Sergio Legorreta

12-5-2004

Modern World Cinema

Digital Transition..?

There has always been something that has set Film apart. Whether it’s the quality, cost, or just the amount of work that can go into a film, it has for a long time been an art form that few get the privilege of creating. For many years video engineers have been trying to catch up with film. Even though the use of electrical images and video have been around for over 50 years, it really isn’t until now that this type of technology is catching up with the quality of film. From the many advances this generation has seen such as typewriters to laptops, cassettes to Compact Disks, VHS to DVD’s, planners to palm pilots, and television to the internet; Film to High Definition Cameras seems to be another step to the digital revolution. Several films have already been made with this technology, however there is still a strong debate between the two forms with different opinions on which is better. Either way, whether you’re a loyal film fan or an Audio Video Techi, both will agree that these new digital technologies are having a big impact in the film industry and will continue in the future.

One of the best ways to predict the future (besides owning a flux capacitor), is by looking at the past. The creation of the motion picture has been an ongoing project starting as early as the eighteen hundreds.

Late 1800’s

During this time, many inventors and scientists such as Thomas Edison, The Lumiere brothers, Philo T. Farnsworth, George Eastman, and Eteinne Marey, were experimenting with capturing and projecting moving pictures with film. In 1889 one of the first film projectors was created by George Eastman. This use of celluloid film around an endless belt was soon followed by Edison’s creation of the Kinetoscope-a film strip viewing machine first demonstrated at the Chicago’s World Exposition. Ten years later in 1895, the Lumiere brothers develop the first portable camera and had the first public screening of projected film in France. Soon after, store front arcade like machines called“ Nickelodeons” began projecting 25¢ short films and became an instant success.

early 1900’s

During the early 1900s many experiments by John McCormack, John Loamax, Thomas Lambert, Edwin Pridham, Theodore Case, and Edison were made with recording audio using cylinders, discs, and magnetic recording. Although these discoveries with audio started to be used for recording music, there were still a few years until they would combined film and audio together. Around 1912 the first Motorized movie cameras were invented replacing the hand cranked camera. In 1926 movie theatres had one of the first attempts to combine film and recorded sound with an orchestral accompaniment and sound effects to the movie Don Juan. Yet, due to the fact that several theatres were fighting legal battles as well as having financial struggles audio didn’t really become widely used until the next year. Around 1927 studios began creating “ talkies “ as well as developing quieter camera controls and lights for producing these new films with sound. The first format accepted with audio technology was created by the Fox&Case sound track system also known as the Fox Grandeur wide film format. During this time Philo T. Farnsworth began to conduct tests on how to captures images electronically. His success in figuring out a way to use his own electronic invention that scanned electrons along furrow-like rows was the start of the same technology we use in television and video today. In 1934, the three color technology known as Technicolor emerged and was first used briefly in a live action film. However, it wasn’t until 1935 that color films were beginning to be produced due to the development of Kodachrome film by Eastman Kodak. That same year, Farnsworth produced the first demonstration of a working television system, and by 1936 Harry Lubke working in a broadcast system radio studio began testing television broadcasts using a 300 line 24 frames progressive system. At the same time the classic color film “Gone With the Wind” was created (1939), television was introduced to the public at the New York state’s World’s fair and radio-television broadcasts begin.

Mid 1900’s

Although some people in the film industry feared that less people will come to movie theaters in this television age, technological advances in film still continued. Not long after color television began to broadcast, movie theaters developed new and innovative ways to attract audiences such as three dimensional films, Panavision, and even smell-o-vision. Later around the early seventies, the use of cable television is launched with varying types of programming and pay per view channels. Some advertisers even called them “The home box office”. In the mid seventies Sony markets The first betamax VCR for home viewing and recording of video which was soon followed by JVC’s more successful format of the VHS. Sound for the movies is re-engineered around 1976 when Dolby laboratories introduces the Dolby stereo sound for movies. Shortly after Goerge Lucas’s Star Wars and Spielberg’s close encounters of the third kind are released (two films which experimented with digital technologies), the late 1970s mark the beginning of the digital revolution. In 1978, one of the very first digital formats for distribution of film was created when Phillips marketed the first video laser disc player, a product very similar to the current-day DVD player. During the eighties as computers increase rapidly in power and speed, they begin to impact the film business as early as nineteen nineties. Computer nonlinear editing systems are introduced and soon begin to take over many postproduction jobs.

