Question by Mrs. Travolta: Why do filmmakers have to use such costly film?
I am a high school student planning on going to film school to become a director. I make amateur movies with a digital camcorder and have always wondered why filmmakers use such expensive film. Is it that much better quality? Do all filmmakers use such expensive film? Aren’t there digital camcorders that are as good of quality? Thanks!
Best answer:
Answer by Mr. Taco
Actually, a lot of films are made with digital cameras these days. The last Star Wars movie, for example! The digital film is not quite up to par with regular film, but they are really close. Still, to get the best digital camera is still not cheap, and all the additional work you have to do to the film to get it up and running is not cheap, either. Most theaters do not have digital equipment, so if you use a digital camera, you still have to transfer it to film. That is extra work. Some theaters are starting to add digital equipment, and that is definitely the future of movie making, but it is an expensive process and will take a lot of time. Even then, some directors (like Steven Spielberg) simply prefer the old way.
In summary:
1. Some films ARE made with digital cameras.
2. Theaters are mostly not equipped for this, so they have to be transferred to film anyway.
3. Some directors prefer the film. It is a matter of taste.
4. Digital filming is the future.
So feel free to use digital camcorders! Just make sure you get a good one. 😉
Good luck!
What do you think? Answer below!