Task 8: Technology

What significance does the continuing development of digital media technology have for media institutions and audiences?

Production: Motion capture technology was used in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes by Andy Serkis and in Star Wars: The Force Awakens by Lupita Nyong'o.
CGI and Green Screen technology- used in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 in order to create the Capital (large scale replicas were created by the production team and were then enhanced using this technology)
Filming on iPhones (Tangerine was filmed on an iPhone 5s)
4K cameras used in Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Animatronix was used in Jurassic World
The Hobbit was filmed at 48 frames per second and filmed in 3D using RED Epic cameras, there were 16 in total.

Distribution: Marketing strategies like the Jurassic World website which became a viral success.
Strategic marketing- Deadpool Billboards
Movies are distributed using hard drives rather than film reels- cheaper and easy to transport
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 released a Virtual Reality App to help promote the film
Online- YouTube is often used to promote films like Devil's Due which released a genius marketing video called Devil Baby onto YouTube. Carrie released the New York Cafe prank.
Social Media- Twitter, Facebook

Exhibition: different formats have now been made available including IMAX 4D and 3D. IMAX with lasers is a new way of viewing films that has recently been developed. IMAX now use a laser light source rather than xenon arc lamp. This enhances the sharpness and brightness of the image and introduces a new colour scheme and blacker blacks.
Korea released Kung Fu Panda in 4D with massage chairs that move during the fight scenes to create a more immersive feel.
The Hobbit was played in Dolby Atmos, Sony's immersive sound system with two new overhead speakers and the ability to direct sounds at specific speakers inside a movie theatre.
Event Screening- The One Direction Concert, Opera, Ballet and Sports events.
Odeon's Screen Unseen event- £5
Moonbeamers Drive in Movies
Hot Tub cinema, Secret Cinema, Community Cinema, Pond Cinema,

Exchange: different platforms- Netflix, Amazon Prime, LoveBox, Flixter, iTunes.
Available to watch on Tablets and Smart Phones- on the go
Ultraviolet- can share films with up to 5 people and stream on different platforms
Blu-ray/DVD
BFI Player + Curzon- able to view independent cinemas for a monthly subscription
Increased use of piracy