The contradiction of American “Independent” cinema has always perplexed me. How can something be independent if at the end of the day somebody buys it and the creative folks behind the project (mostly the director) give up their ownership rights to a studio or distribution company? It’s a question I often ask myself as the popular model of independent cinema for the past 15+ years has been for the filmmakers to actively seek out dependence. When Miramax and Sundance hit the media, the model of independent filmmaking switched from one where directors maintained creative control to one where they easily give up their rights in hopes of distribution and the ability to make new films.

I was thus extremely excited to wake up today and read about Lance Hammer’s decision to self distribute his film Ballast.

Hammer’s Ballast won prizes at Sundance for direction and cinematography and had a deal with IFC, but as it turns out IFC wanted too much and wasn’t willing to give enough and Hammer decided to go it alone:

“IFC is a really good company,” Hammer told indieWIRE last week. “The problem is the larger issue that’s plaguing every filmmaker right now: The distributors don’t really offer any money. That’s not that big of a deal if they would allow you to have control of your project, but they don’t.”

If the current art-house climate isn’t challenging enough, Hammer’s decision highlights the harsh reality for indie filmmakers: distribution advances, or “minimum guarantees,” barely ever recoup a film’s budget.

Hammer says conventional distribution advances for a small film like “Ballast” range between $25,000-$50,000. “If you made a $50,000 project, that makes sense,” Hammer said. “If you happen to spend more money than that, it becomes difficult to justify giving up creative control.” [IndieWire]

Ballast is a tremendous film (look for a write-up about it soon) and I have nothing but respect and admiration for Hammer’s decision to remain the owner of his art. He’s already secured an October 1st opening with Film Forum and plans a national roll-out afterwards.

takepart to read more on Hammer’s decision to promote true Independent cinema and his plans for Ballast and

Read on:

• IFC loses Lance Hammer’s ‘Ballast‘
• Sundance Review: Ballast - Cinematical
• Sundance 2008: Ballast | SpoutBlog