Classics
Arriflex stopped making the Arri S in the early 1970s. These classic cameras were built so ruggedly that they were used
in schools and industry for almost 30 years after Arriflex ended production.
Today, lenses and parts are scarce. Although these cameras are very
"fixable," there are few technicians that still know how to do it.
Steenbecks were considered state-of-the-art
editing machines until the late 1980s. They were the first to go when digital
editing took the industry by storm. Now, virtually all professional movies are
cut on computer based systems like Avid and Final Cut Pro.
For many years, Nagras were the industry
standard for recording sound. They were gradually displaced by digital
recorders. These came in the form of DAT (digital audio tape) recorders,
followed by hard drive recorders, which are the standard today. Nagras were precision instruments
and the hardest of all to let go.
Film Schools and Equipment
The expense of maintaining Arri S
cameras was the deciding factor for most film schools to go digital in the
late 1990s. NYU is one of the few schools in the world keeping the film
experience alive (alongside digital production, of course) and maintains a large
arsenal of these cameras for use on the fundamentals level. Students
eventually move to Arri SR sync sound cameras and then 35mm.
Most universities today use DV (digital
video) cameras. If film is an option, it is usually introduced later into
the program when students are more experienced. It is used on a smaller scale than in years past
since both film and film equipment are very expensive compared to DV.
Even digital equipment is not immune to
change. Currently, HD (high-definition) equipment is displacing
standard-definition, requiring another round of expensive upgrading. Top universities
have formalized plans to deal with the shifting technology. Smaller institutes
may not have the resources to do this. When considering a prospective film
school research not only their curriculum but the equipment they use
as well.
Alternatives For
Hands-On Learning
There are other ways to gain hands-on
experience. Budding directors often shoot and edit their own short movies for
experience. Cheap rentals are a great way to do this. Another option is to buy
your own gear. Years ago this was too expensive, but today, broadcast quality
digital cameras and editing systems are very affordable.
Many aspiring directors and producers are
not excited about equipment, so they may choose to forgo hands-on training
altogether. Keep in mind, however, that such experience
contributes to your ability to recognize creative opportunities and make
economically sound decisions.
If you intend to specialize in
cinematography, sound, or editing, you must learn the equipment that industry
professionals use. There are many inexpensive venues for this training. While
some courses a priced as high as $6,000, others are surprisingly affordable and may
even be
sanctioned by the equipment manufacturer.
