CELLULOID 35mm has been the format of choice for the film industry, but 2012 will signify an end to the era and the beginning of something new.
This month, there will be more digital-cinema screens in the world than 35mm ones for the first time since the technology conversion began in 1999, with the last celluloid cinemas expected to shut up shop in 2015. Digital technology has already taken over much of the home entertainment market. It seems strange, then, that the vast majority of theatrical motion pictures are shot and distributed on celluloid film, just like they were more than a century ago.
In a couple of week’s time the Directors Guild Cyprus is organising a seminar about the potential of new technology in cinema. The seminar will take place at the ARTos Foundation in Nicosia on February 10-12 under the direction of Greek Director of Photography Giorgos Frentzos, in collaboration with Cypriot filmmakers.
But first of all what is digital cinema? George Lucas kicked-off the digital cinema charge in May 2002 with the release of Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones – the first all-digital live action feature, shot without a single roll of film – the digital revolution arrived to stay.
Digital cinema encompasses every aspect of the movie making process, from production and post-production to distribution and projection. While digital cameras are nothing new, and post-production houses have been using digital equipment to edit and master movies, the all-digital distribution and projection of movies has only recently arrived to complete the chain.
Digital cinema (or digital cinema projection for long) is a method whereby the traditional film containing the movie is replaced by an electronic copy contained on a storage device, such as a high-capacity hard drive and server.
With film, every imperfection gets shown as the 35mm print passes through the projector, including scratches, fluff, blotches and so forth; not exactly what the director intended for their creative vision. Digital cinema immerses the viewer in rich colours, stunningly realistic visual details that pop off the screen, and powerful, vibrant surround sound.
The upcoming three-day seminar in Nicosia provides locals with the opportunity to learn and practice new techniques in a small-group environment. The seminar will be conducted in Greek with the guidance of Frentzos. The acclaimed Greek Director of Photography will help you build your camera skills and boost your confidence as a photographer throughout this fun-filled weekend.
Frentzos has participated in many productions before in the USA, Iceland, Cyprus, Hungary, UK, New Zealand, Italy, Germany and Holland. He was also DOP in Brides and It’s a Long Road, directed by Pantelis Voulgaris.
As you learn more about your digital camera, you will be able to create better images. Topics covered include digital camera fundamentals, lighting and composition. You will even get a chance to test the cameras inside and outdoors and watch screenings of what you’ve captured on ‘film’.
This is a hands-on experience, and you will have the chance to practice on some expensive equipment. The cameras that will be presented and tested are: ALEXA ARRI, Canon C300, Canon D7, Panasonic AG-AF 100, Red 1. The price of the seminar includes a meal, cocktail and coffee breaks.
From Film to Digital Cinema Seminar
Get to know and test digital cameras, with the guidance of Greek Director of Photography Giorgos Frentzos. Febraury 10-12. ARTos Cultural and Research Foundation, 64, Ay. Omoloyites Avenue, Nicosia. €60/30. The price includes meal, cocktail and coffee breaks. In Greek. Tel: 22-870187
