Small Publications, Big Impact

Quite often, it’s the smallest publications that are the most fun for a writer. One of my favorite outlets was IndieIN.com. Alas, the website with a huge heart but not enough funds passed away in July, 2007. This blog entry is a belated eulogy to a wonderful site run by passionate women.

IndieIN.com was the brainchild of Michelle Bryant and Julie La’Bassiere. Both wanted to create a site that celebrated and promoted independent films. They truly cared about the little films that scraped together just enough cash to get made and rarely had enough left over to get noticed.

I met Michelle at the Toronto International Film Festival. Her passion for film was undeniable … enough so, that I agreed to write for their site. The reviews and interviews I wrote for IndieIN were hands-down some of my favorites.

Not only was Michelle a kind and supportive editor but she always encouraged a writer to be creative. And when you’ve written for bigger outlets with very specific guidelines, you appreciate having a bit of room for your own style.

I’d have to say, though, the best part was the interview. Occasionally, you’d stumble across an arrogant jerk. But overall, interviewing independent filmmakers was a real joy. They’re keen, appreciative, collaborative…and oh-so passionate.

One can only imagine how many hours they’ve put into creating, editing, and promoting their film – on their own dime – only to arrive at an interview with a full appreciation of the journalist’s time and effort.

Perhaps that’s why Michelle and Julie aspired to create IndieIN. They not only loved independent films, they deeply admired the people with the courage to make them.

So if you start to feel jaded about this industry, think about the tireless enthusiasm of people like Michelle and Julie… and the filmmakers they aspired to help. It always puts a smile on my face.