Digital filmmaking- - a wider horizon

THE term `Digital filmmaking' means different things to different people. This is one of the fast emerging fields of media technologies. This revolution in motion picture distribution involves more than just a comparison of the quality of electronic filmmaking techniques as against conventional filmmaking. It provides an opportunity to meet many of the present and future requirements to all those involved at all levels of motion picture making -- from directors and producers to script writers, costume designers, make-up specialists, art directors, cinematographers, production mixers, editors, SFX specialists and finally the publicists.

The process of making a digital film is almost similar to that of a conventional film. More and more film productions are moving towards digital film because the screenplay demands digitally generated special effects.

This computer-generated source is currently printed onto film for duplication, distribution, and exhibition. However, this extra step of reprinting on film can be avoided if the material is delivered and presented in its purest digital form.

As options for alternative entertainment open up for movie-going audience, studios and exhibitors are becoming more aware of the need to maintain consistently high quality in the filmmaking process. Businesses involved in quality assurance at theatres, such as THX and their Theatre Alignment Program ("TAP"), are growing in popularity as this need for consistent quality is recognised.

Reasons why digital filmmaking will be the cinema of the future -

1.Better image quality as compared to conventional film

2.Cost effective

3.Reliability

4.Flexibility

5.Controllability and ease of operation

6.Security

7.Upgradability

In order to provide a complete digital film experience many diverse technologies are involved, including:

* Satellite communications

* Automated network management

*Electronic projection

* Local network architecture

*Fast access mass storage

*Cryptographic security methods

*Image/Audio compression

*Hi-reliability design

* Cost-effective implementations

*Systems-on-a-chip VLSI integration

The opportunities available in the media are vast and can be categorised under:

Audio, digital filmmaking and media technologies

Audio

*Live sound,

*Location sound,

*Music recording

*Post production - dubbing, sound effect, background music

*Film sound mixing

*Music composing

*DJ'ing

*RJ'ing

*Product specialist for demo and training on equipment like Protools and Nuendo

*Integration specialist

*Acoustic design

Digital filmmaking

*Scripting and screenplay

*Storyboard and copywriting

*Costume design

*Make up

*Pre - production, scheduling and budgeting - Corporate management

*Production of Ad films, documentaries, short films and features

*Camera

*Lighting

*Editing for picture and sound

Media technologies

Print related jobs (Adobe illustrator and Photoshop)

*DTP and layout artist

*Graphic designer

*Visualiser

*Jewellery and fashion design

Web related jobs (Flash, HTML, JAVA Scrip, Dream Weaver)

*2 D animator for cartoons and web

*Web designer

*Flash programmer

*Games programmer

*3- D animation

*3 D architectural modeling

*Game modeler

*Character modeler

*Rigging artist

*Character animator

*Environment and SFX animator

*Director (Interactive)

*Content developer

*Lingo programmer

*Interactive CD developer

*Games programmer

Presently technology is available that can be commercially deployed within a year or so. George Lucas's Star Wars I & II, Bicentennial Man, Mission to Mars, Dinosaur and Toy Story 2, are a perfect start to the crossover of making films in the digital realm. In our own country a lesser-known film `Let's Talk' did very well as the first Indian digital film to be released.

The economics of such a system make sense. Except for companies involved in the manufacturing of film stock and the duplication and transportation of films, everyone profits. Not only is direct cost savings realised, but economic risks and piracy are reduced while faster worldwide releases accelerate revenues.

As per a survey by Price Water Coopers titled "Entertainment Industry 2004", the industry is poised to grow to 1 trillion USD by 2004 with Asia Pacific contributing to 217 billion USD, which forms more than 22% of the world market. India will require more than 8.5 lakh professionals by 2004.

Ad labs has tied up with a Singapore based company called GDC Technologies Ltd to install digital projectors and servers in 1500 cinema halls in the country in the next 3 to 5 years. An ambitious project it needs trained manpower to deliver it and professionals can cash in on this opportunity

Nasscom (National Association of Software and Service Companies) has appealed to the government to encourage the development of original animation productions and support it financially.

Digital film does more than just replace conventional film. With it exciting and significant capabilities and features become possible. Theatres become more than just `movie houses'.

New revenue sources are possible as are avenues for new opportunities. New, creative elements are available for those who can find ways to use them. The entire market attraction to cinema is enhanced and valuable intellectual property is better protected from piracy.

SHIRLEY ABRAHAM