Audiences and Institutions (Technology) -

Technology - 

New Technologies Impacting UK and Hollywood:

• Smart phones
• DSLR Cameras
• Camera Capabilities
• Laptops
• Tablets
• C.G.I.
• Animation
• 3D Films
• 4D Films
• Drones
• On Demand Video Streaming (Netflix)
• High Frame Rate Film 48 fps rather than 24-30 fps) (fps= frames per second)
• Larger Film Size (Imax 65mm rather than 35mm)
• New Cinemas
• CD
• DVD

Definition:

• Technological Convergence: the tendency that as technology changes, different technological systems evolve toward performing similar tasks, it has many other functions more than its primary use. 

• Technological Proliferation: Increase in hardware content available through the emergence of new and old media.

IMAX Affecting Production and Distribution:

• Requires 65mm film = 18,000 lines of horizontal resolution
• Compared to regular 35mm film = 6,000 lines of horizontal resolution
• E.G: Interstellar (2014), Star Wars Force Awakens (2015) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
• 1061 IMAX theatres in 67 countries
• UK has 30 IMAX theatres

Digital Technology Advancements:

• Lower processing and equipment costs
• Light weight
• Easier editing process
• Quality not as good as film
• RED cameras shoot 4K and 6K good enough for cinemas
• E.G. Ride Along 2, The Martian, Straight Outta Compton

Reasons for Decline (Secondary Screens):

• Piracy
• DVD and BLU-ray
• Tablets
• Streaming (Netflix)

Reasons for Decline (Piracy):

• Unauthorised duplication of copyrighted content: sold on the 'grey' market

Theft or Fair Play:

• Dependent on the process of duplication
• Theft if you are making money from it
• Fair play if it is only of personal use

Effects of Piracy:

• 30% of UK population active in some form of piracy
• Costs the UK audiovisual industries £500,000,000 a year
• Cinemas losing £200,000,000 a year at the box office
• Affects independents more than the big six

Piracy Effects on Independents:

• Dependent on local distributors
• If pre-sales aren't secured banks will not loan them money
• Distributors are less willing to take risks with indie films due to piracy

Home Entertainment:

• VHS
• DVD (720x576 pixels)
• BLU-ray (1920x1080 pixels)

Advantages of Technology Convergence:

• Low production costs (Cheap Production)
• Self market E.G. Youtube (Easier Distribution)
• E.G. Tangerine ($100,000 budget, $800,000 profit)

Overcoming Piracy:

• Same international release day
• Phasing out use of CD's, DVD's and BLU-ray which can be copied
• Infrared screen distortion on cinema screens to stop illegal recording

My Personal Media Consumption:

• In cinemas I see about 3 films a year when major blockbuster films come out.
• I mostly consume media via streaming and recorded/ on demand television.
• I believe that piracy is not the worst of crimes that can be committed but I do agree that there are victims of piracy despite popular belief. I have, on a few occasions, watched pirated media but do not on a regular basis.
• I have never been to an IMAX theatre.
• I often only go to the cinema to see major blockbusters such as 'Jurassic World', 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' and 'Deadpool'. I also then purchase the DVD's afterwards to own them forever.