Late 1900’s

As early as the 1980s D1 and D2 digital tape formats were created (now used in in mini DV cameras). However, even though these digital formats were developed so early, this new way of recording was not adapted because its final broadcasts would have to be back in an analog format NTSC signal or VHS tape. On the other hand, digital recording for sound adapted much quicker and digital sound recording and distribution became widely used replacing tapes with DAT machines or CD technologies. What finally gave the push to change video to digital signals was possible due to new encoding methods that reduced the amount of bytes that had to be sent by eliminating redundant picture information. The Motions Picture Expert Group (MPEG) developed MPEG1 and MPEG 2 digital video formats around 1993, and by 1994 MPEG2 became a standard for broadcast quality video through satellites and other digital formats. Digital cable as well as DVDs adopted the technology as well, and by 1995 all companies in the DVD consortium agreed to make it the DVD standard. As the use of DVDs quickly became popular in the average household, movie theatres started testing the use of complete digital projection of films and the conversion to digital Cinema.

21’st Century

Some theatres begin to change from projecting film to using digital projection technologies. One of the first to embrace the format as well was George Lucas’s release of The Phantom Menace Episode 1- becoming the first major motion picture theatrically exhibited using the Pluto digital D-5 storage system. More films besides Star Wars such as Once Upon a Mexico, Spy Kids, The Perfect Storm, and several other motion pictures begin to be shot digitally as well as projected in the new digital cinema format.

Probably the most exciting part of these digital technologies are the opportunities they have given to the average middle class consumer. Video editing has been a personal hobby since I was very young and I have seen and appreciate all the improvements that have come in the last few years. Making family movies/editing weddings using analog methods such as a 50 dollar video mixer and the tape to tape pause/record method of editing,- really makes you appreciate the power of digital nonlinear editing systems. Although in the beginning digital editing was very buggy on a home desktop. I still remember when I first switch to editing video on my Pentium 1 computer with a capture card that only went up to 320 by 240 resolution using a desktop software program MGI Video Wave 1.0. Not only were there so many computer crashes and rendering time but the whole process of capturing losing frames and converting analog video back and forth from digital required a lot of time as well as computer power. Editing high quality video digitally at that time could only be done owning very high end computer technology such as SCSI hard drives and AVID editing systems which were very expensive. Now, this laptop being used to type my research paper along with most personal computers made after 2002 have the ability to edit and capture HD quality video, add special effects, sound tracks, and export it to a tape, CD, or DVD at full quality (and they fit in your back pack!). This is truly amazing, now more than ever the average individual has the ability to produce their very own independent films. This is the exact message that is said throughout the whole 30 Dollar Film School book. Along with many other DIY books on digital filmmaking one can definitely see how the production of films are now not just made by million dollar Hollywood filmmakers. One of the first widely recognized films to demonstrate this new perspective was the Blair Witch project. This DV film gained a lot of attention and publicity for being a student low budget made film. In addition several other DV films have gained success such as Bowling for Columbine, Dogme 95, Personal Velocity, Waking Life, and countless others. In fact two of the most recognized films from the most recent Sundance film festival were shot on DV.

Future Cinema

Very similar to what happened in the early 90s and how audio quickly adapted to this a digital format in both recording and distribution; It makes sense that in a matter of time this same change will happen with video and film. Audio seems to have always been a step ahead in technology than video. The MP3 digital format is becoming more of a standard everyday as more and more people are buying i-pods and other similar mp3-playing devices. In addition, services such as i-tunes or napter to buy, sell , and listen to music over the internet are also catching on very well. Although these services have not reached the same quality for distribution of film or video over the internet, they are definitely getting closer each year. The Internet is certainly evolving, getting faster and better everyday. What used to be mainly used to distribute hypertext documents now has the ability to broadcast audio, video, games, and endless amount of digital media. Video & Film have definitely not reached its full potential, but the outlook for the future is looking well for this new distribution medium. The use of downloading or streaming films digitally through a legal service is not here yet, partly because the amount of information that must be sent with video makes download time fairly long. At the time services such as Net-Flix or ordering movies via satellite are a little more convenient for home movie viewing. However, the use of newer encoding methods that reduce the size of these files by extracting redundant information more than the MPEG1&2 formats have allowed the use of close to TV quality video to be broadcasted. Unfortunately there still isn’t a format that has become the standard for “film” quality internet distribution. Currently competing for the next format in the digital age are QuickTime, Microsoft’s Media Player, Real Video, and Macromedia’s Flash / Sorenson encoding formats. Despite the fact that the internet is not yet seen as the next main medium for distribution of films there are several new services the internet has to offer for both the film industry as well as independent filmmakers. Many short film-hosting sites exist allowing independent filmmakers to submit short films, animations, or videos and have them broadcasted over the internet. Some of the popular include www.ifilms.com, www.atomfilms.com, and www.lashortsfest.com. As for the film industry, one of the most popular things I see students streaming online are movie trailers from www.apple.com/movies and other film company sites.

