This thesis examines the U.S. film industry from a political economic perspective to determine the state of independent film in relation to ownership, financing, and content. Since its conception, the film industry has been controlled by a small number of companies—that is, as an oligopoly. As such, films produced outside the sphere of the majority have been labeled 'independent.' However, these 'independent' film companies either have been co-opted into the conglomerate system or have adopted their business strategies to remain competitive in the industry. However, what classifies an independent film is subjective. Throughout literary research in this area, three characteristics were considered: financial sources, budget, and content. Therefore, to redefine 'independent' film, this thesis used a spectrum (Table 1.1) encompassing each of these elements to analyze and reclassify three Kevin Smith films, Clerks (1994), Dogma (1999), and Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008) into one of five categories: independent, somewhat independent, dependent, minor studio, and major studio. These films were also analyzed in a political economic context examining barriers to entry and effects in content. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Communication in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Media. / Spring Semester, 2009. / April 9, 2009. / Independent Film, Economy, Political, Kevin Smith, Definitions of Independent Film / Includes bibliographical references. / Jennifer M. Proffitt, Professor Directing Thesis; Stephen D. McDowell, Committee Member; Andrew Opel, Committee Member.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_181578 |
| Contributors | Keenan, Grace Kathleen (authoraut), Proffitt, Jennifer M. (professor directing thesis), McDowell, Stephen D. (committee member), Opel, Andrew (committee member), School of Communication (degree granting department), Florida State University (degree granting institution) |
| Publisher | Florida State University, Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, text |
| Format | 1 online resource, computer, application/pdf |
| Rights | This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s). The copyright in theses and dissertations completed at Florida State University is held by the students who author them. |
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