Backed by the might of their massive audiences, superior technology, and business models unfettered by the typical constraints of Hollywood, these tech giants provide a new hope for independent filmmakers.

Amazon's bought five independent films so far, including the well-received Manchester by the Sea for a reported $10 million. Netflix, meanwhile, has picked up streaming rights for three films, including Tallulah starring Ellen Page, and announced it will produce a slate of indie features. And the film festival isn't over until the end of this week.

This isn't the first year Netflix and Amazon have attended Sundance. But their presence looms larger than ever over the festival and the film industry. As major studios have been slower to pick up films, the two tech titans have aggressively offered top dollar, rattling the nerves of those at established studios.