Technology and the Film Industry, New Innovations Changing Old Methodology

Abstract

Considering my internship possibilities, choosing an internship at Production451.com was an clear decision. Working at Production451.com last year allowed me to more clearly focus my Senior Individualized Project at Production451.com this year. Edward loffreda, Chief Content Officer and Executive Content Producer for Production451.com, welcomed me back for a second internship. Working with Mr. loffreda and the Production451.com team was a wonderful experience. Production451.com is a web site for the film and commercial production community. The site provides necessary resources, various services and an online application. The resources are assembled in the "Portal" and include crew databases, industry news, message boards, weather and other pertinent production requirements. Services provided by the web site include a market place were professionals can buy and sell equipment. Finally, the online application eliminates most paper work required for a production and reduces production time. My responsibilities at Production451.com were numerous, but were primarily research and organizationally oriented. I spent a great deal of time researching applications for the Portal section of the web site and created requirements and recommendations for several applications. Furthermore, I arranged and monitored the progress of the Portal's development. I also researched competitors and possible partners, but the most significant aspect of my experience was attending meetings. Listening and learning about the film industry was invaluable. My research topic arose out of my curiosity for the film industry. Technology has played a huge role in film, but it has always been met with a certain degree of opposition. This reluctance intrigued me and fueled my research. Due to rising film production and distribution costs, the independent film industry has embraced the technological revolution. Cost effective digital cameras and distribution via the internet have made their way into independent cinema. Conversely, most major Hollywood studios have neglected the digital revolution. Few directors use digital cameras and digital distribution is still in the developmental stages. A standard Hollywood film cost over $30 million to produce and over one million dollars to distribute. Digital technology could drastically reduces those costs. Although independent film-makers have taken the initial steps, it will be major studios that decide the future for these new methodologies.