"A Focal Press book"--Cover.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Section 1. Independent media and digital convergence
1. Introduction: Independents vs. the mainstream
2. Rise of the independent filmmaker
3. Technology changes
4. A new paradigm
5. Emerging models and practices. DIY and no-budget production models ; Crowdfunding & crowdsourcing ; Cross-distribution models ; Web videos & online stars
6. The big picture
Section 2. Storytelling across media platforms
7. New ways of storytelling : transmedia and cross-media concepts
8. Project development. Defining the goal ; Narrative patterns ; World & tone of the story : character development ; Story arc & plot points ; Elements of the "transmedia bible"
9. Project organization. Funding & organization models ; Audience building & engagement ; Media platforms
10. What does the future hold

Offering a comprehensive analysis of the technological changes of the past few decades in independent film and media-making, and exploring new strategies and practices in media production, exhibition and distribution for independent producers and content creators, this work address key questions like how to reach an audience at a time when media conglomerates and their products dominate the market, and simultaneously, there is an overabundance of content competing for viewer time.