Film Production Research Articles

Production of chitosan-based composite film reinforced with lignin-rich lignocellulose nanofibers from rice husk

Lignocellulosic nanofibers (LCNFs), implying lignin-containing cellulose fibers, maintain the properties of both lignin and cellulose, which are hydrophobic and hydrophilic, respectively. The presence of hydrophobic lignin in LCNFs is expected to be an economical and attractive option that can improve the thermal and mechanical properties of polymers. Thus, this study was conducted to produce lignin-rich LCNFs from sugar-rich waste obtained from rice husks after acidic pretreatment. The LCNFs were produced from the lignin-rich solid fractions obtained after pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis, which were then incorporated as an additive into a chitosan-based film. The variations in lignin content in the range of approximately 50.6%–66.8% in differently obtained LCNFs gave significantly different optical strengths and mechanical properties. These controllable processes may allow for customized film formation. Additionally, the glucose-rich liquid fractions obtained after pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis were used as a substrate for ethanol fermentation to achieve total utilization of rice husk biomass waste. In conclusion, the lignin-rich biomass fraction holds promise as a suitable material for chitosan-LCNF film and has the potential to increase the economic feasibility of the biomaterial industry.

IMPROVING FILM QUALITY USING SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS IN PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS

The purpose of this case study was to explore how software solutions can be utilised to improve film quality in photography studios. It focused on the issues faced by a photography studio located in Kangar, Perlis, such as dirty images and damaged films. A survey was administered to 51 working photographers to elicit important insights regarding user preferences and experiences, allowing for a more in-depth grasp of their needs and expectations. The findings revealed that software solutions can be utilised to enhance various aspects of film production, including image clarity, colour accuracy, noise reduction, and overall aesthetic appeal. It also addressed the issue of software flaws and application malfunctions, emphasising the need to use dependable software to avoid disruptions and improve photo editing quality. Photography studios are recommended to combine both high-quality equipment and software programs to optimise business operations, improve overall film quality, and ultimately increase client satisfaction.

The Effective Application of Project Teaching Method in the Teaching of Film and Television Director Course

The application of project teaching method in film and television directing course is a key educational innovation. In this paper, the defi nition and core principles of project teaching method are studied in detail, and its practical application in the field of film and television production is deeply discussed. Through case analysis, the successful effect of project teaching method in cultivating students practical skills, teamwork and problem-solving ability is demonstrated. The paper also emphasizes the advantages of project teaching method over traditional teaching method, and puts forward some strategies to deal with the challenges. In conclusion, the project approach provides an innovative way to train outstanding film and television directors and provides strong support for students to succeed in a highly competitive industry.

A degradable multi-functional packaging based on chitosan/silk fibroin via incorporating cellulose nanocrystals-stabilized cinnamon essential oil pickering emulsion

In this study, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) exhibited a higher aspect ratio derived from Rosa roxburghii pomace (RRP), enabling them to effectively carry more charge and consequently form a Pickering emulsion (PE) of cinnamon essential oil (CEO) with enhanced stability. This mixture was then incorporated into a chitosan/silk fibroin (CS/SF) matrix to create an activated food packaging film successfully. Additionally, the cinnamon essential oil - Pickering emulsion (CEO-PE) prepared in this study exhibited superior compatibility with the film substrate. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that the Pickering emulsion was uniformly distributed in the CS/SF matrix and formed microstructure-sized holes in the film. The FT-IR results revealed the formation of robust hydrogen bonds between the film components, indicating successful encapsulation of the CEO within the film. Furthermore, the incorporation of CEO-PE enhanced the film's mechanical and thermal stability, reduced the water vapor transmission rate, improved the film's DPPH radical scavenging and bacterial inhibition abilities, and imparted slow-release properties. Moreover, the prepared CS/SF/PE films had good degradation ability, which were basically decomposed by microorganisms within 14 d. And a life cycle assessment revealed that the CS/SF/PE film production reduces fossil resource consumption by more than 68% and global warming by more than 34% compared to film sourced from petroleum. In summary, this research demonstrated that CNC obtained from RRP can be successfully prepared as CEO-PE and combined with CS/SF matrix to prepare active food packaging film, which was promising films for extending the shelf life of fresh fruits.

