How do independent/low budget films make money?

Question

I am wondering how these films make money. How much do they get if they actually play in a theater and what kind of deals do they get with DVD distribution companies? Or if the makers just sell it to a larger company do they get royalties and how much more than the budget do they usually sell for. Thanks

Answer 1

They usually make money when they sell the rights to a distributor (plus home video, cable, and other ancillary deals).