100000 – 250000

The following films are independent films and documentaries made for less than $250,000 (range from $10,000 to $250,000). Each of the films in this category have achieved some level of success. Many of the films have been screened at prestigious film festivals such at Cannes, Toronto or Sundance, and others have found considerable commercial success.

OPEN WATER
Budget: $130,000
Trailer: Watch Open Water Trailer
Synopsis: Open Water as written and directed by Chris Kentis. The film was produced by his wife “Paura Lau and they both financed the film with a production budget of $130,000. They screened Open Water at the Sundance Film Festival and it was shortly after picked up by distributor “Lions Gate Entertainment” for 2.5 million dollar. Lions Gate then went on to further invest in teh film and distribute it for a gross of 55 million dollars worldwide.

SWINGERS
Budget: $250,000
Trailer: Watch Swingers Trailer
Synopsis: Swingers (1996), was written by Jon Favreau in just weeks. The film was directed by Doug Liman and was shot for a modest $250,000 and went on to earn over 6.5 million dollars.

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