Digital FX Design | Production | Post

If you’ve read any of my columns, you probably know that I’m a gadget freak. I like to use the term “early adopter” because it makes my unhealthy obsession sound somehow adventurous. So, it’s no surprise that I was on pins and needles leading up to Steve Jobs’ announcement of the iPad. Honestly, I was underwhelmed.

Let’s be honest here – the iPad is basically a giant iPod touch. There are a few tweaks here and there, but nothing groundbreaking in my opinion. There’s no camera, no real business-friendly operating system, no multitasking, no Flash and limited hard drive space. But, there is the potential that the iPad could have real promise for those of us in the film and video business…

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Nearly one-hundred years apart from each other, two inventors sought to revolutionize the film industry. In 1914, the results changed the way film cameras would forever be designed. In 2006, the results threaten to replace film all together. Both inventions and their creators came as a result of a personal passion and a belief in doing things their own way…

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Anyone who knows me, knows I love technology. I grab the latest gadget, use it until something better comes out and then sell it on Ebay. The cycle is endless. But, the truth is my “love” for technology is really more akin to lust. I can’t get enough of digital gadgets, but as soon as the shine smudges, I’m off to find a newer, sexier version.

My true “gadget” love comes from my own history, my own memories. I love those things I started with - namely film. And Eastman Kodak Kodachrome was my first true love, I never left home without her in my bag. I spent a year living in Belize and my only regret was that I didn’t bring along enough Kodachrome to supply my happy trigger finger. Kodachrome holds some of my most treasured memories in life - images that would surely fade in my memory, are made permanent by the unique and unmistakable character of Kodachrome.

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In 2002, the Louisiana legislature gave us in the film and video industry a great deal to hope for. The legislation passed allowed for tax credits that all of us believed would bring in great opportunity for our industry. The results of that legislation were almost immediately felt and the sky was the limit.

As if thousands were on the Louisiana border just waiting to pounce, the film and video industry took off. Hollywood targeted Louisiana, indy films flocked here, production studios were multiplying and a skilled workforce numbering in the thousands staked their claim here in Louisiana.

Today, particularly in Baton Rouge, those sky-high hopes and dreams have tempered a bit. With the sunset provision on tax credits looming, other states offering competing or better incentives and a film industry feeling the effects of a lagging economy, the blockbuster we had all hoped for has turned into more of a semi-successful indy flick.

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Economy, Technology Taking Toll On 35MM

Perhaps the hardest, and most immediate, hit felt by a lagging economy in the film industry are independent filmmakers. Once low budget projects quickly become no budget projects when investors and grants are nowhere to be found. Cutting costs can help, but there’s one major cost that can’t really be cut – film.

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