indiewire.com
Recently, there has been a resurgence of websites that completely revolutionize the way we consume media. Netflix, Facebook, and Amazon all played an important role in this recent change. However, there are many smaller websites that have also had a significant impact on the way we consume media. These sites often go unrecognized.
It can be really refreshing to come across somebody who has the guts to stand up and do something different, especially when that thing is as useful as it is inventive. When somebody proves to be a resourceful source of information or entertainment in one of your hobbies or interests, that can really change the game for you. Especially when that interest is something less commonplace or well-known, like shopping or socializing.
This is what makes the IndieWire site so awesome - especially for fans of independent cinema. Independent films, although loved all around the world by many, are still considered a niche. That is to say, there are fewer independent film lovers than there are casual Hollywood blockbuster moviegoers. Indie films have taken on something of a cult following, typically attracting people who appreciate the more subtle and artistic sides of the cinema.
However, IndieWire?s launch was the first time that anything like it existed on the internet. It quickly became an important resource for indie cinephiles, with information and reviews that were previously much more difficult to find (due to independents' lack of mainstream recognition and pop culture appeal).
The site rose to notoriety quickly, receiving acclaim and praise from professional writers, film critics, and indie movie fans alike. For instance, Janelle Brown writing for Wired said in 1997 that " IndieWire has little to no competition: trades like The Hollywood Reporter and Variety may cover independent film, but from a Hollywood perspective, hidden by a huge amount of mainstream news. As filmmaker Doug Wolens points out, IndieWire is one of the few places where filmmakers can consistently and reliably keep on top of often-ignored small film festivals, which films are opening and what other filmmakers are thinking."
Forbes praised IndieWire in 2002 by applauding it as one of the sites in the "Cinema Appreciation" category of their "Best of the Web" list. They also highlighted the site's potential usefulness for independent filmmakers to network, citing its message boards teeming with filmmakers. Roger Ebert has also gone on record to recommend IndieWire, as well as eventually hiring Matt Zoller Seitz, a blogger at IndieWire, to be the editor-in-chief of his own website, rogerebert.com.
History
Indiewire officially launched on July 15th, 1996 as a daily email newsletter in the same vein as early AOL-based editorials by a small collective of filmmakers and writers from both New York City and Las Angeles, California: Eugene Hernandez, Mark Rabinowitz, Cheri Barner, Roberto A. Quezada, and Mark L. Feinsod.
Although IndieWire's readership initially consisted of just a couple hundred subscribers, it quickly grew in popularity. By the time the fall of 1997 rolled around, IndieWire had over 6,000 subscribers.
In January 1997, IndieWire made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival. This event, which is one of the most prestigious indie film festivals in history, was an early indicator of the publication's dedication to covering indie films. IndieWire: On The Scene was subsequently featured on both their print daily and website editions.
In 2008, Snag Films acquired IndieWire. The acquisition allowed IndieWire to branch out and reinvent itself with a larger budget. On January 8th, 2009, the site's editor, Eugene Hernandez announced a massive relaunch. The site was to be redesigned entirely; along with this relaunch came a sleeker website design and a change to the stylization of IndieWire publication ? IndieWIRE became, simply, IndieWire.
As of 2016, IndieWire has become a subsidiary company of Penske Media Corporation, and it currently has a staff of about 20 writers, including James Israel (publisher), Dana Harris (editor-in-chief), Eric Kohn (chief critic), and Anne Thompson (editor-at-large).
Design
I think the IndieWire redesign is really great. It's very sleek and clean-cut, and a lot of film review sites can get bogged down and cluttered by trying to lump way too much information and content into one cramped space on the page, but IndieWire has avoided making the mistake of its contemporaries (thankfully).
I absolutely love the minimalist approach that the site took with their rebrand. The simple white background with blue and black accents gives the site a classic and classy feel.
At the top of the page, you'll find a handy and convenient site menu bar. This allows you to browse any corner of IndieWire with ease. Just select from News, Film, TV, Awards, Toolkit (more on that in a bit), or More. Below that, a list of some of the site's trending topics and one more pace down you will see a few articles that IndieWire has deemed "Must Reads." This site naturally and gently guides the eye in a logical and effective order.
Content
If you're looking for indie film reviews, then there's no need to look any further than IndieWire. They have a variety of things to offer, including high-quality journalism. Not to mention, they have a robust news section where you can keep up with all the goings-on in the independent film world.
IndieWire has been reviewing television series in addition to their usual content. They don't seem to stick to just the independents, and you will find plenty of interviews, videos, awards show beats and headlines, information on the craft of filmmaking, and podcasts (rife with useful resources and think pieces specifically for filmmakers) here.
Pricing and Plans
IndieWire is a free website where you can read as much news, reviews, and insider industry information as you want. There are no paywalls or subscription fees.
Okay, I guess one string is attached. IndieWire relies on ad revenue. But, hey, it's worth it because everything in life isn't free, right? And in my opinion, having to look at a few ads here and there is a small price to pay for everything that IndieWire offers - not to mention the quality of the writing therein.
Desktop and Mobile Experience
I love the IndieWire app! It's just as good as the website, and the same sleek, minimalist design is consistent on all platforms- that's a really nice touch.
Suggestions that I have for IndieWire
I don't have too many suggestions for this site. It's an institution of film criticism and news, so it should be good. But I do have one suggestion: maybe IndieWire should consider offering a premium membership so that they can make more money from selling advertisements? That just seems like common sense to me.
Conclusion
If you're interested in indie films, television, film festivals, and entertainment news, IndieWire has plenty of resources to offer. Whether you're a budding filmmaker or just enjoy indie movies, we have you covered.
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