Juno

What makes it Independent?

Independent films touch very controversal subjects which are sometimes not fit for mainstream cinema. 'Juno' is an Independent film because of the fact that it touches a controversal subject and also had a low budget which Independents normally have. The film is based around a teenage girl, who is still at school, has an unplanned pregnancy. Teen pregnancies are pretty controversial as they are viewed as a negative thing. This is because the body of a teenager is still developing at this point and they are seen as too young to bare and look after a child.

What is the production cost?

The total production cost for this film is estimated at $7,500,000. Independent films are known to have small budgets as they not owned by one of the big mainstream film companys. Some of the best Independent films have been made on a super low budget for example; 'This is England'. 

Who stars in it and why?

Ellen Page stars as Juno MacGuff.

Michael Cera stars as Paulie Bleeker.

Jason Reitman pictured Ellen Page as Juno when he first read the script for the film. When making an independent movie, the producers have more control over the cast. If it was to be a mainstream film, the production company would have more control over the film than the producers or director due to business purposes.

Has is won awards?

'Juno' has won a mass amount of awards. Independents tend to get a wider range of awards than mainstream due to the amount of controversy and the messages the films put across. Heres a list of awards the film has won:

• BAFTAs - Best Original Screenplay
• Critic Choice Awards - Best Comedy
• Independent Spirit Awards 2008 - Best Feature, Best Female Lead (Ellen Page), Best Film Screenplay (Diablo Cody)
• 80th Academy Awards - Best Original Screenplay (Diablo Cody)
• Canadian Comedy Awards (2008) - Best Actress (Ellen Page), Best Director (Jason Reitman)
• National Board of Review - Best Breakthrough Performance- Female (Ellen Page), Best Original Screenplay (Diablo Cody)
• Satallite Awards - Best Actress- Musical or Comedy (Ellen Page), Best Film- Musical or Comedy
• Rome Film Festival - Best Film
• Writers Guild of America Awards - Best Original Screenplay (Diablo Cody)
• The National Movie Awards 2008 - Best Comedy