Movie Studios and Why They Are Still Important
A movie camera captures images very rapidly, typically at 24 or more frames per second. Movies are often shot on a movie set, from actors and actresses in the movies, to background scenery and vehicles. When a movie projector, an LCD screen, or a computer displays the movie images at this rate, it often seems as though the objects shown in the array of moving images are actually moving. In reality, the camera seeing the moving scenes is stationary and the projector/screen/computer is not. This phenomenon of viewing a movie set or movie film from a moving camera is known as the time difference between the actual frames of the movie and the displayed frames.
Motion picture post-production is the process of processing movie footage for display and print-related uses. Movies and films shot on VHS are converted to the Beta format, which makes them easy to process for post-production. These Beta frames are then fed into a computer system. The converted frames are then printed out in the form of a digital or DVD picture. These digitally reproduced images are then ready for use in a wide range of media including televisions, home theaters, projection systems, and DVD players.
Digital post-production processes are similar to other types of visual arts production – including still photography, photographic film, and computer imaging. Some digital image processing services even do both motion picture and still photography. Because there are advantages to processing digital images after the original theatrical release, studios who make motion pictures also process their films digitally. Because computer screens can display motion pictures in 3D (or “3-D”, like it is called), motion picture post-production makes it easier for movie producers to show sequences in widescreen format. Post-production allows the audience to see film sides with different aspect ratios.
For special effects and computer graphics, movie studios often work with outside experts. Special effects companies that create smoke, fire, and smoke effects in their movies often contract with professional digital image processors. They may also use outside computer experts who can optimize the design of the special effects for the film.
Marketing and distribution are other important parts of movie studios. Distribution channels include television, video on demand services, DVD and the Internet, while marketing channels include advertising, theatrical promotions, theatrical trailers, pay-per-view opportunities, home video, and other creative ways to get people interested in the films. When it comes to marketing, people involved in the project might meet directly with the audience or send brochures and press releases to inform people about upcoming releases.
It’s important to remember that movie studios are facing many challenges in the 21st century. Competition from digital media and independent films has become more fierce. While big budget, big name films are a dime a dozen, independent films with a strong message will often be best received by viewers who have been waiting for a movie based on a novel or creative concept. Movie producers and filmmakers should continue to find innovative ways to entertain audiences. As long as there are movies being made, special effects, marketing and distribution will always be necessary to make movies into blockbusters and super hits.