How Technology is Changing the Film Industry and Winning Oscars

Lights, camera, action! 🎬

I bet you watch tv. And movies. Maybe you’re interested then in the special effects that don't take your eyes off the screen? Keep reading even if you don't care about that. 

Today we'll take a trip down memory lane and explore how tech innovations have impacted the global movie industry worth a staggering $95.45 billion. 💸 

First of all:

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT OSCARS EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT A FAN  

• Cultural significance: the movie industry is a crucial part of our cultural heritage.
• Artistic expression: movies are a form of artistic expression, and the movie industry is home to some of the most talented artists and creatives in the world.
• Career opportunities: the film and television industry supports 2.4 million jobs.   

• Economic impact: the industry is expected to have a CAGR of 4.1% from 2018 to 2025.

• Community building: the movie industry brings people together, creating a sense of community and shared experience.
• Social responsibility: movies are not just about entertainment, movies have the power to shape society and influence our beliefs. Take The Cider House Rules, for example, which turned audiences pro-abortion rights. Or Malcom X, which inspired viewers to be more concerned about the importance of race relations as a political issue. You may or may not agree with the political messages presented in these films, but these did motivate their audiences to take a stance.

So whether you're watching the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday 12.03 or catching up on the news on Monday morning due to your time zone, keep in mind that movies have the power to inspire change.

So grab your popcorn and let's dive into the technologies that are changing the movie industry (and winning Oscars)!         

Computer-generated imagery (CGI)

Let’s go back to the Oscars in 1978: Star Wars took home a whopping six awards, including Best Visual Effects. It was one of the first three-dimensional CGI scenes in film history. Credits go to special effects designer John Dykstra who brought the original visuals for lightsabers, space battles between X-wings and TIE fighters, and Force powers to the screen. 

CGI is created in a variety of ways:

• Using algorithms.
• 3D graphics software.
• And 2D pixel-based image editors.

More info about the TOP players in this field, according to  SCOUT MAPEGY's Future Intelligence platform, here. 

Virtual Reality

CARNE y ARENA (Virtually present, Physically invisible) is a 20 minute virtual reality experience created by Mexican director Alejandro Iñárritu, who got a special Oscar for this project (the first ever after one for Toy Story in 1996). The experience opened at 2017 Cannes, making it the first VR work included as an official selection in the festival. Now, the installation is embarking on a multi-year international tour and tells the story of migrants trekking across the Sonorian desert in the US. 

From movie trailers to behind-the-scenes content, VR has become a powerful tool for engaging audiences and bringing stories to life. Major companies like Google, Apple and Netflix have been using this technology already pushing the boundaries of this exciting new world. Full list of businesses and startups working on Virtual Reality Film Production, according to  SCOUT MAPEGY's Future Intelligence platform, here.  

The Streaming

Of course, technology isn't just limited to special effects. Another area where innovation has had a significant impact on the Oscars is streaming media. Parasite became the first non-English-language film to win Best Picture in 2020. The success represented a turning point for the Academy Awards, which had previously been content to relegate international films to their own category. And that would have not happened without the streaming.

The Grand finale... 
Artificial Intelligence 

We've been talking about us watching a movie. But what about the screen watching us? Companies around the world are using artificial intelligence to analyze human reactions in different occasions, including watching movies. Based on facial expressions, the system can generate data for analysis, including micro-expressions that even the most skilled actors may miss.

With SCOUT, our AI-powered Future Intelligence platform, we have researched on who's playing a major role in this new technology. Here are the TOP companies in the field, according to our platform: 

Is this the future of marketing in the film industry?

We'll see in the years to come, but tech definitely plays a major role. After all, without these advances, some of the most iconic moments in Oscars history may never have been possible.

Enjoy your popcorn,

Alessia from MAPEGY