How has technology changed the film and entertainment industry? From the early beginnings of silent films to the introduction of sound and colour to the creation of visual effects, innovations in film and tech have launched the moving picture from being nowhere to everywhere in less than 150 years. This article will take you on a quick tour on the future of film tech, join us as we break down 5 new film technologies disrupting the film and entertainment industry.
3D Printing
Once just a dream of the future, 3D printing became a reality back in the early 1980s as a prospective manufacturing solution. In today’s world, we use 3D printing in many crucial roles, such as creating organ tissues to vital roles in the manufacturing industry.
As a new technology in the film and entertainment industry, 3D printing is being utilised to push the limits of costume design, prop creating and more. The unique strengths of this new tech allows designers to create three-dimensional products with great detail that would require an intense level of human labour to be created by hand. 3D Printing has the potential to reduce costs, save time, and expand creative freedom in the industry.
Coogler, R (2018). Black Panther's Oscar-winning costumes include 3D-printed designs [Film]. Marvel Studios. Image available here.
Virtual Reality (VR)
VR is an artificial experience that employs pose tracking and near-eye displays to give the user an immersive experience of a virtual world. Meant to boost viewer engagement in the film and entertainment industry. VR can make all the difference in just watching events unfold, to now taking part in them. For now, we are still a few years away from the day-to-day use of VR in the film industry.
Knattrup Jensen, J (2016). Makropol's "The Doghouse," directed by Johan Knattrup Jensen, was one of the VR film shorts shown at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival [Film]. Image available here.
Augmented Reality (AR)
AR involves the modification of real-life environment by the addition of sound, visual elements, or other sensory stimuli. The development of AR is following a similar path to VR; however, we are one step closer to its regular use in film making. It offers audiences a unique experience by superimposing images on to actual objects and entities. With the help of technical advancements, AR is predicted to become more personalised and interactive.
The Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT is the concept of connecting any physical device to the Internet. The IoT is a huge network of connected things and people – all of which collect and share data about the way they are utilized and about their surrounding environment.
It is a reasonable assumption to presume that the big data gathered from IoT will certainly impact how films are made, shifting from creator-driven to audience-driven content. Both visual components and voice-driven functionality will provide an increasingly immersive experience for audiences. IoT could also lead to enhanced productivity and reduced operating costs for filmmakers.
Real-Time Rendering
Real-time rendering is a key example of new film technology associated with virtual production, it involves a developing set of practices through which filmmakers mix virtual and physical elements into one unified whole. Real-time rendering is a powerful technical solution that can allow changes to a digital environment to be made almost instantaneously, without the monotonously long render times that once restricted the CGI workflow.
Favreau, J (2019) Disney uses Epic's Unreal Engine to render real-time sets in The Mandalorian [Series]. Fairview Entertainment. Image available here.
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Ellen Sanders