Frame
We are two guys who recently discovered the joy of filmmaking. Having a
background in the computer-games industry we, among other people, have
noticed that the framerate of movies are very low compared to the 50+ f/sec
in today's firstperson games. The difference in quality is evident in most
trucking and panning shots.

In contrast, sound systems are updated to new and superb standards but the
film is still the same 24 f/sec. This to us seems like a waste of money
(especially in large productions). As an example we would like to mention
The Lord of the Rings. The money and work spent on finding locations,
building sets, rebuilding sets, making props, actor salarys, computer
effects, etc. etc...seems to be wasted if you capture it in low quality (low
framerate).

We understand that a lot of things must be changed to achieve this, but the
frame rate problem seems to be the single biggest quality flaw within the
movie industry today. And if we are going to convert to digital projectors
at the theatres anyways, why not change the standard at the same time.

So, our question is (finally):

Have there been any talks about new standards or are we the only ones
thinking this one sucks?(how old is this standard anyway)

Jens & Andreas

Hi fellas,
Like most things that you think about, you find someone else is
thinking about it too! First of all the frame rate started at 16fps and
18fps way back in the silent era and then went to 24fps when "talkies"
started.  I'm sure a history of cinema book would fill in the details if you
are interested. You are quite right in pointing out that 48fps would
increase the quality of the projected image considerably: there are some
people out there right now trying to make this happen.  Unfortunately ranged
against them is the "digi" brigade who don't think it's worth wasting money
on improving film projection because it is all going electronic anyway.  The
subject is a complex one where politics and economics are fighting against a
muddled film community from George "Digi" Lucas to Martin "Film" Scorcese.
Personally I love film and would love to be able to shoot at 48fps:
unfortunately the worlds cinemas would have to be modified first.  No-one
wants to pay for this, and this is also the problem with converting them to
electronic which would be ten times more expensive than going to 48fps.
 

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