Independent films can find success through limited initial releases in independent cinemas to build an audience and reputation before expanding to mainstream cinemas. Producers target independent cinemas and use the internet and crowdfunding to promote and fund their films. If an independent film does well in its initial limited release, mainstream cinemas may then give it a wider release. Examples of successful independent films that found mainstream success include Reservoir Dogs, Donnie Darko, The Terminator, and Pulp Fiction.

1. How can independent
films become successful?
Beth and Christina

2. Release date
The first step in getting an independent film in cinemas is
holding off the release dates since if it already has an
official release date, it may have to be pushed back in
case of bigger budget films.
Cinemas are not interested in films that are widely
available on the internet or on video.

3. Cinemas
Producers can target cinemas that only show
indie films.
For example, The Stag (An independent Irish
film) was only released in selected Vue
cinemas around the UK in order to
maximise their possible profits.

4. Cinemas Part 2
An indie film that does well in the independent film
cinemas can then find a mainstream cinema where
they can ask them to evaluate and get the film into
the cinema for a limited time.

5. The Media and Internet
Independent (Indie) films are now globally recognised and
can gain support through the internet.
KickStarter - Allows people to directly fund projects
online, independent films are common amongst these
projects. Since their launch in 2009, 7.5 million people
have pledged $1 billion, funding 75,000 creative
projects. By receiving funding from the public, these
independent films can secure an audience.

7. Successful examples of Indie films
Reservoir Dogs
Donnie Darko
The Terminator
Pulp Fiction
Se7en
Over the last decade independent films have been
significantly recognised by The Academy winning 87
Oscars across 22 categories.

8. Top 10 successful independent British films
Top 10 successful
independent
British films at the
Box Office (2011)

9. Bibliography
http://www.slideshare.net/Na0m1b/what-makes-a-
successful-british-independent-film-12968988
http://www.wisegeek.com/how-do-producers-get-
independent-films-into-theaters.htm
https://www.kickstarter.com/hello