From: sandie
Sent: 12 July 2001 10:33
Subject: Digital/Film
Hello Peter
I read with interest your thoughts on Digital projection. As you say, the Digital reproduction on the screen isn’t there yet – but it has certainly come a very long way in the last two years.
The fundamental problem with Digital, in my view, is the issue of copying. With film, every film can is accounted for. With Digital technology a ten year old with a bit of a ‘gift’ could copy stuff before it even reaches the cinemas. If it is possible for 14 year old to hack into the Whitehouse…………….?? I rest my case.
Nigel Wolland is quite right on your “What it Takes1” page (and he should be – he knows his stuff!!) Although Xenons are used as a matter of course, carbons are still used worldwide. Even Pinewood use them in their Preview theatre!! We STILL ship carbons all over the world.
I think there will always be people who handle film, but we are now in a “McDonalds” culture. Get in cheap, Get out quick. The public generally do not notice if a surround speaker is not working, or if the Dolby levels are out. They are more likely to notice if their Pepsi is flat. Sad, but true.
Projectionists are no longer what they used to be. The Craftsmen of old are no longer required. Again, referring to Nigel’s comments the modern projectionists have to have a much broader technical knowledge. I suppose it is similar to the difference between a garage mechanic servicing a Morris minor and an electronic engineer who would service the latest top-of-the-range car. The new projectionists definitely need more skills.
Personally, I think that we are in very exciting times. It will be interesting to see where we are in a year from now.
Sandie Caffelle
1 = This is an external page provided by the BKSTS website.
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