Examines George A. Romero's regional production company Laurel Entertainment and its contribution to American cinema

Reframes key academic analysis on auteur filmmaking, cult horror and independent cinema from an industrial perspective
Integrates business and economic theory to provide a new paradigm for understanding American film production practices
Offers a unique close study of a regional American production company specialising in horror content
Presents the first academic analysis of Laurel Entertainment and independent film producer Richard Rubinstein
Draws upon original interviews with George A. Romero and his collaborators

George A. Romero is recognised as one of the most culturally significant horror auteurs in American cinema. From his debut Night of the Living Dead onwards, he demonstrated a commitment to politically challenging low-budget genre cinema, gaining fan adoration and critical esteem. Romero's cult status may be assured, but the activities of the Pittsburgh-based production company that facilitated a substantial part of his output have largely been untold.

George A. Romero's Independent Cinema is the first in-depth analysis of Romero's Laurel Entertainment, revealing the decision-making and business planning that takes place away from Hollywood, while offering an industry-determined analysis of such films as his zombie masterpiece Dawn of the Dead and the seldom-discussed Martin and Knightriders. Tracking Laurel Entertainment across four decades, this book draws upon business and economic studies to critically recast historical developments in the American independent film sector, providing a forensic-level insight into a media production company whose output redefined horror cinema.