Motion Capture in Mixed-Reality Applications: A Deep Denoising Approach

Motion capture is a fundamental technique in the development of video games and in film production to animate a virtual character based on the movements of an actor, creating more realistic animations in a short amount of time. One of the ways to obtain this movement from an actor is to capture the motion of the player through an optical sensor to interact with the virtual world. However, during movement some parts of the human body can be occluded by others and there can be noise caused by difficulties in sensor capture, reducing the user experience. This work presents a solution to correct the motion capture errors from the Microsoft Kinect sensor or similar through a deep neural network (DNN) trained with a pre-processed dataset of poses offered by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Graphics Lab. A temporal filter is implemented to smooth the movement, given by a set of poses returned by the deep neural network. This system is implemented in Python with the TensorFlow application programming interface (API), which supports the machine learning techniques and the Unity game engine to visualize and interact with the obtained skeletons. The results are evaluated using the mean absolute error (MAE) metric where ground truth is available and with the feedback of 12 participants through a questionnaire for the Kinect data.

Introduction: Transnationalism and the War Film Genre

ABSTRACT This introduction offers a comprehensive context for this special issue of the Journal of War and Culture Studies. I define the concept of transnationalism as it is reflected in the scope of the articles included, all of which discuss non-American film productions about the American military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan. I also argue that our understanding of the war film genre can only benefit from taking into account an array of different national cinematographies. The introduction contains summaries of the articles which discuss Iraqi, Afghan, British, German, Danish, Polish, Spanish, and Australian depictions of the American wars in the Middle East.

Digital technology and Nollywood film industry

Film also known as the 7th Art is a medium for education, information and entertainment which has over the years undergone a series of technological innovations. This paper examines the evolution of cinema from the ‘silent era’ to the ‘new age era’ characterized by a trajectory of innovations and improvements due to technological developments. The paper adapts the Diffusion of Innovations Theory (DIT) propounded by Everett Rogers in 1962 to assess the extent to which innovations in digital technology have altered the old traditional film production landscape. The paper seeks, among others, to determine and highlight the significant areas technology has impacted on the development of motion pictures globally with particular emphasis on the Nigerian film industry popularly known as Nollywood. Our major point of interest is on the roles, impacts, challenges and prospects of digital technology in the areas of production, distribution, marketing and exhibition of films. By using the assumptions of DIT which seeks to explain how, why, and at what rate new ideas and technology spread. The paper further reviews relevant literature and some empirical results from scholars to justify its claims. We are able to establish in our findings that digital technology is the driving force of film development which has contributed enormously to world cinema. Furthermore, the rapid development and emergence of Nollywood film industry as the second largest producer of films in the world next to Bollywood of India is attributable to the emergence of digital technology.

Analysis in Making Animation Movements Using Traditional Methods (Keyframe) and Motion Capture Methods

The keyframe method for making 3D animation movements is a traditional technique used by animators around the world to create certain animation movements based zon the 12 principles of animation. Meanwhile, motion capture is a motion recording technique used to describe the process of recording movements and interpreting these movements into a digital model. Motion capture itself is commonly used in the military, entertainment, sports, and other fields. In this study, we analyze the use of the two methods, the results of which can be used as a suggestion for the use of the two methods for the production of animated films. Three aspects were used to analyze the two methods, namely the number of keyframes, the level of refinement and detail, the final process and cleanup.
 Keywords: keyframe, motion capture

