Over the decades we have seen a dramatic change in technology whether it be for better or for worse. From the drive-ins to home entertainment systems, we can choose how, where and when we want to watch a new release film or an old favourite. But will the change in technology damage the experience of watching film on the big screen?
Film is becoming increasingly expensive to buy and produce, so is technology the way to go in filmmaking? It has been a preferred choice by the independent and low budget films. Even Hollywood has made the switch by using the RED cameras in some productions. However, even though the movie may have been filmed digitally, they still needed to be printed onto 35mm film for some cinema projectors. A feature film is roughly around $4000 to print. Digitally, a hard drive for the film (200 – 300GB) may cost around $150 – $200. With hundreds of films distributed a year, this will save distribution companies money which they could put towards advertising or the production.
If all projectors were digital, if would be much cheaper for the distribution companies to expose the film to a wider audience by hiring out cinemas at different locations nationally and most probably internationally. For example, DJANGO UNCHAINED was released only in digital. Would we lose that ‘filmic’ life-like look that comes from the film print? I prefer watching film strip projected when I go to the cinemas, but it is estimated by the end of 2015 every cinema in the world will be digital. Even the role of the projectionist could be replaced with a computer.
With DVD replacing VHS, CGI and well crafted graphics and computer programs replacing projectionists. What technological idea do you think will change filmmaking in the future?
