Thoughts on Filmmaking

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although the overlying importance of filmmaking is the thought and emotion behind it, the medium wouldn’t exist without film technology. The concept of ubiquitous computing (http://nineteen.fibreculturejournal.org) is becoming more of a reality, and one piece of proof is how reliant we are on our phones and simply the internet as a whole. We don’t realize this reliance until we don’t have our devices. 

 

The other week the charging port on my smartphone decided to stop working, making my phone not able to be charged. Immediately I began stressing out, thinking about how I don’t have time to get it fixed, how this was the worst time for my phone to have an issue. My device is so interweaved into my life (ubiquitous computing) that I only truly am aware of this when it is gone.  The main point is that even though it is the thought that counts in film, one needs to be aware of the importance of technology and the potential role that it can play in films.

 

Filmmakers should use technology to their advantage, and view it as a way to amplify their film. Certain filmmakers know their way around any camera given to them and understand the technology behind the field, but if one truly wants to be an artist then this alone isn’t acceptable either. The difficulty is finding that middle ground of utilizing technology to aid one’s art, not propel it. I like to think of quality filmmaking as a mixture of being technologically savvy, and very in touch with aesthetics and the potential emotions that they can convey. In terms of filmmaking, there can’t be one without the other in my opinion. An example is the use of the Dolby Atmos system (http://www.dolby.com/us/en/brands/dolby-atmos.html). Sound propels much of the emotions in film and gives us a push on how we should feel, but the filmmaker shouldn’t rely only on these types of items. The Dolby Atmos speaker system specifically amplifies this trick to the full extent, as it enables sound to move in any direction, intensifying the power of emotions with sound, but the artist shouldn’t rely on this technology or even have it in mind as they are making their film. They should create the best piece of work that they can, that is beautiful on its own. they should view these technologies as an added bonus that will enhance the already strong effect of the film.