Digital technologies are fundamentally changing the film industry from production to distribution to exhibition. Films themselves are being transformed as they are increasingly being shot in digital formats rather than film. Technologies like 3D and IMAX are also reshaping theatrical exhibition. At the same time, new platforms like DVDs, Blu-Rays, streaming, and online piracy are challenging traditional models of distribution and consumption. This technological evolution is both opening new opportunities for the film industry and posing new threats around piracy and windowing of content across platforms.

2. Film and New Technology
As with any business, the film industry relies on
technological advances to facilitate production
and distribution of the product. Digital
technologies and the convergence of
communication and information technologies
promise to play important roles in marketing and
exhibition. Digital technology is literally changing
films themselves, as well as circumstances of
their consumption

3. The Numbers in a nutshell
Early film exhibitors created beautiful movie places for audiences to watch
movies in high style
Now a days exhibitors have embraced the old and new technologies from
3D and IMAX to DVD and blu-ray, to cable TV and streaming.
Until the advent of TV in the 50’s and VHS in the 70’s the cinema was the
only place you could watch a Hollywood film
In 1946 the average American film goers saw 29 films a year – in 2007 that
had dropped to 8
Studios have learned how to diversify and capitalize on each new
development by selling network broadcast rights to their films and
repackaging them for DVD and Blu-ray.
In 2009 DVD market accounted for 65% of the major film companies
revenues
Theatrical release accounted for 35%

5. Blu-Ray
Officially designated as the successor to the DVD
Blu-ray uses a blue-violet rather than a red laser to record data (hence
the name)
The blue laser shorter wavelength offers more precise focus allowing the
data to be packed more tightly and can hold up to 6 times more than a
DVD.
Blu-ray has better sound and visual quality than the DVD but also offers
greater interactivity.
In 2007 ‘Cars’ allowed viewers to play a game called ‘car finder’ where
players spot various makes and models of cars which appear
throughout the movie
In 2009 Universal announced that upcoming releases will be able to
use the iPhone as a remote and keyboard and update facebook and
twitter through their blue-ray players.

6. For and Against DVD
Good points for DVD & Blu Ray Bad points for DVD & Blu Ray
• Sales go up • Viewers think of DVD as
• More scope to sell a film collectable items in
multiple times connection to celebrated
• Can re-sell collectable personalities
items • Force directors to
• DVDs hold hours of data compromise
• Better interactivity • The film ‘experience’ is
being compromised
• Greater quality at home
• Greater home experience

7. Film and digital technology
Digital technologies
have transformed the
film business, from
production to
distribution to exhibition
In 2007 Slumdog millionaire
became the first film shot in
predominantly digital format
to win an Oscar for best
cinematography
Moreover new technology has allowed for the resurgence of 3D which has
proved to be extremely popular.

8. In terms of Home exhibition DVD players and Television are no longer the only
hardware to view films. Personal computers provide an array of viewing
experiences . Beyond playing DVD computers grant access to trailers and full
length films on the web
Initially the internet was used as a marketing tool for films but its role in film
culture continues to evolve.
The Blair Witch Project was one of the first films to capitalize on the Internet

10. The quality of new technologies are allowing web users to download full
length films as digital files making the quality just as good as in the cinema
Film corporations have responded to the treat of digital piracy by raising
technological barriers against duplication and by pursuing legal action
against unauthorised downloading
Piracy is one of the reasons behind shorter periods between theatrical
release and DVD sales.
The digital era has transformed many aspects of film culture. Hollywood
had one of the most profitable years ever in 2009, but the tension
surrounding theatrical release verses Blu-ray and DVD, not to mention live
streaming will remain.

11. Technological debate
Does technological change drive film style or
does it work the other way around