Differences between mainstream and independent films

This is a comparison between the key things found in Mainstream and Independent films. This will help me as it gives me a simple list of the differences between the two which I can use during the creation of my film to ensure that it fits the correct type of production company.

Mainstream

• High production value
• More/more complex technologies (such as green screens or CGI)
• Higher image quality
• Often in 3D or IMAX
• Large, broad audience
• Common, large genre
• Obvious genre
• Large, expensive marketing schemes using cross media convergence
• Broad distribution (available on DVD, Blu-ray, online, multiplex cinemas etc)
• International distribution

Independent

• Niche audience (very specific target audience)
• Specific, often ususual genre
• Genre unclear
• Gritty
• Either have a very small marketing scheme or none whatsoever (recent independent films, such as Ex_Machina (2015), have utilised social media as it is widespread and free)
• Low budget/production value
• Limited distribution (often solely on DVD, online, or in independent cinemas)
• Local or national distribution