Due to Covid-19, there has been a major shift in the movie-watching experience. People are now enjoying watching movies from the comfort of their couches. And so more studios and media distributors are producing their own direct-to-consumer streaming services. Hence filmmakers are incorporating new techniques to make this new experience worthwhile.

So what are the top 5 emerging trends in the Film Industry?

1. Practical Effects:

In the age-old battle of practical vs CGI, practical effects certainly outdo CGI in emerging future trends in Film Industry for 2021. Practical effects have a rich past in movie making, used by generations of filmmakers and enjoyed by moviegoers. Practical effects are a part of visual effects, they often include but are not limited to: props, sets, makeup, and vehicles. Practical effects are never computer generated and are always handmade. Unlike CGI, which ages poorly, practical effects can hold up for years to come. Some of the major blockbuster motion films use practical effects to bring extraordinary situations to life-like Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Inception and, Mad Max: Fury Road. In 2021, the film industry is reshaping the use of practical effects alongside CGI technology.

2. Digital Transformation:

With theaters being shut, filmmakers have been forced to produce and release movies on streaming platforms. That’s why you see a drastic increase in films released explicitly for a particular platform. Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon are leading when it comes to creating original content and distribution of short-budget films. Quality content and writing have become the crux of garnering engagement for films, with the internet being full of content. Small-budget, documentary films and short-form films have revolutionized the digital watching experience and have become the most popular category online. Digital platforms have transformed the future of filmmaking.

3. Rise In Social Commentary:

Growing awareness in the social-political arena has paved its way across social media, satirical comedy shows, news channels and the film industry is no exception. Social commentary has revolutionized filmmaking and has shaken the grounds of the traditional film industry. An emerging number of films are now talking about relevant social issues such as racism, diversity, and political issues. There are more and more films being written now with a strong female-centric role with empowering messages. These emerging trends in the Film Industry have also led to a shift in paradigm; which has led to celebration and acceptance of diversity. Examples of some of the films featuring social commentary: Moonlight (talks about LGBTQ and race issues), Get out ( addresses Racism) & Ocean’s Eight ( the female lead in typically male-dominant film).

4.Found Footage:

One of the most emerging Cinema Industry trends is also known as Handheld footage. To evoke a sense of eerie feeling, and to keep the audience on edge, Handheld footage is a go-to shot for filmmakers filming psychological thrillers or horror films.
However, the film industry is slowly welcoming handheld camerawork in other genres, giving filmmakers and cinematographers room to play and explore with traditional filmmaking techniques. Filmmakers now use the handheld technique to add a human touch to narration and a sense of relatability to stories and the characters. The Office and Park & Recreation being the biggest example of how handheld shots are now used in other genres. They have seamlessly created a new way of watching series by creative use of handheld shots. Some of the films with handheld footage: Paranormal Activity, Cloverfield, The Blair Witch Project, etc.

5. Rise In Horror Genre:

Of all the genres, there has been the most rise in the number of horror movies being made. This sudden increase in production for horror films is likely due to the following factors: A) Technology has made filmmaking cheaper and more readily available. Horror films survive on low budgets because they can be produced with minimal costing and horror audiences are lenient of cheap visual effects. As there is a cut in shooting and producing horror films, there is an increase in the number of films being produced. B) Filmmakers had first considered horror as a niche interest. However, that is a stigma of the past. C) Blockbuster success in some of the horror films, has led others towards the gold rush.

If you are someone who always keeps track of trends in the Film Industry, DICE – School of Entertainment Arts provides an undergraduate program in Film Production for 18 months. In this course, students will get to explore the five key disciplines of filmmaking. As the semester progresses you get to choose the specialization in two of the following disciplines –direction, cinematography, producing, and post-production. The course helps you prepare your portfolio, which is needed to launch your career in filmmaking.

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