditional storylines. Clearly, Netflix and Amazon is betting heavily on

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