I think the independent movie "Star Wreck" showed that the main obstacle to independent film-makers was no longer the production of "big studio quality" computer-generated visuals, but was instead the practice of the fundamental trades of the theatrical business: storyline, script, acting, soundtrack, and location.
As the likes of Lucas and Bay have demonstrated, no amount of "visual pinball" can compensate for flaws in the fabric of the work itself. Thus, the playing field is perhaps as level as it has ever been for those without repeated franchising opportunities and a good team of artists and writers.