SMITH BACKS DIGITAL CINEMA ROADSHOW

CULTURE Secretary Chris Smith has given his support to the launch of the world’s first electronic cinema roadshow.
Smith highlighted the potential impact of the latest cutting edge digital technology for the UK film industry at the nation wide roadshow ‘Celluloid or Silicon’ in London.
The roadshow, which began on October 12, is organised by a consortium with support from the DCMS and the DTI, is the first of its type to take place in the UK. More than 3,000 people from the film and TV industries across the country are expected to attend the events, which will demonstrate and explain the latest developments in electronic film technology, which could revolutionise cinema and TV.
The aim of the roadshow is to stimulate debate and generate ideas on how they can be exploited both culturally and commercially. It is the result of a Government and industry working group set up to examine the impact and potential of digital technology for the film and TV industries, and it will provide the biggest forum to date for the discussion of new technologies.
There will be demonstrations of pioneering digital films and panel discussions and the views of those attending the roadshow will be fed into a new study into electronic cinema which is currently being carried out by the DCMS and will be published later this year.
Smith said: “Digital technology is developing constantly and as it does it is opening up a wealth of new opportunities for film and broadcast both culturally and commercially. The UK has a worldwide reputation for being at the cutting edge of digital technology. We must build on this and ensure that our film and broadcasting industries fully exploit the new technologies available. Information is vital to this and if technology is to be taken up and its potential realised, then those in the industry must be fully aware of the opportunities and advantages that are open to them. This roadshow is an exciting and valuable way of not only demonstrating what can be achieved with the latest digital technology but also of stimulating and drawing on the ideas and experience of those in the industry who can take it forward and revolutionise the way cinema is brought to us.”
Following the October London venue, the roadshow will travel to Belfast, Glasgow, Bradford and Cardiff in November and December.