Indie film companies have exploded in recent years as far as the titles being released and the demand; more than the big studios. They have been around for a long time, some with management of the big studios and others that are completely solo. As time changes and innovation gets better, the stories that people are creating in their homes are becoming more and more outside the box and indie companies are exploding as the outlet to allow these individuals to express themselves without the constraints and politics of the big studios. Its a blessing for directors as well as the viewers because of what we are able to consume; movies that would be lost to the film festival circuit and might not get picked up, indie companies are unhinged and producing everything.

I want to highlight several independent film companies that I think are the top of the game. They have been the most consistent in releases and have a strong hand in the award nominations.

Founded in 2012 out of New York City, A24 has emerged to be the premier independent film company to date. With abut 180 films in the catalogue, they have been able to amass 2 dozen academy award nominations. A24 has definitely grasped my attention because of the content put out. I watch a lot and enjoy a lot but I gravitate towards the wired, horror, cerebral, raw, gritty, horror type stuff. Seems like a lot to find in one film but it’s possible. Notable films under A24 is Hereditary, the Pearl trilogy, with Maxxxine scheduled to release later this year and Uncut Gems. A24 also seems to have a production style that Is unmatched as well. They have grown to the point where if I see A24 tagged to the title it’s an instant watch for me.

This company has been around for a long time which surprised me, since 1962. Originally out of Canada, the company moved to Santa Monica, CA. I wasn’t to familiar with the in my early years but in recent years they have put out titles such as the John Wick series, Saw series, and 1917. I don’t have to say much about how much of an impact John Wick and Saw have been on the movie industry, the titles speak for themselves. I think titles like these have elevated them into the conversation and will have no issues staying there if they continue to produce films of this magnitude.

Birthed inn 1994, Searchlight Pictures has also given us many titles we all know and love. Some notable ones are Poor Things, Birth of a Nation and The Menu. Looking at the catalogue, they have very recently been releasing more gritty, thriller type movies but most of what has been released are films that deal with serious topics, life, emotions, and dramatic genres. I believe they have picked consistent titles well and we know what we will get with a release from them. I feel with companies, knowing what to expect is a good thing. If I want to see X then I will go check out this company, etc.

The company name says it all. The horror king of film companies. Blumhouse has the highest number of ongoing franchises to include Paranormal Activity, Insidious and Sinister. Some may wonder why I mentioned Sinister, I feel it isn’t that well know but if you’re reading this and haven’t seen them, please go check it out. I don’t get uncomfortable watching movies and Sinister was one of them to do that. They have their niche and are running the table with it. I feel horror has taken a hit over the past decade. The golden years were the 80s and 90s. The genre seems to have lost its way but Blumhouse has revitalized the genre. This year, they have partnered with Atomic Monster that have produced titles such as The Conjuring, The Nun and Anabelle. With these two companies working together, they have the tools needed to continue to give us more memorable horror films to infinity and beyond.

There’s no mistake that indie film companies have taken the spotlight and a lot of up and coming writers and directors are going that route. The blueprint is bullet proof and the freedom of expression will continues to bring to light, more creativity I am excited to see and you should be to.