Death of the Reel.(digital technology in movie production)

Byline: Nick Hayes

Since the turn of the century, digital technology has conquered the world. Sales of DVDs far outstrip those of videotapes, and digital cameras are favored by consumers and professionals alike. But digital still has its enemies, and the biggest one may be the film industry. The majority of films made for cinematic release are still shot using traditional 16mm or 35mm film cameras, with prominent directors like Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg refusing to cross over to the new format.

Why is Hollywood resisting? By now, most people agree that digital technology is cheaper; for the struggling filmmaker, using a low-scale digital-camera model can mean a difference of thousands. But some still think the technology falls short esthetically, while others dispute its perceived flexibility: unlike compact digital-photo cameras, digital film equipment can be bulky. And if a director's not familiar with its workings (each camera responds differently to light), it can be hard to calculate the outcome of a shot. "You have to be confident you know what you're doing," says Nic Morris, a British cinematographer who has worked with "Fight Club" director David Fincher. "And many of us are still trying to find our way around." Still, the most likely reason for the hesitance ...