The Future of Cinema

The future of cinema is dominated by three dimensions. James Cameron's 'Avatar' released in 2009 was hailed as a great success after bringing 3D filming technology to the forefront of film-making.

Here's a link to a video of James Cameron being interviewed and asked about his views on the future of cinema;
http://science.discovery.com/videos/james-cameron-interview-the-future-of-cinema.html


There is no doubt that 3D films are spectacular to watch but I find it a shame that the old-fashioned hand-drawn cartoons and the stunt-men flying through the air, have been replaced by animated 'life-like' figures that fail to properly encapsulate that human connection needed in films.


A positive aspect to 3D technology in films is that it gives the film-maker, and the viewer, the chance to explore new worlds and create situations and characters that would just not be able to be created within the boundaries of older technologies.


Production companies of many different kinds of films are 'jumping on the bandwagon' and releasing their films and re-releasing films in three dimensions. Examples of this are, Toy Story 3, Step Up 3D, Jackass 3D and the re-release of smash hit, James Cameron flick, Titanic in 3D.


Here is a short trailer from Toy Story 3 in 3D, go get your glasses on!

In the future I see films becoming more and more realistic and there will be a real fight between the different film-makers to push the boundaries of 3D and take it to an even higher level.

A lot more films may be produced within the realms of 4D, this is where there is a 3D element and that of a physical element within the theatre. At present 4D is mainly confined to theme parks but will no doubt make its way into commercial cinema in the future as we look to expand our viewing pleasure.

It would appear that the cinema is becoming more theatrical as films like Mama Mia and the remake of Hairspray get audiences on their feet. The theater production of Rocky Horror prompts the audience to dress up, shout back and sing along. If this kind of audience participation could be translated to the cinema screen then I think it would become a greater experience. 'Future Cinema' is a company that specializes in live events and 'creating living, breathing experiences of the cinema.' The company uses a variety of media such as, the films, improvised performances and interactive multimedia in order to once again engage the public in the cinema and to 'stretch their imagination and challenge their expectations.'

All in all, there is no doubt that cinema will continue to evolve into new avenues and in new directions. Thinking outside of the box is the best way to engage a former and new audience as people today are more open to a variety of different media and want to try, and experience something new. Isn't that what cinema is all about?

The Grosvenor in Glasgow

The Grosvenor Cinema situated on Ashton Lane is a great example of how small cinemas can still thrive without being in the main 'hub' of the city.

Here is a little bit of background on Glasgow's 'only remaining suburban cinema.' (Scottishcinemas.co.uk) 

The Grosvenor was opened by Glasgow Grosvenor Ltd in May of 1921. At this time it consisted of a single auditorium that seated 1337. The cinema was taken over by ABC in 1929 and they ran the cinema until 1976 where it was purchased by Caledonian Associated Cinemas. 2001, the cinema was sold to Glasgow based G1 Group who closed the cinema from 2002-2003 to undertake major refurbishments.

The Grosvenor is not that different from the GFT, it is a small cinema, struggling against the commercial chain cinemas yet still manages to hold its unique charm and individual experience. 

The cinema shows new releases, 'golden-oldies,' kids films and also some art-house material. 

For smaller cinemas to succeed an important word to note is 'diversification.' This is where the cinema would also have a bar, restaurant, movie nights and/or kids clubs. The Grosvenor is such a place that has managed to diversify down many different avenues. Each individual part of the Grosvenor will attract people to another part, people going to the bar for a drink may wish to go to a late night viewing of a film or the other way round.

Meal deals, kids easter movie deals and student deals are just a few of the ways The Grosvenor is utilizing all possible audiences to get more patrons to the cinema.

Opera Music is also shown at the cinema along with music concerts from acts such as the Foo-Fighters. This will no doubt draw in members of the public who may not normally have been interested in cinema-going due to its over commercialized nature nowadays. The cinema itself will come across as a culturally diverse place to come and enjoy different acts and performances, this is very different from the almost sterile feel of 'Cineworld' and other chain cinemas.

To finish the blog, a wee video of a marriage proposal taking place at the Grosvenor Cinema, with some lovely views of the foyer as well!

'Will you marry me?'-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmtY-jWWrIs

Art House Cinema

'Collins' defines an art-house cinema as one 'which specializes in showing films which are not part of the commercial mainstream.' 


Art house cinemas will no doubt be increasing in popularity as the public try to escape the over commercialized, and generally lacking in substance, films that can fill our cinema screens today.

The Glasgow Film Theatre or GFT, as its more commonly known, is Glasgow's very own art-house cinema. 


The cinema was opened as Cosmo cinema in May 1939, and was noted as being the first art house cinema opened outside of London. Seating 850, its design was the last work of architect James McKissack. The building does indeed catch your eye as you walk Sauchiehall Street and it is polar opposite to the modern monster that is the 'Cineworld' of Renfrew Street.


