Mediacology

The Independent was a great mag for film and media makers. It will be relaunching this Fall after a year hiatus. Media Rights interviews the publisher about changes and the state of the industry.

My only beef is that I think we need to move away from this mentality of “independence” to move towards “interdependence.” Independence is not necessarily a virtue anymore, especially considering the ramifications of individualism that runs crazy in the world these days. Moreover I think “indy media” gets too much of a free ride in terms of seeing itself as noble cause. What I mean by this is that just because something is independent it doesn’t mean that it is right, fair or free of wrong-headed assumptions. Still, I welcome the return of the magazine, which I have always enjoyed.

MediaRights: News: The Independent Relaunches This Fall:

MediaRights.org: Your website defines the “Independent” as: not dependent: as a (1): not subject to control by others (2) : not affiliated with a larger controlling unit b (1) : not requiring or relying on something else : not contingent (2) : not looking to others for one’s opinions or for guidance in conduct (3) : showing a desire for freedom

How do you see this definition as both a virtue and an obstacle in the sustainability of a 501(c)(3) publication?

Michele Meek: It’s always a balance in the real world to maintaining independence. Everyone answers to someone. For us, we answer to our subscribers, advertisers and donors. The challenge for us is to keep a balance, and make sure that our decisions are always in line with our core mission. This is such a subjective area–what one person sees as seizing an opportunity someone else sees as selling out. Even the words ‘independent film’ have come to mean something so different to everyone. To me, independent is not a film made by Miramax because they are owned by Disney. Independent is a film made by a small company or individual and is able to find its audience against the odds. If it goes to Sundance and then gets picked up for distribution by Miramax, it’s now a film with indie roots that has corporate marketing behind them. Is that still an independent film? I say yes, but someone else might disagree.