Virtual Realities and Beyond: The Ever-Growing Role of Technology in the Movie Industry
The movie industry has always been at the forefront of technology since the release of the first motion picture over a century ago. With the advances in technology today, the industry has taken on even greater heights, with Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) leading the way. Virtual Reality is a computer-generated environment that is wholly engulfing to the user, while Augmented Reality overlays graphics onto a user’s real-world environment.
Virtual Reality allows movie-goers to fully immerse themselves in a film’s world. When viewing a 3D movie, the audience is still aware that they are sitting in a theater, and while the experience can be exciting, it is not as immersive as VR. With VR, the audience becomes the protagonist of the story, or at least feels like they’re living in the same world as the characters. This technology creates a new level of intimacy, as the audience can interact with the characters, moving and manipulating their surroundings in a way that is impossible in a traditional cinema.
Also, movie studios are beginning to use Virtual Reality as a tool for production. Filmmakers can use VR technology to ‘walk through’ the scenes that they are about to film. This ensures that nothing is left out, prevents errors in continuity, and helps them create more detailed and realistic settings. In addition to VR, companies are developing artificial intelligence (AI) that can be used to replace or enhance actors’ performances. For example, if a character needs to perform an action that is too dangerous or impossible for a human, AI technology can be used to create the scene.
Augmented Reality is another way technology is changing the movie industry. The Pokemon Go craze of August 2016 caused millions of people to use augmented reality to interact with Pokemon characters in the real world. The movie industry is beginning to adapt this technology, allowing movie-goers to interact with movie characters, even after the movie is over.
Another example of AR technology in the movie industry is through advertisements. For instance, a movie trailer and poster can combine to create a new level of immersion. If the viewer takes a photo of the poster with their phone, an AR advert can be triggered, showing the trailer with interactive graphics. This is a cost-effective and engaging way to reach movie-goers through social media.
In conclusion, the movie industry’s continued adoption and integration of new technologies like VR and AR are expected to revolutionize the way movies are made, watched, and enjoyed. While these technologies may seem like gimmicks at first, they are becoming increasingly sophisticated and promising. The future of the movie industry is an exciting one, where the developments of technology will push the boundaries of creativity and inspiration for filmmakers and movie-goers alike.