It seems that every small advancement led to a new discovery and improvement to recording technology. One can see that there has been a constant pattern to improving our current tools and making them easier to use as well as better quality. At least that’s what technology is supposed to do. However, the argument between Film vs Digital is more than just a technical question-it sparks up opinions and viewpoints from many different levels. One must look at each perspective, our history with similar technological advances, their effect on the industy, as well as the reasons behind each person’s preference.

Some view that film is superior than electronic or digital methods of capturing images because of the quality or certain look that is achieved through film. The truth is that what is better really depends on an individual’s preference to the look of a movie. The two methods are just simply different. One uses a chemical based way to capture red, blue, and red light while the other relies on electronic image sensors such as CCDs. Home video cameras, which use CCD technology, definitely don’t hold the same quality that is captured through film. CCD technology was developed over 30 years ago and is just recently getting at the same playing field as film. Technically a single CCD chip camera (most lower end home video cameras) are less superior to film because it physically captures less colors and pixel information from an image (resolutions est. VGA 640x480 Hi8 & VHS). Higher end professional grade video cameras improve this quality by separating each primary color to a separate CCD chip. This technology found in cameras such as the Sony PD150 or the XL1 are known as 3CCD cameras. They have a higher image quality due to their better method of recording electronic images and can reach higher resolutions by recording in digital formats. These types of cameras can achieve a look so close to film that many new low budget filmmakers have switched to this technology and have taken a hold to its digital advantages. Last but not least, the very recent HD cameras are beginning to hit consumer level prices and markets promising the same level if not better quality than film. These cameras can capture very high quality images in large resolutions very similar to the top end digital picture cameras. They rely on the best optical lenses as well as new image capturing technologies. One of these methods is through new image sensors such as the Foveon X3 Chip. This brand new technology imitates the same method film uses to capture images which can be best described through the following illustration.

With these new cameras, capturing images electronically has never looked better. Which is actually one aspect that some film viewers are not accustomed to. Many prefer the look of film instead of these sharper and brighter digital images. It might be because most of us are just more familiar with the look of film and therefore view to be more professional. However, in reality digital and film are now very close in image quality, the main difference is they look different. A very helpful article published in Videomaker magazine outlined a couple ways DV cameras can achieve a look closer to the style of film through a couple camera techniques. Basically these techniques are just adjusting your camera up to the closest settings of a film camera: One is to shoot in the 16:9 wide screen format as well as set your camera to progressive scan instead of interlaced frames. Then if your camera allows, change your captured frames per second to 24 as well as be sure to use manual focus to add more depth of field. Last but not least use professional lighting (remember lighting for video is different than lighting for film) and for more of the effect you can use your software to add grain or scratches as a final touch in recreating the film look. Personally trying these tips you can really achieve a good film-like look with a regular DV camera.

Putting all technical viewpoints aside, one must most importantly look at the picture as a whole. Whenever you’re communicating something your communicating more than just words, just like in film. Films not only have the story of the film but also the story behind the film. It seems that most of the films that have been widely recognized have been successful in telling both of these stories. As a filmmaker your responsibility is a lot more than just converting a script to moving images. The stories on what the film says, how you made the film, and how you distribute film are just as important as the story in the film. However, having a good balance really requires a lot of work, one is really playing the role of a businessman, inventor, engineer, innovator, and a good storyteller all at once. Judging from the majority of the films shown in this class, their main reason for their success was due to being good at telling all of these stories. Whether it’s a new innovative idea, cinematographic style, or new way of creating a film, the art of film is more than just how pretty the picture looks.

As for as which is better Film or Digital, a comment in class can summarize my whole opinion.

“It really just depends on the look you want for your film, whether it’s your artistic choice to use one over the other” - Modern World Cinema Classmate

I couldn’t agree more, the most important thing between the two is what choosing one over the other says in your film. A good example of this is seen in the movie “The Celebration”. In my opinion, the choice of not using film added more to the look and message from the film. It was a good artistic choice because it had more of an impact with a “Home Video” look due to the story within the film. Closely related, I think one of the reasons for Blair Witch’s success was due also because the look of DV added another level to its viewers, making it more realistic and therefore scarier with its documentary style look.

“Did you hear about the mad filmmaker who stood up at a recent festival screening and cried incessantly, "I seek Film! I seek Film!" as he provoked laughter from other filmmakers in the audience? "Whither Film," he cried. "I shall tell you. We have killed it - you and I. All of us are murderers... Film is dead. Film remains dead. And we have killed it..."

