ELECTRONIC CINEMA PREDICTED TO TRANSFORM FILM INDUSTRY

SCREEN Digest have published a definitive report this week which predicts major changes for the film industry.
According to the report by media analysts there are likely to be an estimated 10,000 digital screens worldwide by 2005, a complete transition from film to digital files will occur within twenty years. It also predicts that almost 100 per cent of the major Hollywood studios’ films will be available in digital and conventional format by the end of 2004 and 65 per cent of all films will be available in digital format by the end of the decade.
Electronic cinema could potentially replace reels of film with digital data files that can be transmitted to cinemas via satellite, DVD or cable.
Screen Digest’s report also states that over 90 per cent savings could be made on the film production and distribution process annually with the introduction of electronic cinema.
Patrick von Sychowski, author of the report into digital cinema said: “Electronic cinema is an entirely new medium and as yet the industry hasn't had the opportunity to grasp its full impact. Pioneering demonstrations such as Toy Story 2 notwithstanding. The current deadlock over how to share the huge costs, savings and new revenue opportunities fairly has not been resolved yet.”
A major conclusion of the report is that current, traditional business models will need to be drastically re-written in order to anticipate the increased opportunities and the extra costs associated with electronic cinema.
Screen Digest points out that companies like Technicolor Digital Cinema and Kodak are already in pole-position to provide end-to-end digital cinema solutions.
Screen Digest was recently appointed by the Department of Culture Media and Sports to carry out a major research project to examine the implications of digital technology for the film industry.
Screen Digest also co-organised and will chair a one-day seminar on the subject at the IBC trade show in Amsterdam on Sunday, September 10.