The Evolution of Hollywood from the 1970s to Modern Times

Hollywood has undergone significant changes over the past five decades, with the 1970s serving as a pivotal turning point. While there were significant positive developments, like cooler clothing and music, Hollywood's landscape has shifted dramatically. From the traditional filming techniques of yesteryears to the advanced digital age we live in, the transformation has been profound. In this article, we delve into how Hollywood has evolved, with a focus on the dramatic changes in the 1970s and beyond.

Changes in the 1970s

Back in the 1970s, Hollywood was a different world. My love/hate relationship with the industry stems from its evolution and the moral implications involved. Leading up to and during the 1970s, Hollywood started experimenting with new techniques and technologies that have since become commonplace. From the use of virtual production to advanced cinematography, the industry has continued to push boundaries.

In terms of acting, the dynamic in the 1970s involved more traditional methods where actors would perform in the foreground while projections happened in the background. This has evolved over time, with the advent of virtual production techniques that have revolutionized how films are made. From the early days of 16mm cameras to the modern era of digital cameras and technology, the progress in Hollywood has been astounding.

Dramatic Changes in Acting and Special Effects

The glamorization of Hollywood actors has changed significantly from the past. While actors were still larger than life, they have become more "real" in their portrayals, often addressing their personal struggles and challenges. However, there still exists a sense of larger-than-life persona that has become ingrained in the industry's image. Another significant change has been in special effects. Sci-fi and horror movies from the 1970s used special effects that were so fake they could almost be laughable. Today, with the use of digital imagery and computer-generated images, the special effects have become more realistic and immersive.

Despite these advancements, I find the modern use of digital imagery and computer-generated imagery somewhat lackluster. While they have made it easier to deliver visual reality, the plasticity and uniformity of these effects can be somewhat boring. Traditional techniques and the human element seem to have been lost in the pursuit of perfection through technology.

The Indelible Impact of Technology

The introduction of computers has revolutionized the film industry, from the way schedules and budgets are managed to the accuracy of cost tracking. I remember a time when I had to make schedules by hand with a pen, but now everything is done on a computer. Budgets and cost tracking that were once hand affairs are now all managed through digital systems. I was involved in developing software to compute production costs minutes after the wrap-up, providing accurate, timely information rather than estimates that could be hours or days later.

Before the digital age, no one could have imagined how much faster and more efficient these computations would become. When I worked on War Games, we made technological breakthroughs that challenged the conventional wisdom of "it can't be done." We had to negotiate the union to bring cables from source image computers to prop monitors on the set, something no one had ever asked for before. Sound locals even claimed the work was theirs, arguing that since a wife was involved, it was a family effort. Now, Panavision sells a box that syncs phase a 30 FPS video monitor to a 24 FPS film camera, exactly the same technology we used back then.

The production office now calls a camera house and asks for a sync box without a second thought. We had color video taps that were considered so fantastic 50 years ago that they would have been laughed at. How times have changed!

One noteworthy change is the increased circumspection of Hollywood executives in their 'private' emails, reflecting the evolving standards and awareness of the industry.

In conclusion, Hollywood has evolved significantly since the 1970s, transforming from traditional methods to the highly advanced digital age. The industry has embraced new technologies and techniques, but the human element and the artistry of storytelling continue to be the foundation of its success.