The current crop, which also includes groups such as Red Bucket films and Waverly Films, stems from a steep downturn in the independent-film market in 2008.

WSJ: The Groups Behind 'Beasts of the Southern Wild' and More

Studios hoped that films like Red Riding Hood and Snow White and the Huntsman would fill the hole being left by the ending of Twilight and Harry Potter.

FORBES: 'Jack The Giant Slayer' And Hollywood's Blockbuster Problem

Contrary to the West's perception of Kurosawa as a prophet unappreciated in his own land, every one of a dozen films, from Rashomon to Red Beard 15 years later, was a smash hit.

CNN: Kurosawa Akira

Carey, whose parents were actors, made 10 films with Wayne, including "Red River, " "The Searchers" and "Cahill U.S. Marshall, " according to a Hollywood Walk of Fame biography.

CNN: Character actor Harry Carey Jr. dies

Thompson has acted in more than 30 films, including The Hunt for Red October, and he is well-known for playing the character Arthur Branch on the highly rated Law and Order television program.

NPR: Thompson on Heels of Frontrunners, Adviser Says

" From my perspective, both of these films were well done, especially "Red Sorghum.

CNN: Interview with Jiang Wen

Two films did better than expected this weekend: Life of Pi and Red Dawn.

FORBES: 'Breaking Dawn', 'Skyfall', Lead A Huge Box Office Weekend

Jones, whose film credits include Patriot Games and The Hunt for Red October, remains best known as the voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars films.

BBC: Vanessa Redgrave and James Earl Jones to reunite at Old Vic