1. Section B exam prep Film Production and technology

3. OLD MEDIA TECHNOLOGY? Before the introduction of digital technology all films were shot on film cameras like this one. The film would be recorded onto big reels of 8mm, 16mm or 35mm film. Once the filming was completed, it would be editing on a machine like this one (a moviola). The editor would literally have to cut and paste the film together frame by frame. Special effects were primitive and had to be created by the props department. They often looked very unrealistic, barely representing reality.

4. CAMERA – DIGITAL CINEMATOGRAPHY Digital cinematography has only established itself as an alternative to 35mm in the last 10 years. Instead of recording to film the footage can be recorded onto tape, hard disk or memory stick – as long as the camera is digital. It is cheaper, more portable and more durable than 35mm. The first major Hollywood film to be recorded entirely digitally was Star Wars Episode II in 2002. Since then films such as Sin City and Superman Returns have used this technology. Many films are still shot on 35mm and then digitised in post-production so they can be edited digitally. Many directors prefer the look and feel of 35mm. Digital productions can be graded to look like 35mm but many directors do not value this process.