The GFT was advertised by the slogan, 'Entertainment for the Discriminating.' Another prominent piece of advertising was the popular, bowler-hatted, character of Mr Cosmo who graced the pages of newspapers and the like.

1973 saw the Scottish Film Council buy the Cosmo and after extensive refurbishment, reopened to the public as the Glasgow Film Theatre in 1974.


*Fun Fact* The GFT is the only remaining cinema in Western Scotland with the capability to show 70mm films.


The GFT became independant of the Scottish Film Council in 1986, and although many had thought the cinema would not survive the decline in cinema-going and recession, the cinema is still going strong today even with the major form of competition from 'Cineworld' and the DVD market for films.


Film goers today are now ready to embrace more of a cinema experience and through researching this particular type of cinema it is clear that art-house cinemas are what 'the people' are looking for. 

I find that most films today are made on the premise of other films before them. It is hard to find the same variety that there had once been. Not to say that every commercial film that is released is rubbish, but it does get a bit monotonous sitting through an hour and a half of Hugh Grant trying to 'woo' the woman but with no success and then finally in the last ten minutes she gives in to his charm and they all live happily ever after. Especially when he has released at least 4 films on this basic story line!


New films are pressured to break barriers and it could be this pressure that is their undoing..

First films for Glasgow

The first Films of Scotland Committee was set up by the Scottish Secretary of State and the Development council. The objective granted to the council was to foster and encourage the production of Scottish films and national interest.

The Committee produced the first seven films to be shown in Scotland and they were to be shown at the 1938 Glasgow Empire Exhibition.
The seven films shown at the Exhibition were;
'Wealth of a nation,' a film on scottish industry and town planning;
'The face of Scotland,' a broad history of Scotland and the Scottish character;
'They made the land,' a film on the history of Scottish agriculture;
'The Children's Story,' all about Scottish education;
'Seafood;'
'Scotland for Fitness' and
'Sport in Scotland.'

Broadcaster John Grierson, broadcaster, on the exhibition of Scottish films (1938), 'Here is a prospect of all sorts of people being specially interested in Scotland in 1938 and a chance to focus their interest in the life and achievement of our country. What medium can do it better than film?'


The films of 1938 were by no means the first moving pictures to be seen in Scotland. 13th April 1896 was when the first moving pictures were shown to an audience at Edinburgh's Empire Theatre and then to an audience in Glasgow's Skating Palace on the 26th May. The first Scottish film to be screened was 'The Departure of the Columba from Rothesay Pier,' (1896).

Showing films through the cinema screen was not the only way that moving pictures made their way to our communities. 1938 also saw the arrival of George Green a traveling showman. This man brought moving pictures to us as one of his fairground amusements, screening films at the Christmas Carnival at he Vinegar Hill show ground that lies east of Glasgow Cross.


As can be seen Glasgow has had ties to the film industry for a very long time, and will no doubt continue to be at the forefront of Scottish Cinema-going.

Cinema Closures

In one of my past blogs I mentioned how most of the hundreds of cinemas that were in use in Glasgow, during the 40's, are now closed. It is not only Glasgow that has seen cinema closures.

Back in my hometown of Oban we had a small, two screen, cinema run by a local businessman. The cineam was a great success and I spent many a night in the place! The cinema was known for being a 'first date' hotspot and was a great place for people to 'hang out.'

A couple years back the cinema was struggling to stay open, and due to financial difficulties it was closed. At first the town took no notice of the closure, it was deemed as unimportant as in the lead up to the closure not many people were visiting the place.

This feeling soon changed.

Oban is a lovely place to visit on holiday as there are plenty tourist activities to keep you amused. The story is a little different for the locals, young people especially. There is not many activities for young people to engage in, other than sports or a part-time job. This means that a lot of young people end up loitering the streets and that is when anti-social behaviour can occur.

The cinema lay empty up until a few months ago, a local comittee was set up in order to get the cinema running again. The deal granted to them by the bank was that they must raise at least £20,000 in order to secure the cinemas future as a community run facility.

http://www.obanphoenixcinema.co.uk/

The campaign to rais ethis money has been very successful and attracted local and national news coverage. There are also a number of high profile patrons on-board such as; Tilda Swinton, Dougray Scott, Dame Judy Dench, Rowan Atkinson, Robbie Coltrane and many more.

The Commitees 'Mission Statement.'

A community group of residents of and visitors to Oban who support the re-opening of the Oban cinema as a community led venture.
At present, the cinema on George Street is closed. The building itself is in the hands of the receiver who's plan is to auction it off to the highest bidder. UNLESS the community of Oban can come together with enough strength, will and MONEY to take it off the market! In 2010, the curtain went down on the "Highland Theatre" and since then, the town of Oban has been without a cinema. But in December 2010, when the community came together in a packed-out meeting, it was clear that there was still demand for a cinema here. Oban Phoenix Cinema was born!'

