Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back Is The Most Successful Independent Film Of All Time — Fact Of The Day

Yes, you read that title correctly.  Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back was an independent film.  George Lucas, the creative mind behind the Star Wars series, paid for the films entire production cost out of pocket.

Between the previous film's earnings and a $33 million loan from the bank, George Lucas fronted the production cost.  The film went on to earn over a half a billion dollars, making it the most successful independent film of all time.  Because of all of the production duties that come with funding a film, Lucas declined to direct his second installment of the Star Wars series.

[Source: Wikipedia]