The changing narratives in Nollywood movie viewing through online streaming

The deployment of digital technologies for film production, distribution and marketing in the Nigerian film industry can be considered a giant stride, which has triggered drastic changes in the production values, quality and standards of the industry. This study examines the impact of these digital technologies on Nollywood film industry, howbeit, with particular focus on the changing narratives of movie viewing through online streaming. The study adopted the qualitative methodology, and the use of documents and visual media research instrument was utilized. Thus, different types of documents and other visual media like books and other publications, newspapers and the Internet were used to extract relevant data. Amongst other findings, movie viewing in Nollywood through online streaming has drastically changed the phase of the industry, as it has attracted new deals and secured production partnerships, locally and internationally; created new revenue streams for filmmakers and placed the industry on the global scale of vibrant film cultures. However, amidst these plethora of benefits, there are peculiar challenges that unless tackled, this development would not last. Consequently, this study concludes that, to sustain and maximize the gains of online movie streaming in Nollywood to deliver for the greater good, even in the long run, these loopholes in the system like issues bordering on content development, contractual agreements, cyber security, illegal downloaders etc. should be addressed. This study recommends the respective agencies of government and relevant industry stakeholders should leverage on this great advancement, and expedite action in tackling the issues that will truncate it.

Barrier, Mechanical, Thermal, and Rheological Properties of Plasticized Biopolymeric Films Manufactured by Co-Extrusion

The thermal, rheological, mechanical, and barrier properties of flat biopolymeric films processed by extrusion with different proportions of plasticizer and surfactant were evaluated. In the first stage, pellets were developed through twin-screw extrusion using a temperature profile in the ascending step process. These samples were analyzed using rotational rheology analysis to understand the viscoelastic transitions through the behavior of the storage and loss modulus, as well as the incidence of complex viscosity concerning concentration. The interaction among the components was analyzed under infrared spectroscopy after the two processing stages, revealing the miscibility of the mixture due to the action of the surfactant. The degradation temperatures increased by more than 20 °C, generating thermal stability, and the temperatures related to polymer transitions were determined. In the second stage, co-extrusion was carried out using pellets from the blend with a melt flow index (MFI) suitable for this process. The samples TPS50-PLA50-T5 and TPS75-PLA25-T5-A10 presented MFI values of 2.27 and 1.72 g/10 min, respectively. These samples were co-extruded for the production of films, impacting the physical properties. The resistance to traction, Young’s modulus, and elongation showed limited effectiveness of plasticizer and surfactant, with high resistance and elongation values (4.276 MPa and 2.63%) in the TPS50-PLA50-T5 film. Additionally, morphological analysis showed the detailed action of the plasticizer on the regular shapes of threads as a product of deformation during material processing. The barrel properties exhibited limited biopolymer–plastic–tensile miscibility, resulting in different water vapor permeability for the TPS75-PLA25-T5-A10 film on each side (a difference of two orders of magnitude). The contact angle corroborated the effect, with values in each case ranging from 103.7° to 30.3°. In conclusion, we assert that biopolymeric films, when modified with plasticizers and surfactants, can be tailored for various applications within the packaging sector while maintaining control over each film.

Cultural distance perceived by Chinese audiences in the Korean film Silenced: a study of cross-cultural receptions in film content elements

IntroductionIn the realm of cross-cultural film dissemination, cultural distance emerges as a pivotal factor influencing the reception of domestic audiences to foreign cinematic productions. Despite Korea's thriving film industry and China's vast film market, the cultural distance experienced by Korean films in China remains largely unexplored. This study focuses on the Korean film Silenced, renowned as a classic that champions justice in Korea.MethodBy employing qualitative survey and thematic analysis, this study investigates the cultural distance perceived by forty-four Chinese audiences when watching Silenced.ResultsThe findings revealed that various content elements, such as the film's setting, translation of verbal expression, non-verbal expression of film characters, and visuals/non-diegetic music did not exhibit cultural distance among Chinese audiences. Nevertheless, the plots of morally compromised characters with positive identities, theme exploration of societal darkness and human darkness, and tragic ending introduced a palpable sense of cultural distance perceived by Chinese audiences.DiscussionThis study scrutinizes the outcomes through the lenses of Korean film and Chinese audiences. While certain aspects of Korean cinema and Chinese audience preferences exhibit cultural proximity, mitigating barriers to appreciation in select content domains, Silenced adeptly employs the plots, themes, and ending to delve into the darkness of human nature and societal dynamics. However, under the influence of China's official propaganda and film censorship, Chinese participants evinced a constrained appreciation for cinematic portrayals of human and societal darkness. Concurrently, Chinese participants manifested expectations for films to provide a source of relaxation, a notion incongruent with the oppressive ambiance evoked by Silenced.

