The Rise of Low-Budget Original Films in Global Cinema

全球電影市場中低成本原創電影的崛起

Jun 8, 2026, 13:06
CanadaEntertainment

Introduction

The movie industry is currently changing as low-budget, original films are starting to make up for the falling profits of expensive franchise movies.

電影業目前正處於轉型期，因為低成本原創電影開始彌補昂貴系列電影利潤下降的缺口。

Main Body

Data shows that fewer people are going to the cinema. For example, total admissions in the UK, US, and Canada fell from 1.416 billion in 2019 to 914.1 million in 2025. This decline was caused by the growth of streaming services, the pandemic, and changing habits among young people. In the past, studios relied on well-known brands to make money; however, this is changing. While fewer big-budget films are reaching the one-billion-dollar mark, independent movies are proving to be very profitable.

數據顯示，前往電影院觀影的人數有所減少。例如，英國、美國與加拿大的總入場人數從 2019 年的 14.16 億人下降到 2025 年的 9.141 億人。這種下降是由於串流服務的成長、疫情以及年輕人習慣的改變所引起。過去，製片廠依賴知名品牌來獲利；然而，情況正在改變。雖然達到十億美元票房的大製作電影減少了，但獨立電影證明其具有極高的獲利能力。

Two clear examples of this trend are 'Obsession' and 'Backrooms,' both created by YouTube filmmakers. 'Obsession,' which cost only $750,000 to make, earned $17.2 million in its first week and actually saw its revenue grow by 30 percent in the second week. In contrast, 'The Mandalorian & Grogu' had a much higher budget but saw a 69 percent drop in its second weekend. Similarly, 'Backrooms' has become the most successful US release for studio A24. These results show that audiences now prefer original stories and cheaper production methods.

這股趨勢的兩個明顯例子是 oleh YouTube 創作者所製作的《Obsession》與《Backrooms》。《Obsession》的製作成本僅 75 萬美元，但在首週便賺得 1,720 萬美元，且第二週的收入實際上增長了 30%。相比之下，《The Mandalorian & Grogu》的預算高得多，但第二個週末的票房卻下降了 69%。同樣地，《Backrooms》已成為 A24 片廠最成功的美國發行電影。這些結果顯示，觀眾現在更偏好原創故事與較低成本的製作方式。

Furthermore, the success of 'Obsession' has led filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma to compare it to the 1999 thriller 'Kaun?'. Varma emphasized that the acting and style in 'Obsession' are very similar to that older film. He asserted that this success proves the industry is wrong to believe that only expensive movies with heavy special effects can attract viewers, especially since 'Obsession' used very few locations and a small budget.

此外，《Obsession》的成功使電影製作人 Ram Gopal Varma 將其與 1999 年的驚悚片《Kaun?》相比較。Varma 強調《Obsession》的演技與風格與該部舊電影非常相似。他斷言，這次成功證明了業界的認知錯誤，即並非只有高成本且具有大量特效的電影才能吸引觀眾，尤其是《Obsession》僅使用了極少數場景且預算低廉。

Conclusion

The current film market is relying more on independent, original content to stay stable, as traditional big-budget franchises are becoming less effective.

目前的電影市場更依賴獨立原創內容來維持穩定，因為傳統大預算的系列電影效果已不如以往。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'Contrast Pivot': Moving Beyond 'But'

At the A2 level, you probably use 'but' for everything. To reach B2, you need to pivot. The text uses three sophisticated ways to show contrast that make you sound professional and fluent.

1. The 'However' Bridge

Text Example: "...studios relied on well-known brands to make money; however, this is changing."

The B2 Secret: Don't just put 'however' in the middle of a sentence. Use it to start a new thought after a full stop or a semicolon. It signals to the listener: 'I am about to tell you the opposite of what I just said.'

2. The 'While' Balance

Text Example: "While fewer big-budget films are reaching the one-billion-dollar mark, independent movies are proving to be very profitable."

The B2 Secret: Instead of two short sentences ('Big movies are failing. Independent movies are winning.'), use While at the start. This allows you to compare two different facts in one single, elegant sentence. It creates a 'balance' in your speech.

3. The 'In Contrast' Shift

Text Example: "In contrast, ''The Mandalorian & Grogu'' had a much higher budget..."

The B2 Secret: This is a 'Heavyweight' transition. Use this when you are comparing two specific data points or examples (like two different movies). It tells the reader: 'Now, look at this other example to see the difference.'

Quick Comparison Table for your Growth:

A2 Style (Basic)B2 Style (Advanced)Effect
I like movies, but they are expensive.I enjoy cinema; however, tickets are pricey.More formal/Academic
It rained, but we went out.While it was raining, we decided to go out.Better flow/Sophisticated
This film is sad. That one is happy.This film is tragic. In contrast, the other is joyful.Precise and analytical

Vocabulary Learning

admissions (n.)
The number of people who enter a place or an event, such as a cinema.
Example:Cinema admissions have dropped significantly since the rise of streaming platforms.
decline (n.)
A gradual decrease in amount, number, or quality.
Example:There has been a steady decline in the number of people visiting traditional bookstores.
profitable (adj.)
Making a financial gain or profit.
Example:The small independent studio found that original horror movies are often more profitable than big blockbusters.
revenue (n.)
The total amount of income generated by the sale of goods or services.
Example:The company reported a 20 percent increase in annual revenue after launching the new app.
emphasized (v.)
To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
Example:The director emphasized the importance of natural lighting in the scene.
asserted (v.)
To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
Example:The critic asserted that the movie was a masterpiece of modern storytelling.
stable (adj.)
Not likely to change or fail; firmly established.
Example:The economy needs to remain stable to encourage new investments in the film industry.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→