Side by Side

I recently watched the Keanu Reeves produced documentary Side by Side about the accelerated takeover of traditional photochemical film by digitally shot films. Of the 40 or so Directors, DOPs, Editors and Producers Keanu interviewed most were in agreement that they had been reluctant at first to make the switch to digital filming as the first generation of HD cameras weren't up to scratch but once the hardware was good enough the pros (being able to accurately monitor what you are shooting, not having to wait a day to view the rushes not to mention the massive cost saving) far outweighed the cons.

The real pioneers of digital cinematography were those who were willing to risk experimentation with other options before HD cameras came into existence, when mini DV was the best quality available, most notably Anthony Dod Mantle who shot the first Dogma film Festen for Thomas Vinterburg in 1998 and then 28 Days Later for Danny Boyle in 2002. It was interesting to see how they compensated for the lack of image quality by playing to the cameras strengths; using quick handheld movement to give the films energy and, in the case of 28 Days Later, utilising the faster setup times and ability to shoot quickly with multiple cameras to capture the opening scenes of a deserted London without having to close off all the streets. Dod Mantle was thoroughly deserving of his Oscar win in 2009 for Slumdog Millionaire - the first cinematography Oscar to go to a digitally shot feature.

Side by Side// Trailer

Related Posts:

Digital Noise// 13/05/13
Film vs Digital// 23/08/12