Current Issues in Film

COM 221

1. What is “film”?

AcquisitionEditingDelivery Systems

For all: Analog vs. Digital

Media: Film

Media: Film Tape—2”, ¾”, ½” (Betamax, VHS), DV

Media: Film Tape—2”, ¾”, ½” (Betamax, VHS), DV Disc—Laser, DVD, BluRay

Media: Film Tape—2”, ¾”, ½” (Betamax, VHS), DV Disc—Laser, DVD, BluRay Computer/Hard-drive

Media: Film Tape—2”, ¾”, ½” (Betamax, VHS), DV Disc—Laser, DVD, BluRay Computer/Hard-drive Streaming

Media: Film Tape—2”, ¾”, ½” (Betamax, VHS), DV Disc—Laser, DVD, BluRay Computer/Hard-drive Streaming Micro-cinema

Nonlinear editing (old AND new)

Nonlinear editing (old AND new)Aspect ratio (1.33:1, 1.85:1, 2.35:1)

Nonlinear editing (old AND new)Aspect ratio (1.33:1, 1.85:1, 2.35:1)“Digital Cinema”—Convergence of digital

technologies with film Film vs. HD video

Nonlinear editing (old AND new)Aspect ratio (1.33:1, 1.85:1, 2.35:1)“Digital Cinema”—Convergence of digital

technologies with film Film vs. HD video

Mitchell S35R Mark II 35mm reflex film camera Panasonic AJ-HPX3000G HD video camera

Nonlinear editing (old AND new)Aspect ratio (1.33:1, 1.85:1, 2.35:1)“Digital Cinema”—Convergence of digital

technologies with film“Film Purists”

The strange case of Dogme 95 started in 1995 by the Danish directors Lars von Trier

and Thomas Vinterberg

Dogme 95’s “Vow of Chastity”:

1. Filming must be done on location. Props and sets must not be brought in. If a particular prop is necessary for the story, a location must be chosen where this prop is to be found.

2. The sound must never be produced apart from the images or vice versa. Music must not be used unless it occurs within the scene being filmed, i.e., diegetic.

3. The camera must be a hand-held camera. Any movement or immobility attainable in the hand is permitted. The film must not take place where the camera is standing; filming must take place where the action takes place.

4. The film must be in colour. Special lighting is not acceptable (if there is too little light for exposure the scene must be cut or a single lamp be attached to the camera).

5. Optical work and filters are forbidden. 6. The film must not contain superficial action (murders, weapons, etc. must not occur.) 7. Temporal and geographical alienation are forbidden (that is to say that the film takes place

here and now). 8. Genre movies are not acceptable. 9. The final picture must be transferred to the Academy 35mm film, with an aspect ratio of 4:3,

that is, not widescreen. Originally, the requirement was that the film had to be filmed on Academy 35mm film, but the rule was relaxed to allow low-budget productions.

10. The director must not be credited.

254 Films have been “registered”—e.g., Julien Donkey-Boy (1999, Harmony Korine), Dogville (2003, Lars von Trier), The Celebration (1998, Thomas Vinterberg)

2. “Ownership” of film

Who's the author?Copyright

How long? Post-1978—generally, life of the author + 70 years OR for work-for-hire, 95 years

Piracy In-theater copying--Tarzan, Star Wars Episode I Online pirated distribution

Who has the right to change, edit? Colorization

(derivative work; public domain)

Who has the right to change, edit? Colorization

(derivative work; public domain) Pan & Scan vs. Letterboxing

e.g., Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Let’s watch a Turner Classic Movies featurette on pan & scan vs. letterboxing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m1-pP1-5K8

Who has the right to change, edit? Colorization

(derivative work; public domain) Pan & Scan vs. Letterboxing “Clean Flicks” case

Let’s watch a short video about “Clean Flicks”

3. Originality—Is there anything really new?

Remakes and sequels and prequels and adaptations

“Synthespians” Read our class article (online)

Indies—their ultimate institutionalization

4. Cultural Imperialism & Film

America entertains the world—does it also impose its values on other cultures?

European Union’s reactions to Hollywood

5. Technology over Content?

The age of Avatar

5. Technology over Content?

The age of Avatar

5. Technology over Content?

The age of Avatar

5. Technology over Content?

The age of Avatar

5. Technology over Content?

The age of Avatar

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