Digital Technology To Save Indie Filmmaking

One of the hottest topics of debate at the Sundance Film festival is the emergence of digital video technology. Formerly the preserve of cheap TV soaps and porn films the format could offer salvation for cash-strapped indie filmmakers. Even established big players have given it the thumbs up, George Lucas and Wim Wenders are considering using it for their forthcoming films. New York's Open City Films have announced a subdivision, Blow Up, that plans to finance two digital films. One by director Miguel Arteta (Star Maps) and another by Alan Wade (Julian Po). Digital technology isn't going to have much of an impact on major studios' work but it hopefully will allow a crop of new talent to break through. Tapes are cheap, don't need lab processing and editing can be done on a laptop. Less crew are needed for less equipment, so it's easier to scarper from the rozzers when they get caught shooting at locations without permission. Basically good news for everyone, fingers crossed for the emergence of the new Tarantino or Rodriguez.