Production of Edible Film from Isolate Soy Protein with Addition of Palmitic/Lauric Acids

Production of Edible Film from Isolate Soy Protein with Addition of Palmitic/Lauric Acids

Research and Practice on International Talent Cultivation Mode of Film and Television Photography and Production in Undergraduate Colleges and Universities

With the acceleration of globalization, the status and influence of the film and television industry in the international market are increasing. The close connection between the domestic and international film and television markets has prompted the need for universities to cultivate film and television photography and production professionals with an international outlook, innovative ability, and practical skills. However, domestic universities still face many challenges in international talent training. Therefore, it is particularly important to study and build an international talent cultivation model for film and television photography and production majors that is suitable for China's national conditions. The purpose of this paper is to explore how to improve the educational quality and international competitiveness of film and television photography and production majors in China's undergraduate colleges and universities by building an international talent cultivation model. The study will propose a set of scientific, reasonable, and operable international talent cultivation programs through the comparative analysis of the existing education modes of domestic and foreign colleges and universities and carry out practical tests. By studying and practicing the international talent cultivation model for film and television photography and production majors, it can effectively improve the education level of Chinese universities in this field, cultivate film and television talents with international vision and competitiveness, and contribute to the international development of the country's cultural industry.

A Study on Talent Cultivation Strategies for Film and Television Photography and Production Professionals Oriented to Sports Specialty Students in an Interdisciplinary Context

With the rapid development of the film and television industry and the increasing prosperity of the sports industry, interdisciplinary education plays an increasingly important role in talent training. The purpose of this paper is to explore how to develop an effective talent cultivation strategy for film and television photography and production majors in the interdisciplinary context, combined with the characteristics of sports speciality students. Through in-depth analysis of the advantages and shortcomings of sports special students, combined with the actual needs of film and television photography and production majors, this paper puts forward a series of cultivation strategies, with a view to cultivating composite talents with sports literacy and film and television technology dual capabilities. Sports speciality students have good physical quality and teamwork ability, and these qualities are especially important in the process of film and television production. However, they may have deficiencies in artistic expression and technical operation. Therefore, to address this situation, this paper suggests increasing the proportion of artistic aesthetics and technical practice in the curriculum, and enhancing students' comprehensive quality through project practice and interdisciplinary cooperation. Emphasis on the combination of sports and film and television. By offering special courses such as filming of sports events and production of sports documentaries, students can gain an in-depth understanding of the operation and filming techniques of sports events while learning film and television technology. In addition, through the introduction of industry experts and off-campus practical training, students' practical operation ability and industry adaptability are enhanced. Focus on cultivating students' innovative thinking and cross-border co-operation ability. Students are encouraged to participate in interdisciplinary projects to develop their ability to solve complex problems and their sense of innovation, so as to better adapt to the development needs of the film and television industry. Through the above strategies, this paper expects to provide a more comprehensive education for sports speciality students majoring in film and television photography and production, and to cultivate high-quality composite talents with both sports literacy and proficiency in film and television technology.

Introduction: Youth cultures in Nordic cinema

Youth cultures have had a ubiquitous presence on Nordic screens for more than seven decades and are currently experiencing a surge in visibility across streaming platforms. However, studies pertaining to the production, representation and reception of youth film in Nordic cinema have been scarce. This introduction to the In Focus section ‘Youth cultures in Nordic cinema’ provides background and context for the section and presents its four contributing articles.

