How are mainstream and independent films different?

1) How are mainstream and independent films different?

Mainstream films are generally the thoughts and wants of the majority of people. However in the reality, the mainstream is far from organized; rather the concept is often considered a cultural construct. This includes:

• Something that is available to the general public;
• Something that has ties to corporate or commercial entities.

As such, the mainstream includes all popular culture, typically described by the media. mainstream films are screened accross the country at various times of the day contrasting the Independent films as they usually screen only one film at a time and only at certain times a day. Independent films often contrast mainstream films with the use the subcultures, countercultures, cult followings, underground cultures and (in fiction) genre, these films go against the majority of media concepts.

2) The UK film council are trying to make the independent films more accessible to the public in 3 different ways for example;

Improving access – our Digital Screen Network is made up of 240 digital screens across the UK that now show non-mainstream films regularly.

Raising awareness – Our Prints and Advertising Fund provides £4 million every year to help British distributors promote non-mainstream films.

Increasing information – our website, http://www.findanyfilm.com/ is one of the UK's leading websites for film fans looking to watch, buy, download or rent great films.