Indie filmmakers! This is our big opportunity to shine, apparently.
With October 2025 being the worst box-office performance since 1997 (excluding 2020) the folks at No Film School are wondering if this gives indie producers an opportunity to break into the box-office malaise.
“If there's any good to be taken from this, maybe it's that this industry downturn could create opportunities for independent filmmakers willing to think differently. When the major players are faltering, there might be room for original voices to break through as audiences seek entertainment elsewhere.
If you have an original film and would like to take advantage of this slump, here are a few tips to connect directly with viewers who want fresh storytelling.”
Part of the blame is laid at the feet of the studio tentpole fetish and existing IP becoming jaundiced. Which is of course the outcome of the studios being unwilling to invest in original (safe) material. Eventually, it catches up with the industry.
What are your thoughts about this downturn being an opportunity for indie producers?
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I think it's a big opportunity for indie producers to shine, Geoff Hall. I've seen some indie films this year that are levels above studio films and remakes story wise, directing wise, acting wise, etc.
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Geoff Hall We did a study (of course) on the "constant dollar" revenues in theatrical in real dollars and in numbers of tickets sold. It dropped precipitously in the early 1950s with the wide adoption of television, and then fluctuated up and down, with a definite downward trend since the 1980s. In the last 10 years, it has gone to it's lowest level ever, and this year is projected to be about a third of what it was ~10 years ago. HOWEVER that does not mean theater is not profitable. It fact it's still pushing muti-billions in revenues and profits in the US, despite the crying and wailing by theater chains. It's easy for filmmakers to forget, if they ever notice, that theatre owners primary business is real estate investment, not entertainment.
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I completely agree! All the best films I've seen this year were made by indie filmmakers, with just a few exceptions from big companies.
My feeling is that audiences are looking for an ORIGINAL concept now. Gone are the days when a pretty picture was enough. Even having a famous actor doesn’t guarantee that the film will succeed.
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that’s right Anna, I think people are becoming jaundiced with regurgitated IPs. They want to be thrilled by original stories.
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Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg Thanks, Shadow. Yes, it is an historical trend that they're are struggling against. I wonder if a turnaround in fortunes will ever happen?
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Maurice Vaughan that’s interesting to hear, Maurice and encouraging too for the indie filmmaker. I think we can breathe life into a tired industry.