In order for an independent film to go to theaters, first it must be selected by a film festival. That is the part where critics and bigger name studios will decide if the movie is theater worthy. I have a couple friends who are directors/Producers. One guy has made 10 full movies and never had one make a single festival. The bigger name studios, have contracts with theaters and usually every thing they make is directly released to theater. And yes, some just go straight to video.