There are only a handful of prominent movie directors who still advocate using film. Star Wars: The Force Awakens director, J.J. Abrams is one of the loudest film proponents and he used 35mm and IMAX film stock while shooting the newest Star Wars movie.
Star Wars: Episode VIII director Rian Johnson is also a film booster. Earlier this week, Johnson confirmed that Episode VIII will be shot on 35mm like its predecessor. Johnson apparently desired to use 65mm film, but he was unable to.
âI really wanted to [use 65mm],â wrote Johnson on twitter. âBut for some specific logistical reasons we’re sticking with 35.â
Since The Force Awakens and Episode VIII are both being shot on film, it should allow the Star Wars sequels to maintain visual consistency with each other despite the change in directors. Itâs far too soon to know if Episode IX will also use film, but thereâs a good chance that it will if either Johnson or Abrams winds up in the directorâs chair for that movie.
Earlier this month, reports circulated that Gareth Edwardsâ standalone Star Wars movie, Rogue One will use the Arri Alexa 65 6K; which is one of the most state-of-the-art digital cameras available. Edwards is still expected to use film in the production of Rogue One, but his Star Wars movie will likely be one of the first to use the full power of the Arri Alexa 65 6K.
Star Wars fans, where do you fall in the great film vs. digital divide? Do you side with Abrams and Johnsonâs preference for film? Or do you want to see what Edwards can do with the new digital camera at his disposal? Donât shove your thoughts in a trash compactor! Let us know what youâre thinking in the comment section below!
HT: Collider