American independent cinema has been an important creative and cultural media entity for the past fifteen years. The approach of this sector is one of cultural construction that simultaneously provides a socio-political reference through which critics and audience can attach certain films to popular movements and ideas. Declarations of Independence questions the supposed autonomy of this cinema and asks if independent film can possibly survive in the face of the mass-production and profit of Hollywood. Berra's text presents the reader with a unique structural approach to the subject matter with his arguments mirroring the actual film production process. He gives detailed insight into the core product with reference to specific films and studies of audiences and their enthusiasm for this type of alternative media. American Independent cinema continues to grow as a fashionable scene and Declarations of Independence analyses its popularity, economic viability and the production process of so-called 'niche' cinema. Berra uses directors such as Quentin Tarantino and Steven Soderberg as examples of those who have crossed successfully into the cultural mainstream, altering media and public perception. This comprehensive book is a useful resource for scholars as it gives an overview of the industry from conception of a film right though to festival exposure and public consumption. Berra also presents a strong academic argument and places the discussion of this increasingly popular genre within a wider socio-political context.

About the Author

John Berra is a lecturer in Film and Language Studies at Renmin University of China. He is the author of Declarations of Independence: American Cinema and the Partiality of Independent Production (2008); editor of the Directory of World Cinema: American Independent volumes 1, 2 and 3; editor of the Directory of World Cinema:Japan volumes 1, 2 and 3; co-editor of World Film Locations: Beijing (2012) and World Film Locations: Shanghai (2014); and co-editor of the East Asian Journal of Popular Culture. He has also contributed to Electric Shadows: A Century of Chinese Cinema (2014). He is also a contributor to magazines, including Electric Sheep and Film International.

Reviews
"A triumph for an informed, independent author unafraid to un-package the trade in cultural construction that simultaneously provides a socio-political reference through which critics and audience can attach certain films to popular movements and ideas." - Daniel Packer, Transition, Tradition "In this timely study, John Berra asks us to reconsider what we mean by 'independent' cinema in America. He demonstrates the clear gap between popular notions of independence and the commercial realities of movie-making today. He then proceeds to ask vital questions about the whole status of creative autonomy within the contemporary culture industry. In this way, Declarations of Independence has pertinent echoes within the creative sector as a whole." - Dr Richard Howells, Director, Centre for Cultural, Media and Creative Industries Research, King's College London "There has long been a gap in the film literature marked American Independent Cinema. John Berra's handsome and generous new study fills it to repletion. Prodigiously well-informed, economically literate, lengthy in its reach (he covers the past four decades with a useful detour among the British as well) and infectiously enthusiastic in excellent prose, he has made an addition to the best literature of film without ever lapsing into the jargon of Theory." - Professor Fred Inglis, Emeritus Professor of Cultural Studies, University of Sheffield "[Berra's] conclusion is well made - it's almost impossible for the indie film to establish economic independence from the mainstream, but we can still celebrate the cultural significance of its "independent spirit" - Douglas Allen, UC magazine



Book Information
ISBN 9781841501857
Author John Berra
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Intellect Books
Publisher Intellect Books
Weight(grams) 367g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 178mm * 12mm