Shaula Evans at 2013-07-05 18:10:17:

Scott, I am SO excited about this new series. Yes, please, let's run it all year, or at least as long as it has legs. Some suggestions for the series: - What about a post about what "independent movie" used to mean, how the system has changed, and what it means now? (Partly to get us all on the same page for the series.) - I'm always excited to support new independent releases in theatres. I'd also love recommendations for already-released independents worth seeing on DVD or VOD. - Maybe you could bundle this into your interview series and ask your guests about their favourite independent movies. (Like the "Top 10 lists" by filmmakers that Criterion runs on their website.) For example, I'd love to know what Ava DuVernay and Liz Garcia would recommend, and I know you've got an amazing slate of interview subjects lined up for the rest of the year.

Jeff Messerman at 2013-07-05 18:59:42:

Oh my, how bloody inspirational is this?! LOVE IT!!! So for me and the Mrs., tonight, at Milwaukee's own, beautiful ORIENTAL THEATER, our last great movie palace, it'll be THE KINGS OF SUMMER! (by the way, check out the lobby...this place is truly a cinema lover's crown jewel!) http://cdn.lightgalleries.net/4bd5ec080717d/images/7-2_Oriental_Theater_01-1.jpg http://cdn.lightgalleries.net/4bd5ec080717d/images/Full_TheaterA_copy_2-1.jpg The popcorn there is sprinkled not with atomic butter product but a powder called 'Brewer's Yeast.' See ya' at the movies! I'll let you all know how it went!

plinytheelder_t at 2013-07-05 19:46:09:

Apologies if this seems like ragging, but while I know math isn't a prerequisite for this blog, this tweet you quoted misses the point so far, it made me laugh out loud: @LisaPease: Adults don’t need special effects or stars – just a good story. For 1/4 price could reach double the audience.

Jerry Glover at 2013-07-05 20:15:21:

Well, I'm ahead of the game with my June theater viewings of indies outnumbering summer blockbusters. The indie-roll so far: Mud, Much Ado About Nothing, The Kings of Summer, and Don Jon(preview/fall release). I even paid to see half of them. :-) Next on the agenda is probably The Way, Way Back, definitely Fruitvale Station, and, rolling out in August, The Spectacular Now. Thanks for the Fandango indie section/calednar link; didn't know about that either.

CydM at 2013-07-05 20:51:50:

In like Flynn (um, I might want to rethink that)! We're hitting the movies tomorrow and will ONLY see indies. Maybe two. Yes, a communal board can be created on Pintrest. Excellent idea. I'm currently on a few but I don't know how or why. Time to check it out and get something going. Love, love, love this idea.

CydM at 2013-07-05 21:24:37:

I started a community Independent Film board on Pinterest, but I'm not entirely sure how it all works. I did notice I had some new invitations to join other community boards for independent writers, so I sent out invitations to a few writers and photographers I know. Here's the link: http://pinterest.com/cydmadsen/indpendent-films-for-quality-and-elevation-of-visu/ If you use the latest version of Firefox, there is an add on or plug in for a Pinterest pin. See something you like, hit the little button and it can go on the board of your choice.

sharpreef at 2013-07-06 09:36:21:

Scott, This is a great idea for a series. I have been feeling that movie goers, more and more, are only buying theater tickets to see movies that are mass marketed to them. It's as if they feel some kind of responsibility to see the "big movies" on the big screen. The problem is these movies are made with a corporate mentality. They are made to sell burgers and toys. They're basically very expensive advertisements. This is not the type of cinema that expands or illuminates anyone's perspective or outlook. The only way to stop it is for people to BUY TICKETS to see interesting, unique and original films in the THE THEATER as our business is still so fixated on US box office, in particular, opening weekend grosses. I feel like moviegoers have to look at their movie spending dollar as a vote. You are voting for the kind of movies you want to see in the future. I know many executives would like to make original movies, but when the general audience keeps voting for more of the same, that's what they serve up. For your movie dollar consideration, some movies I enjoyed with an independent point of view, currently or recently released in theaters or DVD: A HIJACKING FRANCIS HA MUD KON-TIKI DISCONNECT THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES KILLING THEM SOFTLY SIMON KILLER THE COMEDY HEADHUNTERS THE SNOWTOWN MURDERS

A2Jason at 2013-07-06 17:38:05:

I celebrated my "Declare Your Independents" (love that name) today by seeing the independent comedy "The Kings of Summer." It is literally the best comedy I have seen so far in 2013. Engaging characters. Memorable dialogue. Never dull. Much needed boost for the coming-of-age genre!

Scott at 2013-07-06 18:14:28:

Great to hear, Jason. Heard good things about it. Here's the logline: "Three teenage friends, in the ultimate act of independence, decide to spend their summer building a house in the woods and living off the land." Did you see it on VOD? In a theater?

A2Jason at 2013-07-06 19:50:06:

I saw it at my local indie theater "The Little Theatre" . There was a decent crowd for an early Saturday afternoon showing. All different age groups -- but ironically no teenagers lol. I'm rooting for "The Kings of Summer" to win. A fun Summer Movie that is actually an original story without big stars or special effects. Can you imagine? lol

A2Jason at 2013-07-06 20:06:38:

Speaking of independent movies, it seems like the indie scene has been leading the charge in 2013 for a modern "Coming Of Age" revival >>> "The Way Way Back," "The Kings Of Summer," "Fruitvale Station," "The Bling Ring" and "Spring Breakers" come to mind.

CydM at 2013-07-06 23:53:19:

The Indie Film board I set up on Pinterest has one person join the board, so it is now communal. Anyone can post what they want there. So far I've posted this site, sites of different film commissions, and indie films. Joining Pinterest is easy. Just logon through Facebook (all roads lead to FB). And speaking of which, there are quite a few indie filmmaker groups on FB. Some are open, most you request permission, and some are secret and hidden. It's a very good resource for networking.