Five tech innovations that changed the movie industry

Watching movies in a cinema theater is a different experience as against watching a movie on a television or a laptop. In cinema halls, we get access to innovations and technology advancements in the form of graphics, a 360 degree view or recording, and 3D prints.

The Indian film industry has evolved, both mechanically and digitally. Earlier, there were movie cameras that captured a sequence of photographs onto a filmstrip in quick succession. Gradually, the industry adopted new ways and methods to project better quality films with the use of synchronous sound, coloured screens, lightweight or portable equipment, camera rigs, DSLRs and HD video cameras, and computer-generated imagery (CGI), to name a few.

Today, there are many internet users who are changing the way films were consumed and distributed. Due to access to the internet through smartphones, tablets and laptops, people are now playing videos while on the go. The cinema industry is shifting to align more with the consumers, as there are new ways of accessing videos in the form of streaming and downloading. Everything is digitalising.

Autonomous drones

The cinema industry now uses autonomous drones that have built-in knowledge and algorithms related to filmmaking techniques. They take different angles and shots while shooting a movie. They are also GPS-enabled, and can be operated through smartphones, an app, or even by a remote control system. The filmmaker, on the other hand, can make or alter shots as per his/her requirement. The drones cruise at high speed and at high altitudes, depending on the model. They a good innovation for cinema as drones are lightweight, and have better maneuverability than big equipment.

Ultra HD 3D technology

Technologies like 4k+ 3D or ultra high definition 3D are now being used to shoot action sequences. The camera uses two or more lens to capture details that display better content on screens. It captures live action and playback, and features editing plug-ins and VR audio recording. The technology is expensive, but is helping shape the film industry, both in India, and globally. It appears as 3D, which it is actually not, and provides clear and improved picture quality. It is expected that at the pace cinema is adopting new technologies, 4K content is likely to be available everywhere, and at an affordable price.

Smartphone gear

Indian cinema has adopted different and new ways in the filmmaking process such as smartphone filmmaking gear. Big and bulky equipment to shoot films is no longer needed, when it can be done easily with smartphones.

Smartphones have become the future of the filmmaking process, and many filmmakers are adapting to it. Many short films and documentaries are being made on smartphones as they find it more comfortable and easy to use. There will be a day in the future that any new equipment to shoot a film will be a smartphone with filmmaking technologies.

Dual camera VR

This is different from the typical video cameras, and shoots or captures film in all directions, giving a 360-degree view to viewers. Companies like Google are working on professional grade cameras, while others are developing cameras for consumers. A virtual reality headset is required to create a 360-degree view, and some equipment manufacturers have already started selling products specially designed for recording 360-degree videos.

Drone goggles

Drone goggles are the most futuristic technological innovation in the cinema industry. They are good to view live feeds, and one can use them for a while without stressing their eyes. Some drone goggles also output audio from tiny speakers, giving a new experience in the filmmaking process. There is an audio jack too that one can use to plug in their headphones for better sound quality.

Conclusion

These are some of the technology advancements in the India cinema industry that are changing the way films are consumed by the audience. Filmmaking equipment is getting shorter, powerful, and affordable due to the latest technologies. Our smartphones are also turning into tools to make films with features like 360-degree view angle, better camera lens, and improved recording quality. All these innovations are pushing the film industry to adapt and adopt new ways to produce films and project quality content.

(Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of YourStory.)