There have been a number of events held in order to help raise money; a 'Jamie at Home' tupperware party, a 'Bring-and-Buy' sale, music concert and an antiques evaluation day.

At present the group are still trying to raise the money needed, but from all the positive talk about the re-openeing it seems likely that the money will be raised in no time at all.

Good luck to them!

Children's Movies

I grew up on a film diet of Disney, Disney and more Disney. From Cinderella to The Lion King I saw them all! Back then in the mid-nineties children's films were hand drawn animations with no special effects or pressure to make them 'life-like!'

   (vanillajoy.com)

Disney are no doubt pioneers in children's movies, each one on it's own is timeless and will be passed through generations. The first movie released by Disney was Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs, this is possibly one of my favourites and many a school play has been acted out on this story! It's not easy being all loved up when your prince is a snotty eight year old, would have prefered to stay asleep!

Probably the most prolific in my childhood was Pinochio, the story of a wooden puppet whose nose grew every time he lied;

'Pinocchio, Pinocchio,
That little wooden bloke-io,
His nose, it grew an inch or two
With every lie he spoke-io.' ( Shel Silverstein's 'Pinochio')

(disney.wikia.com)

I think my parents used these films to teach me life lessons, not that they ignored me or anything but I think it worked!

Back when these films were made, they were made with the intention of bringing happiness to the masses and to both children and adults alike, throwing in some life lessons in each.
Nowadays it is all about the x-factor, something about the film has to make it stand out from all the others in the cinema. Be that through, amazing special effects, faultless animations, all-start casts or being shown in 3D.

It is really important that children nowadays know that films don't have to be all guns blazing, special effects, fire, magic, mystical, fast-paced, adventure-epics, they can be just simple drawn animation with a simple plot line.

                                                                                    (AllPosters.com)

 The favourite film from my childhood was probably Cinderella. The poor girl who is a servant to her evil stepmother and stepsisters. She is turned itno a princess and attends the royal ball where she meets the prince charming. To sum it up, they fall in love, she goes back to being a servant but shes dropped a shoe, he tries the show on every girl in the land, finds cinderella and they live happily ever after. It is the quintessential love story that every young girl bases her future life and husband upon.

(blog.media-freaks.com)

Disney faced some slack over the lack of ethnic diversity in their films. I thought this was very unjust. I seem to recall Mulan, Pochahontas, Jasmine, the Siamese Cats and now Tiana from The Princess and the Frog have all been of an ethnic background.

It is easy to criticise Disney now but at the time this was the norm, ethnic minorities were not always represented in films. It is important that children know people come from all different backgrounds and races but saying Disney was deliberately racist is damaging for those who ere brought up on the movies and who love them for the stories they told.

Glasgow Film Festival

I have to say that I think a lot of people nowadays have more of an interest in different kinds of cinema. It is the weird, thought-provoking films that get the most attention from critics and viewers alike. I am not going to lie and say I find all these kinds of films fascinating and exciting, sometimes they are plain boring. The films need a strong plot, lively characters and a joke or two to make it in my book!

(totalfilm.com)

The Glasgow Film Festival is a great platform for these kinds of films, and allows them to be seen by those who will really appreciate the artistic sentiments and plotlines.

The 7th Glasgow Film Festival was held between the 17th  and 27th February. It has been hailed as great success this year after selling far more tickets than it did in 2010.

The GFF website talks about the event as a;
“programme of extraordinary live events, documentaries and feature films, [balancing] reverent celebration of the past with a keen enthusiasm for future innovations in music, sound and moving image. [The] must-see choices range from the   effortlessly entertaining to the positively inspirational and the downright weird.” 

(liveforfilm.com)

The film festival opened with a Gala showing of French film 'Potiche,' and closed with 'The Eagle' directed by Kevin MacDonald. 'Potiche' is a quirky, 70's comedy that is sure to entice the masses, while 'The Eagle' is a historical drama sure to attract the same fans as the likes of 'Braveheart' and '300.' These are two very different films that almost signify the film festival, diverse and unique. There are films featured from all over the world and from all different genres. The festival is held in many different venues in the city, from The Arches to Platform in Easterhouse.

                                                                           (heyuguys.co.uk)

The film festival will be a major draw for tourists and locals alike in its duration. Glasgow is always trying to prove itself as a cultured, friendly and interesting city. These kinds of events enhance this view.

What is good about the film festival is that there is something for all ages as there is also a Glasgow Youth Film Festival that opened with a showing of the film 'Paul' starring Simon Pegg. It is vital that events like cater to many tastes as they are important for the economy and cultural scene if nothing else.

There is nothing but good reviews of the event online and some have even said it is 'probably one of the best festivals Scotland has to offer.' (David Cornish,bestforfilm.com) 


Now that is a lot to live up to!