How has digital technology changed the film industry?

Production - Digital technology has changed the way films are shot, mainly with the use of special effects. The illusions used in the film, television, and entertainment industries to simulate the imagined events in a story. Another technology is CGI ‘Computer Generated Imagery. CGI is the application of computer graphics to special effects. CGI is used for visual effects. As this makes the scenes more controllable, for example, instead of using thousands of extras in a scene, it would be simpler and easier to control using CGI.

Distribution - There are many new technologies that now effect the distribution of films. People can now view films on portable devices anywhere in the world. Films can be uploaded onto small devices and watched at the user’s discretion. The use of internet has now made it easier to view films, both legally and illegally. The public can pay for films and download them or have them delivered. There is also the opportunity to download pirate copies illegally, free of cost. The cinema is still a major market, it is the most popular way o see a new film, prices are rising, but the public is still choosing to use the cinema.

Exhibition - Digital technologies have changed the exhibition and popularity of film, especially special effects. Special effects have created a new motive for audiences to go and view films because of their special effects and extensive use of CGI. For example, King Kong was a popular film because of the publicised special effects and how the film revolved around it. Digital technology has also helped exhibition of the film industry because it has allowed film producers and directors to make bigger and better films with more scenes that create visceral pleasure for the audience.