Dark Matter: Independent Filmmaking in the 21st Century

The book "The Funding Game" provides an insider's view of the workings of international film funding and distribution, revealing how studios that fund film production and control distribution networks also work against a sustainable independent film culture and limit innovation in filmmaking style and content.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Eye-opening and utterly captivating, this remarkable book has been hailed as the Sound and Sight Book of the Year. Total Film delves into the intricate dynamics that shape the fate of a film's funding and content. Who wields the power to decide whether a film receives the green light? How do those who control the purse strings also influence a film's message and overall essence?

In his captivating writing, acclaimed director Michael Winterbottom, known for his award-winning feature films such as Welcome to Sarajevo, 24 Hour Party People, and The Road to Guantanamo, as well as the immensely popular The Trip series, offers an insightful and revealing perspective on the world of international film funding and distribution. Winterbottom, drawing from his extensive experience in the industry, unveils the intricate workings of the studios that finance film production and control distribution networks, simultaneously working against the growth of a sustainable independent film culture and stifling innovation in filmmaking style and content.

In addition to reflecting upon his own filmmaking journey, which encompasses both critical and commercial successes alongside a long list of films that never saw the light of day, Winterbottom conducts insightful interviews with renowned contemporary filmmakers, including Lynne Ramsay, Mike Leigh, Ken Loach, Asif Kapadia, and Joanna Hogg. These conversations provide valuable insights into their filmmaking practices and offer a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by filmmakers in the modern landscape.

The book concludes with a visionary vision for reforming the contemporary filmmaking landscape. Winterbottom advocates for fairer funding and payment practices, which would enable a more innovative and sustainable 21st-century industry. By addressing the imbalances and challenges faced by filmmakers, the book aims to create a more equitable and inclusive environment where creativity thrives and the potential of cinema is fully realized.

This captivating and thought-provoking book is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of film, offering a profound exploration of the power dynamics and challenges that shape the creation and distribution of cinematic masterpieces.

Weight: 584g
Dimension: 251 x 245 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839023392