This quote by an article from the New York Independent Film Monitor magazine can represent some of the reactions some conservative filmmakers have had due to an increasing amount of others switching to digital. I’m sure some representatives of Kodak probably have the same viewpoint whether its for economic reasons or if they do believe film is better I think in time less people will view Digital Video a killer of film but more as tool that can give more opportunities to the artist. In general, shooting digitally is less expensive to edit, produce, and distribute. The ability to change, manipulate content as well as adding special effects is much easier and more versatile with the digital tools of today. What used to cost millions of dollars to create is now available with a high end Mac or PC (+ the right software). With the tools of today individuals can create almost anything they imagine. Although no one is absolutely sure which format will be adopted for the future, the art of Film will never die, regardless of which methods for “film” production becomes a standard. Their success will always rely on the whether one can tell a good story. Not by having the latest tools in the industry, but by having the latest ideas, styles, and artistic innovations. These type of inventors, businessmen, innovators, and story tellers will be the ones who make this generation’s “films” of tomorrow.

Sergio Legorreta

Modern World Cinema

Bibliography

Thesis

Digital Filmmaking, how it started, how it works, impact on the industry, new delivery methods, the future of digital films, and comparing film production process V.S. new digital production process.

Newspapers / Periodicals

“Coming Era of Digital Filmmaking”

Article by David Smith from the Hollywood Stock Brokerage

It talks of how the cost of filmmaking is drastically lowering costs with digital technology allowing professional work to be done at a fraction of the cost with new equipment. However it also states how success in film will always still rely on the story and the creativity in which its told.

“Creating a Film look using DV” Videomaker magazine 2002

Describes how to give the illusion that you shot on film using both camera and software techniques

“Brief History of Film and Digital Cinema”

A timeline of key events and innovations that led from anolog media to digital recording and distribution. (covers from 1829 to 2003)

“The Foveon X3 Chip = Digital Film.”

By Pierce, Alan (epcohost)

Features the Foveon X3 Chip which is placed in a digital camera. Comparison between the performance of a standard CCD chip and the Foveon X3 chip; Importance of the Foveon X3 chip to the digital camera; Description of the Foveon X3 chip. Basically a high quality way to capure images digitally. Foveon pixels are the same in principle as the chemical grain that makes up a film picture.

“The History of Recording”

Outlines all major advancements and inventions in the recording industry

http://history.sandiego.edu/gen/recording/notes.html

“The Future of Internet Streaming.”

By Pierce, Alan (Video maker Magazine)

A look into what lies ahead in the internet world of streaming video with an interview from the ceo of Broadcast.com

Books

IP Multicasting

by David R. Kosiur

It talks about the very technical part of delivering digital streaming media over the internet. Specifics on how networks are structured and the different methods and techniques available to deliver video content over the web.

30 $ Film school

by Michael W. Dean (Paperback - March 28, 2003)

A book describing how you can make your own DIY film. Covering from the ground up in finding funding as well as the tools used today that are now available with professional results using consumer level equipment and editing.

“Were entering a new era. Mini-DV filmmaking is the new folk, the new punk rock, the new medium where anyone can tell his story. "$30 Film School" is an alternative to spending four years and a hundred thousand dollars to learn the trade. It is influenced by punk rocks Do-It-Yourself spirit of just learning the basics and then jumping up on a stage and making a point, and by the American work ethic back when it was pure, before it became all about corporations crushing the little guy. Throw in the hacker idea that information wants to be free (or at least very cheap) and youve got our deal. Inside youll find many interviews from insightful independent filmmakers and artists, as well as a host of practical advice, knowledge, and resources.”

Digital Filmmaking 101: An Essential Guide to Producing Low Budget Movies

by Dale Newton, John Gaspard

Digital Filmmaking 101 reveals an inside look at the secrets of making professional-quality digital moviemaking on ultra-low budgets. How low? How about $10,000 or less? Newton and Gaspard give real-world advice on scripting, financing, casting, production, distribution, trouble-shooting and more using their own "in the trenches" experience.

-Tired of watching the digital revolution from the sidelines? Grab this book, fire up your camcorder, and make a movie.

The Digital Transformation of a Media Empire

by Wendy Goldman Rohm

A journalist documents the changes he sees working in the media industry from the 90’s to the present offering his opinions to the future of audiovisual media.

Audio Visual Sources

$30 Film School DVD

Tips on shooting, Short DV films, how to build your own steady cam, and burning your movie to DVD

Examples of First Digitally captured films

Star Wars Episode II - Spy Kids - Jurassic Park 3 - Once Upon a Mexico

Short films from Online streaming sites such as ifilms.com and atomfilms.com

Internet Sites

http://www.howstuffworks.com/digital-cinema.htm

How digital cinema theatres work

http://www.elsacom.com/digital_cinema.asp

Article on THE NEW TECHNOLOGICAL FRONTIERS

http://www.farnovision.com/index_BB.html