The 2012 Indie Spirit Awards, 'The Artist' and Other Winners

Hey, for some general movie fans, independent movies (indie films) aren't on their radar.  But independent movies are becoming more mainstream than you think.  But first, a short list of some of the winners from last night's Spirit Awards and then after the list, check out what I have to say about independent films:

If you are a fan of the Indie Spirit Awards, I thought I'd toss out some winner names from last night...

• Best Feature: The Artist - Producer: Thomas Langmann
• Best Screenplay: Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash - The Descendants
• Best First Screenplay:  Will Reiser - 50/50
• Best Female Lead: Michelle Williams - My Week with Marilyn
• Best Male Lead: Jean Dujardin - The Artist
• Best Supporting Female: Shailene Woodley - The Descendants
• Best Supporting Male: Christopher Plummer - Beginners

If you want to see more, check out their website: spiritawards.com
...

But a bit on Indie Movies:

The movie Drive came from a film festival of indie films.  I know that's not the best example, considering the marketing makes it out to be much different than the gritty dramatic piece it is.  Many folks were disappointed (defined as pissed off) that it wasn't as the trailers advertise it.  But it was a good dramatic story, starring Ryan Gossling and included Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston!

The Paranormal Activity film franchise came from the indie film mentality (inexpensive production costs, great production values) and many mainstream actors are turning to the indie film circuit to work within.

My point being, even though we may get inundated on TV with "exciting" and "eye catching" movie trailers, which are designed to make us think cool things about a movie, we don't often see a lot of press about indie projects.

All I'm trying to convey is to keep your eyes open, watch the internet buzz about some movies on the film festival circuit, but be aware, that most indie films are good, quality stories based on great writing.  You won't be seeing any Transformers-like movies coming out of the indie film circuit.