Digital filmmaking- a wider horizon
THE term `Digital
filmmaking'means different things to different people. This is one of the fast emerging fields of media technologies.
The
international entertainment industry is projected to touch a massive growth of
US$ 1.8 trillion by 2015. Most of it is directed towards the Asian region, specifically India, which -- according to some
recently published reports -- has the potential to grab an impressive amount of
nearly US$ 200 billion!
India is the largest producer of films in the
world, with more than 3.1 billion admissions (those admitted to cinema halls).
The industry's current worth is about US$ 1,256 million, which is expected to
grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 18 per cent for the next five years.
At this juncture, career opportunities are
booming in this industry. With more than 9,000 studios and production houses
across India, educational institutions will have to bring about the revolution
of technology input into the Indian industry by teaching digital filmmaking, to
improve quality, cut costs by more than 40 per cent and increase the range of
deliverable formats, unlike conventional film making which is time consuming
and much more costly.
Advantages of digital filmmaking
The future requires content to be of digital
format because of broadband and theatres obtaining digital servers/ projectors.
Content has to be developed for the global market to earn more revenue and,
naturally, this requires knowledge of digital technology and efficient production
techniques in the digital format.
The future will be triggered by three
media -- IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) broadband, radio and mobile.
The formats for viewing and hearing are different, but the nature of content
required is the same -- digital. The future leaders in the industry will
be those who will have and control content in different formats for different
devices.
An ideal digital filmmaking
programme
It must delve deep into various aspects like:
a.
Screenplay writing
b.
Scripting
c.
Fundamentals of lighting and camera techniques
d.
Pre and post-production techniques including special effects and
3D animation
e.
Budgeting
f.
Set and costume design
g.
g. Non-linear editing techniques
h.
Corporate management
i.
Production of ad films, documentaries, short films features
j.
Camera
k.
Lighting
l.
Editing for picture and sound are other aspects of digital
filmmaking.
m.
Scheduling (project planning of each day's shooting for a film
production)
Course work must lead to the creation of a
portfolio as per industry standards. It must give students confidence in
filmmaking right from concept to final production and help them master this
technology.
Once adequate training is gained, a
professional can start his own production house and make his own documentaries,
music videos and short films. These projects can sold to television channels
like Discovery, National Geographic Channel, Travel & Living as well as web
sites. Even news channels now buy videos, documentaries and short films
although, realistically speaking, this is not as easy as it sounds.
Most channels are reluctant to entertain cold
calls in this department but, if you are an established name, you may be able
to sell a film or programme to a channel. Most channels will have their own
programming departments that generate software and/or will outsource
programming by giving specific briefs or inviting program pitches from
established independent producers or production houses.
Job options
A good option for fresh graduates of digital
filmmaking is to begin by joining a production house or freelance with a
producer on a project. This affords a lot of flexibility. Working for a smaller
production house also increases the responsibilities a fresher might be
entrusted with, thus providing more valuable experience. Entry-level jobs could
be as researchers, production assistants or assistant producers.
These days, even government bodies assign
individual filmmakers to make socially relevant and academic short films and
documentaries for promotion of their activities and policies. The scope is
huge, with high benefits. Government organisations like Public Service
Broadcast Trust (www.psbt.org) have
been created only to promote filmmakers and assign documentary projects, and
are handsomely funded.
Remuneration
A digital filmmaking professional can begin
his career as an intern or trainee at a production house or under any
individual filmmaker. A trainee can expect anything between Rs 15,000 and Rs
20,000, as a minimum salary.
However, the sky is the limit for a digital
filmmaker in India today. An individual project could earn you several lakhs.
Even big corporate houses ask filmmakers to create their corporate and
promotional videos, for which they sometimes pay a minimum of Rs 3-5 lakh.
RathishBabu
http://www.rediff.com/getahead/2007/feb/27digital.htm
http://www.rediff.com/getahead/2007/feb/27digital.htm
