The State of Indy film, Pt 1.

As many folks have observed, the concept of "independent film" has become nearly meaningless. However, the beginnings were clear enough...

Once upon a time (e.g. the era of Easy Rider), independent film referred to the films that were made outside of (...independent of...) the established and all-powerful Hollywood studio system. Traditionally, the studio system worked because most films were shot on sound stages (as opposed to on location), and the equipment only had to move around the studio lot--increasing efficiency by cutting travel time and cost. This equipment was expensive, difficult to use, and most of all... heavy.

A Mitchell BNC(R) 35mm film camera - used by Hitchcock, for instance - weighed 135 lbs and was broken down into 7 separate cases. It was usually mounted on a rolling studio dolly because conventional tripods could not practical or safe. Taking this camera out of the studio and on location was a major ordeal. Even if you could afford this camera, it was painful to use outside of the studios.

It wasn't until the advent of smaller cameras that independent film was possible, using cameras such as the popular Arriflex 16 BL. It still was heavy and expensive compared to today's HD camcorders - but it was light and cheap compared to the studio-only cameras. This allowed films like Easy Rider to be made...

I mention this film because it played a role in Hollywood's early awareness of having to cater to the diversity of audiences - rather than expect them to gobble up whatever films the produced (because they had no alternatives, really...)

Just before Easy Rider came out, the 1967 musical version of "Doctor Dolittle" was released by 20th Century Fox; it was an expensive and elaborate film, intended to be the film of the year for that studio (or any other). When it flopped, it was an painful financial loss for the studio, and a clear indication that they were totally out of touch with what modern (particularly young adult) audiences were looking for. And in 1969, when Easy Rider came out - this crappy looking, shocking, tragic and somewhat bizarre film was resonating with the youth in ways the studio system could never have anticipated.

The studios did not regard independent film as a serious threat (or opportunity) at this time, but it did get their attention, and pave the way for other brave folks to try other films outside of the physical and intellectual domain of Hollywood.