In 1927, Warner Bros released ‘The Jazz Singer’, the first feature-length motion picture with synchronized sound. Although it was a technological leap, the introduction of sound required complex production and presentation methods that took the art of film-making further away from the individual and deeper into the hands of the studio system. Nearly a century on, however, the digital revolution is reversing that trend.
From Steven Soderbergh's 2018 horror ‘Unsane’ (shot entirely on an iPhone 7 Plus) to AmnesiArt’s ‘Made in Paris’ (shot on an iPhone X), digital technology is democratizing the film industry at break-neck speed, with the Netflix generation set to enjoy a wider range of content produced by an even wider spectrum of filmmakers. Beyond this technological freedom, the digital revolution is impacting the film industry in other equally profound ways.
The Metaverse and Beyond
With the Metaverse well and truly on the horizon, the most dramatic change is likely to arrive in the form of virtual reality movies which allow audiences to watch films in much the same way that they watch their day-to-day lives. Although a more immersive experience and undoubtedly a vision for the future, VR filmmaking is still in its infancy with a number of issues yet to be resolved both technically and artistically.
In the meantime, glassless 3D is likely to fill the immersion gap. Although James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ kicked off a renaissance in 3D filmmaking in 2009, the technology didn’t stick with the public. Part of the reason for this was the often awkward experience of having to wear 3D glasses. However, with glassless technology allowing viewers to experience the extra dimension without having to wear anything, 3D films may soon be experiencing another revival.
On the subject of revivals, we’re also likely to see an increase in the number of digitally created and revived actors. For anyone who saw Gareth Edwards’ 2016 film ‘Rogue One’, the appearance of a rather healthy-looking Peter Cushing who died in 1994 was at once an impressive and uncomfortable sight. Although Cushing’s recreation was noticeably digital in many scenes, in the six years since the film’s production, rendering technology has advanced to the point where digital facsimiles are now almost indistinguishable from the real thing. While casting Marilyn Monroe as the new Lara Croft may bring new meaning to the title ‘Tomb Raider’, there’s little question that digital actors, extras, and stuntpeople are going to be making an ever-increasing contribution to film productions in the future.
AI Gets Creative
Along with virtual actors, algorithmic video editing is going to help streamline the production process. While editing may be one of the most crucial aspects of film production, it’s also one of the most laborious. With artificially intelligent editing software able to detect faces, researchers are working on software that can follow scripts, account for mood and action, and apply all the necessary cuts and effects needed. How long it is before a desktop PC is wheeled out on stage to receive the Oscar for Best Editing, we shall see.
Although there are certainly other technologies that are likely to rise in prominence — from the 3D printing of props and sets to smart cameras that follow actors around a set without the need for camerapeople — it’s the ease and efficiency of these technologies that are largely going to define their contribution. And the timing couldn’t be better. With Video On Demand having replaced traditional cinema viewings during the pandemic, the jury is still out as to whether the public is going to return to cinemas in the same numbers as before. With streaming likely to be the main channel for future film distribution, the Netflixes and Disney Pluses of the world are going to need a continual supply of fresh, affordable content to secure their subscription base. So, if you’ve got a smartphone and a spare afternoon on your hands, you might want to think about making that next blockbuster yourself.
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