Shameless plug incoming:
I helped produce a short film called Confidential Informant. We poured our hearts and wallets into the film. I am very proud of the result. We (sort of, I'm currently in college so I have been reduced to editing scripts, crafting one pagers, and sitting on conference calls) are about to set out on a few more endeavors and quality, originality, and financial success for our investors and contractors is paramount. We hire quality over quantity. We want to make good movies that make enough money to make more.
I write all this to highlight two points: it is not just mindless recreations and rebrands out there (I have to believe that we are not the only indy guys who want to make good pictures) and there is good content out there, but like all good things you must work to find it.
When I get tipsy and hopeful, I dream of seeking funding from the likes of HN folks (y'all definitely talk like you could afford to invest in low budget pictures) instead of the withered, myopic folks who do the bulk of investing now. Film is risky, and people want guaranteed ROI. The climate is such that people want guaranteed winners and few will take risks on unknown quantities, directors, scripts and production companies alike.
Sorry for the ramble, but every time I hear someone complain about the state of film these days, my first response is, "what are you willing to do to change that?"
If anyone is interested in getting involved with a small and hungry production company hit me up. We don't need you to win but we'd love to have you.