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format wars! The rapid development of technology within film and video has resulted in an ever expanding range of 'formats' on which to acquire imagery and audio. Formats you may have heard of include DigiBeta, DVCAM, 16mm and 35mm film, HDV, HDCAM, etc. Although the range available can seem somewhat bewildering, it should be remembered that these are just tools for the job - from mini DV through to 35mm film, all formats have their characteristics which are suitable for particular applications.
Some examples of production formats: video: mini DV film: 8mm In some cases, the selection of a format is down to practical working and budgetary constraints whilst in other cases, it can be a matter of personal choice. Some directors for example, will only work with traditional celluloid film arguing that digital video is limited for technical or artistic reasons, others prefer the video 'look' and rapid workflow of the digital formats. Feature films, television commercials and music videos are often shot on 35mm film to get that high-end 'film look' and then transferred to video for varying applications such as television broadcast and DVD distribution. However, the recent development of High Definition (HD) video has meant that directors are looking at this format closely as an extremely versatile and cost effective solution. Recent feature films such as 'Sin City' and 'Superman' have used HD. There is also a development now to move cinemas to digital projection - this will greatly streamline the process of distribution, as movies can be delivered digitally, thereby eliminating the need for 'printing' and the use of traditional cinema projectors. So a complete digital workflow from acquisition of the material to delivery is becoming a very attractive proposition - particularly to the financiers, however, not all directors are happy with what they see as a decline of their beloved format - film! Corporate video productions use many of the formats, the selection of which is usually down to budgetary and practical constraints. Where a polished, professional look is required, the higher end, more expensive options such as DigiBeta, HD and film are natural choices, however, it is not uncommon for lower-end DVCAM or even consumer formats such as mini-DV to be employed with handheld cameras to convey a message with a more 'gritty' look and feel. It all depends on the purpose of the film and the target audience. All of these formats are just a means to achieve a particular artistic look or to convey a particular message in the most effective way. No matter what technology comes up with next, the fundamentals of successful film making will always be there - good storyline and structure, photographic composition, audio, continuity and direction! Editorial: |
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