It’s a post I’ve been meaning to write for a while. And the ideas of been stemming from my brain for quite some time now. But I needed time to cool down. Time to avoid a rant.
And the more time that passes, the more I’m convinved I’m not crazy.
Preface: This is MY OPINION. Whatever I say is not to be taken as fact, or representative of the about-to-be-mentioned companies. You don’t have to agree, and you don’t have to like what I say. But if you don’t like it, then just stop reading.
For the past few months (or even past few years), I’ve grown more wary of the impact of technology in my field (television, video and film, if you didn’t get that already). With new cameras and new equipment being churned out then seemingly ever before, it’s easy to get swept up in it all and fall in love with whatever new device is out. Now don’t get me wrong, we NEED technology. This isn’t about going back in time, but instead examining closer what’s being marketed, and specifically, who it’s marketed to.
So here it goes.
If I see another DSLR camera marketed to the “prosumer” (ie the handy term some genius came up with to get consumers to spend more money) I will scream. Especially, if that camera does video. It was one thing when the little snapshot digital cameras added a video option (no one takes this video seriously, right?) and I can kinda not hate the video option on cell phones (only occasionally, as long, again, as it’s not taken seriously). But the problem with video on DSLR cameras, especially on a certain companies new camera, is that people are taking it seriously. As in, these “prosumers” are buying these cameras, shooting what they think are wonderful/creative/look at this sunset type little movies. Some of these little movies, are also some of the most popular viral videos.
Now, it’s at this point where you may think, what’s wrong with putting these videos on sites like youtube or vimeo? Who is this hurting? well, to be frank, the entire film, video and television industry. Though these videos aren’t replacing all of the content people watch, they are instead lowering the quality of what is expected, and have taken the art out of moving pictures.
There use to be a time where names like Gordon Willis meant that you knew you were going to get a quality picture. Willis understood the true craft of shooting, understood the science behind it. BECAUSE THERE IS A SCIENCE BEHIND IT. While the prosumer may think that the little icon saying F2.8 in their new DSLR camera is just a label, there are people out there who know what it means, know what to do with that information.
But now, we’ve settled, everyday the populace seems to prefer the quick and easy method versus understanding the true art. So next time you pull out your little pocket-sized video camera or shoot a video with your blackberry, take a moment, and realize what you’re creating isn’t genius, but is instead just leading to a lack of true art.
Afterword: I’m sorry for typos, verb confusion and possible lack of clarity. I did not proof this post for the fear of it possibily losing its intergrity of a true rant.
