Consumers Crave Indie Flicks, Friends' Reviews and At Home Movies

Consumers Crave Indie Flicks, Friends' Reviews and At Home Movies

(ARA) - Are the days of the Hollywood blockbuster numbered? According to a nationwide Spout survey, yes.

The recent survey, fresh on the heels of this summer's blockbuster roll-out, shows that 65 percent of Americans are looking to see more independent films like Little Miss Sunshine this year, with only 21 percent saying that they are satisfied with the list of sequels and remakes slated to appear in cineplex's across the country. And it appears the blockbuster critics may be taking a hit this year too, with 86 percent of movie goers relying on friends, family or alternative review sites for their movie recommendations.

In contrast to a clear choice for more independent films, the survey illustrates little consensus on what will be the best and worst sequel out this summer. While Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End scored as the probable best sequel with 26 percent, consumers were mostly divided on the second and third place winners. And while Evan Almighty and Rush Hour 3 ranked highest as the probable worst sequels, 19 and 16 percent respectively, consumers cast their thumbs down votes for some current blockbusters including Spider Man 3, Shrek the Third and Oceans Thirteen.

"With people apparently dissatisfied with the current Hollywood choices, it is clearly time for them to drive the industry. And distribution like Four Eyed Monsters on YouTube is just the beginning of this," says Rick DeVos, CEO and co-founder of Spout. "To complement this consumer driven industry, sites like Spout.com are adding a human connection to the film experience by creating a trusted online community that helps audiences find their films and helps filmmakers connect with their audiences."

So where do film lovers go from here? Indie buzz and online distribution of independent films like YouTube's recent first ever feature of a full length film, Four Eyed Monsters, is making it easier for the average consumer to access independent movies. And the ability to get this content at home is just what the consumer wants with 68 percent of those surveyed saying they prefer to take in a film on the couch and not at the cineplex.

Through film festivals, filmmaker podcasts, and active online dialogue, Spout has remained committed to growing the online film community that consumers are craving. Using real people -- experts or mavens -- is helping people sort through the thousands of films they could choose whether independent and emerging like Four Eyed Monsters or those blockbusters familiar to everyone.

So put in that microwave popcorn and settle in to your couch because films and reviews are coming at you in a whole new way.

For more details visit www.spout.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent