American independent cinema : an introduction / Yannis Tzioumakis.

Includes bibliography (pages 285-292) and index.

Introduction: Problems of Definition and the Discourse of American Independent Cinema; Part 1: American Independent Cinema in the Studio Years (mid-1920s-late 1940s); Chapter 1: Independent Filmmaking in the Studio Era: Tendencies within the Studio System; Case Study: James Cagney at United Artists: Johnny Come Lately, Blood on the Sun and The Time of Your Life; Chapter 2: Independent Filmmaking in the Studio Era: The Poverty Row Studios (1930-1950); Case Study: Charlie Chan at Monogram: Charlie Chan in the Chinese Cat; Part 2: The Transitional Years (late 1940s - late 1960s); Chapter 3: Independence by Force: The Effects of the Paramount Decree on Independent Film Production; Case Study: Stanley Kramer's Lomitas Productions and United Artists: The Defiant Ones, On the Beach and Inherit the Wind; Chapter 4: An Audience for the Independents: Expolitation Films for the Nation's Youth; Case Study: Sam Katzman and Rock Around the Clock; Part 3: Contemporary American Independent Cinema (late 1960s - present); Chapter 5: The New Hollywood and the Independent Hollywood; Case Study: John Cassavetes and Shadows; Case Study: Dennis Hopper and The Last Movie; Chapter 6: American Independent Cinema in the Age of the Conglomerates; Case Study: American International Pictures and Foxy Brown; Case Study: John Sayles and The Return of the Secaucus Seven; Chapter 7: Mini-Majors and Major Independents; Case Study: Orion Pictures, Filmhaus Productions, David Mamet and House of Games; Chapter 8: The Institutionalisation of American Independent Cinema; Case Study: Steven Soderbergh and Sex, Lies and Videotape; Case Study: Kevin Smith and Clerks; Epilogue: From Independent to 'Speciality' Cinema; Bibliography.

A substantial and insightful examination of the infrastructure of independent American cinema. This is a true advance on previous studies and deepens the reader's understanding of how independent films get made and distributed. For this reason the book will be an invaluable addition to the literature on Independent American Cinema. -- Professor Warren Buckland, Editor of The New Review of Film and Television Studies A substantial and insightful examination of the infrastructure of independent American cinema. This is a true advance on previous studies and deepens the reader's understanding of how independent films get made and distributed. For this reason the book will be an invaluable addition to the literature on Independent American Cinema.