Which of the following was a factor that liberated filmmakers in the 1960s?

The proliferation of independent production companies in the 1960s played a crucial role in liberating filmmakers. This period marked a significant shift in the film industry, as independent companies began to emerge and gain influence, allowing for more diverse storytelling and creative expression. Unlike the major studios that often imposed strict control over the content and style of films, independent filmmakers had the freedom to explore unconventional themes, experiment with new techniques, and address social issues that were often overlooked by mainstream cinema.

Independent production companies provided a platform for a new generation of filmmakers to share their unique perspectives, leading to a renaissance in American cinema. This shift helped facilitate the rise of influential directors and movements, such as the New Hollywood movement, which challenged traditional narrative forms and genres, ultimately reshaping the landscape of film during that era.

In contrast, while factors like the Great Depression, the invention of sound in film, and the establishment of film schools contributed to the evolution of cinema, they did not provide the same level of liberation that independent production provided. The 1960s were defined by the creativity and innovation that came from filmmakers operating outside the constraints of the major studios, leading to a flourishing of new ideas and storytelling forms in film.