‘Star Wars: Episode 9’ Director Colin Trevorrow Will Shoot on Film, Not Digital
In the ongoing battle between film and digital (Film v Digital: Dawn of Justice), there’s one man who will not capitulate to your contemporary technology. Joining the likes of Quentin Tarantino, Christopher Nolan and Zack Snyder, Colin Trevorrow will also remain committed to shooting on film, as the director says he will shoot Star Wars: Episode IX on the classic format instead of digital.
Trevorrow participated in a panel discussion with Nolan and Fruitvale Station cinematographer Rachel Morrison (via Variety), during which the filmmakers debated the merits of film vs. digital in an increasingly digital age where the more modern format has become the standard. The Jurassic World director said that he preferred watching movies that were shot on film, and joked that Star Wars: Episode IX is a period peace — which justifies his decision to use film over digital.
For his part, Nolan condemned the standardization of digital, calling out theaters and studios for a “corporate conspiracy” and accusing them of building a “culture of wanting to kill film.” He’s not entirely wrong. Many studios and theater chains claim that digital is cheaper — just as many have claimed that using CGI over practical effects is cheaper, but the end result, if not utilized properly, looks as cheap as they would have you believe.
Nolan seems more moderate and optimistic on the issue, believing that the formats can and should co-exist and, again, he’s not wrong.
As for Trevorrow, he follows in the footsteps of J.J. Abrams, who shot The Force Awakens on film, and Rian Johnson, who will shoot Episode VIII on film as well.