theme5theme-blog

[theme5theme-blog]

Is the end of movie theaters coming soon? Are streaming services and video on demand putting cinemas out of business? According to this article, the movie theater business is destined to die eventually. With video on demand (VOD) services now offering movies right to your living room sometimes just a few days after or even the day of a movie getting released in the theaters, why should you get up from you couch and pay for ridiculously priced popcorn when you can watch the movie from the comfort of your own home? While right now we are seeing a time of VOD and movie theaters coexisting, according to this article, movie theaters’ time is limited and will be replaced by VOD soon enough. New media technologies are changing the way films are made and the ways customers interact with them. 

[theme5theme-blog]

There are many differences between big studio films and independent films. For one, the budget of big studio films is usually way bigger than smaller indie films. One reason big studio films have such a huge budget is to fund the massive amount of visual effects and computer generated imagery that is usually found in these big films. This article discusses many of the other differences and similarities between the two. Although new media technologies might have slightly different effects on the two, they definitely are both impacted by new media technologies.

[theme5theme-blog]

Among the many things discussed in this article are ways that technology is improving film production. In addition to 3D visuals and augmented reality experiences for viewers, there is a lot of development in technology that is improving the way films are made. This article discusses the benefits of 3D printing for props and sets, better lighting tools, the availability of drone cameras, and artificial intelligence sound design. This article portrays a lot of optimism for the future of filmmaking in regards to new media technologies that are affecting it. It acknowledges the changes that have happened, are happening, and will happen, and concludes that the future of filmmaking is bright.       

[theme5theme-blog]

The topic of virtual reality and how it will affect storytelling in films is discussed in this article. The technology is improving and starting to become more and more widespread. The article talks about experiential storytelling and how the Tribeca Film Festival in 2016 showcased more than 15 virtual reality films. One point they bring up is that many virtual reality films will be based on situations and experiences as opposed to scripted storylines. Another interesting point is that the camera work, or the cinematography, will be more in the hands of the viewer than with previous traditional film experiences. 

[theme5theme-blog]

 This particular article brings to light a lot of good points about the direction of filmmaking that we are headed towards due to technological trends. Specifically, it discussed the state and history of visual effects in film and what the future of visual effects may look like in the near future. Years ago, “visual effects” usually referred to effects that were added to the film in post-production. However, that has since evolved into now where we have visual effects such as motion capture that combine on-set performances from actors with computer generated material. A good example of this technology being used was on James Cameron’s Oscar-winning film, Avatar (2009).  Looking forward, this article explores the possibility of actors interacting with a fully immersive digital set, in real time. This technology could also be used for the theater viewing experience, not just the production of the film.          

[theme5theme-blog]

We can see the effects that new media technologies have had on the movie-making and movie-viewing world, but what might the movie experience look like in the years to come? In this article, a conversation between famous movie directors George Lucas and Steven Spielberg is quoted. According to George Lucas, eventually going out to a movie theater will be a similar experience as seeing a show on Broadway.  Tickets will cost anywhere from $50 to $150 and the films will show in the theater for a long period of time. He believes that the amount of movie theaters will greatly decrease and the ones that stick around will be massive. Steven Spielberg on the other hand, states that we are heading towards totally immersive entertainment experiences.  He believes that the future of movies is 3-D and virtual reality simulation type experiences. This article also discusses views of other famous filmmakers on the state of the future of cinema including James Cameron, Martin Scorsese, and Keanu Reeves. There is much to think about when it comes to the future of filmmaking.           

[theme5theme-blog]

We live in a world where technology is continuously and exponentially improving. This applies to the filmmaking business as well.  In many ways, films are easier and cheaper to make now than before.  With the explosion of the Internet and social media, distribution and marketing have never been more obtainable. Blockbuster going out of business was a great example of changing consumer habits based on new media technological trends. Netflix and other similar streaming services are widely successful today because they provide movies and TV shows in such an accessible way. Very few people purchase physical copies of movies anymore. Because technology is continuously improving, consumers’ standards of entertainment quality are continuously changing too. The easier it is to make professional quality films due to the accessibility and affordability of professional quality equipment, the higher consumers’ standards will get.  