The role of digital technology in the production of 3D cinematic films

The role of digital technology in the production of 3D cinematic films

Overlap and rotate - a simple method for predicting out-of-plane and in-plane orientations of heteroepitaxial thin films

The production of heteroepitaxial thin films is increasingly important due to their considerable utility in technical practice. This usability is determined by their specific physical and chemical properties influenced by the mutual crystallographic substrate-film orientation, both the out-of-plane and the in-plane. The possibility of predicting these orientations would reduce the time and financial burden of their experimental determination. This study shows how the out-of-plane and the in-plane orientation of heteroepitaxial film can be predicted by simply calculating number of overlapping atoms in a system of two overlapping crystallographic planes, one of which rotates relatively to the other. Coordinates of atoms in the crystallographic planes are taken from bulk structures, which contributes to the simplicity of the method. The average number of overlapping atoms (calculated from a 360° rotation) and the maximum number of overlapping atoms (including a corresponding angle) indicate the out-of-plane and the in-plane orientation, respectively. The method is tested on various substrate/film systems (SrTiO3/ZnO, Al2MgO4/ZnO, MgO/ZnO, MgO/CuO, Si/Al, MoS2/Au) and the results are compared with experimental data obtained from the literature. The good agreement with the experimental data shows this method to be reliable and sufficiently accurate for heteroepitaxial thin films.

Sol-gel Chemistry Approaches for the Manufacturing of Innovative Functional Composites for the Aerospace Sector

Sol-Gel is a “bottom-up” synthesis method that enables the production of films, nano/microparticles, fibers, gels, and bulk materials, both glassy and crystalline. Sol-Gel chemistry can be a vital tool for solving problems in several industrial applications where nanotechnology is necessary to overcome constraints. Here, various examples involving silicate-based materials are discussed. Silicatic materials with a variety of morphologies and applications, e.g., monodisperse SiO2 particles ranging in size from a few nanometers to a micron, can be synthesized through hydrolysis and polycondensation reactions of silicon alkoxide precursors. Using an environmentally friendly electrospinning process, silica nanoparticles can be incorporated into polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) fibers to create novel, fire-resistant sound absorbers. Additionally, by employing hybrid techniques based on Sol-Gel, the flame retardance of nanocomposites made of silica and epoxy resin as well as epoxy-based composites including hemp, even cured with cycloaliphatic hardeners, can be enhanced. The development of novel materials beneficial for aviation applications, such as hydrophobic (potentially self-anti-icing) coatings, is a further proof of the effectiveness of Sol-Gel chemistry.

Towards audience-centric film funding: New strategies for commissioning youth films in Denmark

This article investigates the changed market conditions for production of films for young audiences in the on-demand age. More precisely, I analyse how the public funding of films for children and youth in Denmark has undergone significant change in response to intensified competition and waning audience interest. From the outset of the Commissioner’s Scheme for films for children and youth at the Danish Film Institute (DFI), the state subsidized main financier in the national industry, the institution has changed away from selective funding based on cultural evaluation criteria towards audience-centric funding based on market orientation and data-driven audience insights. The DFI’s objective is to reach young audiences more precisely with films that are relevant to them. Yet, one of the implications so far of this practice has been that funds earmarked by law for films for children and youth are spent on films for adults, with significant ramifications for domestic film culture for young audiences.

Characterization of biodegradable bi‐layer films from thermoplastic starch and poly‐l‐lactic acid

AbstractThis study aimed to enhance the oxygen barrier properties of polylactic acid (PLA) film, a biodegradable packaging material with high oxygen permeability (OP). Bi‐layer films were produced by coating thermoplastic starch (TPS) onto PLA films in various ratios while maintaining constant film thickness. The mechanical, optical, barrier, thermal, hydrophobicity, moisture sorption, and microstructural properties of the films were analyzed. Increasing the TPS ratio elevated moisture content (MC), water uptake, solubility, and opacity while enhancing UV barrier properties. TPS coating reduced tensile and burst strength but increased the burst deformation of the bi‐layer films. Bi‐layer film production resulted in a water vapor permeability increase of 59.26%–94.44% compared with neat PLA while decreasing OP by 2.52%–29.66%. The equilibrium moisture content (EMC) rose with higher TPS ratios, displaying type II isotherms. FTIR analysis indicated no chemical interactions between PLA and TPS. Increasing the TPS ratio decreased PLA crystallinity, supporting the mechanical and barrier properties of the bi‐layer films. Neat and bi‐layer films exhibited smooth, homogeneous surfaces, with a visible interface in the cross‐section of the bi‐layer films. In conclusion, TPS shows promise as an alternative to improve oxygen barrier properties in PLA films without adversely affecting other properties.