“Artisan” is a word that has become almost ubiquitous recently, especially when it is followed by the words “bread” or “coffee.” Meaning “a skilled worker or craftsman,” its use was never as widespread as it has become in the last few years. It is ironic because Artisan Entertainment was arguably the greatest turn-of-the-millennium film company. For about a decade, from the end of the 20th century to the start of the 21st, it made (or helped to make) a handful of films, including Reservoir Dogs, The Blair Witch Project, and Requiem For A Dream, that was among the most extraordinary films made by anyone anywhere as cinema entered its second century of existence.
Source: Artisan Entertainment: A Small Company That Made Some Giant Films – The Script Lab