[theme5theme-blog]

This article talks about some of the issues concerned with making money from filmmaking.  Not only is the author questioning ways to sell indie films, but he is also questioning whether there is even a demand for indie films.  This article brings up a lot of good points for indie filmmakers to consider when entering this industry.  One thing for sure is that the filmmaking industry is very competitive and consists of a lot of risk, especially for up-and-coming independent filmmakers. The blog that published this article has a great community of filmmakers with professional experience and has a lot of valuable conversations that others can participate in. 

[theme5theme-blog]

This article provides really good insight and information for indie filmmakers trying to make it in the business. It also features a series of videos from Zacuto that further discusses each topic. No Film School promotes indie filmmaking and demonstrates how to turn it into a business by being an entrepreneur. In the video series it is recommended to be a jack-of-all-trades, use the Internet to build an audience, keep budgets low, and keep hustling. Videos and articles like this provide valuable insight into how to make it in the film industry. They are upfront about new media technologies and how they are affecting the filmmaking industry.

[theme5theme-blog]

This article discusses the fact that the Internet has drastically changed the film industry and the specific ways that the Internet has changed the film industry. Some of the specific things that have changed due to the Internet include video production, promotion, marketing demand, the threats of file sharing, instant feedback, and streaming. One negative impact that new media technologies and the Internet have had on filmmaking is the fact that it is much easier for hacking, piracy, and illegal distribution of movies now. Before the Internet, pirating movies was copying VHS or DVDs. Nowadays, there are a bunch of websites that allow access to stream movies for free that were obviously obtained illegally. There is a lot of good information about the specific changes that the Internet has brought to the filmmaking industry in this article.   

[theme5theme-blog]

The availability and affordability of professional filmmaking equipment has had a great impact for indie filmmakers.  This article lists and compares 7 different obtainable and professional cameras that indie filmmakers can use. The fact that there are websites that provide information like this about equipment available is beneficial to indie filmmakers looking to get their hands on professional equipment. This particular article gives very detailed information about all of the features of each camera. It also provides links to video footage from some of the cameras which is very useful.   

[theme5theme-blog]

The distribution of royalty-free music, videos, and images online has been a huge asset for independent filmmakers. This article talks about Filmstro’s library of royalty-free music and how you can use them in your projects. Whether you are purchasing the full-rights to music, videos, or images, or using them due to a creative commons license, websites such as Filmstro that provide access to these media have had a great, positive impact on independent filmmakers and their ability to access professional media to use in their film projects. 

[theme5theme-blog]

One of the biggest developments that has changed the filmmaking industry, which is not necessarily a recent change but it is still important to note, is the introduction of digital film. Digital technology has definitely simplified the distribution and storage aspects of movie making. This article discusses some of the pros and cons of physical film and digital film. It also summarizes the history and timeline of the world of cinema, how digital filmmaking came into existence, and the state and effects of digital film now. The topic of the Internet and how it has affected filmmaking is addressed as well. Filmmaking technology is constantly improving and involving whether it be camera quality, computer editing capabilities, or other new media technologies.   

[theme5theme-blog]

There are many resources available online for aspiring filmmakers and FilmmakerIQ is one of those valuable resources.  The online community for indie filmmaking has seen massive growth over the last few years, as many filmmakers are willing to share their expertise and resources with others. FilmmakerIQ provides a variety of courses offering information and explanation of various filmmaking topics. This particle article provides helpful information for individuals wanting to get their film(s) into film festivals. A lot of the online indie filmmaking community is focused on making the highest quality films while saving money and cutting costs wherever possible. FilmmakerIQ is a great example of contributing these things.       

[theme5theme-blog]

New media technologies have had a big impact on both Hollywood movie studios and independent filmmakers in recent years. The world of box office movies at the theater and cable tv is changing due to companies like Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube. This article addresses the specific effects that these changes are having on independent filmmakers. Some of the effects discussed include the opportunity that crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter have for funding indie films, and the opportunity that Netflix brings for distributing indie films.  However, there are also challenges and setbacks for indie filmmakers that are arising due to these new media technological changes.