After the success of Easy Rider (1969), Universal Studios hit upon the idea to let young filmmakers make "semi-independent" films for low budgets in hopes of generating similar profits. The idea was to make five movies for low budgets (one million dollars or less), not interfere in the filmmaking process, and give the directors final cut. The other movies were: The Hired Hand (1971), Taking Off (1971), Silent Running (1972) and American Graffiti (1973).