Director Says Digital Film Harmful for Movie Industry

August 27, 2014

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. disparage /dɪˈspær ɪdʒ/ (v.) – to criticize something and to lower its value
Example: He disparaged other directors while promoting his film.

2. shoot /ʃut/ (v.) – to take a video using camera for a TV show or movie
Example: The director will shoot the first scene in a restaurant.

3. selling point /sɛlɪŋ pɔɪnt/ (n.) – most attractive characteristic or feature of a product
Example: The large storage capacity is the main selling point of the camera.

4. budding /ˈbʌdɪŋ/ (adj.) – showing high potential despite being new on doing something
Example: Many budding actors can be found in independent films.

5. edge /ɛdʒ/ (n.) – an advantage over someone or something, usually in competition
Example: The latest model of the camera has a minor edge in quality over the previous one.


Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
American director Quentin Tarantino [KWEN-tn tuh-ran-TI-noh] disparaged digital filmmaking as the current trend in the movie industry.

In a Cannes Film Festival press conference last May, Tarantino expressed that cinema is now declining because of digital cameras. As a popular filmmaker who shoots movies on traditional 35-millimeter film cameras, Tarantino believes that the original cinema is gone.

Apparently, cost-efficiency and consistent video quality have been the main selling points of digital filmmaking. Releasing a digital film to a cinema theater is only worth $150. On the other hand, one movie film roll and its delivery to a theater can cost $1,500.

Shooting movies on 35-millimeter film provides excellent quality. However, most studios convert the final copy in digital format for cheap distribution to cinemas.

Alain Roulleau [roo-LOH], owner of the oldest cinema in Paris that was established in 1948, gave a quick comparison between digital and traditional movies. Roulleau cited that a 35 millimeter’s display is perfect at first but gets dusty two weeks after. In digital movies, the quality remains clear even after six months of stay in a theater.

According to Digital Film Academy founder Patrick DiRenna [di-REN-nuh], digital camera lets budding filmmakers show their talent through low-budget productions. He admitted that the 35-millimeter cameras may have a slight edge in image quality but he believes digital cameras will soon improve.

Additionally, DiRenna said Tarantino and other traditional filmmakers will eventually adapt to digital filmography in the future.

Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         If you were a filmmaker, would you prefer digital film over traditional film? Why or why not?
·         Do you agree with Tarantino that cinema is declining because of digital filmmaking? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         In your opinion, how important are the equipment in a film production?
·         Do you think a high budget results in an excellent film? Please explain.

August 27, 2014