During the preproduction stages of a feature film, the screenwriter, director, production designer, and cinematographer may have widely differing visions concerning the ultimate look and sound of the film. Each scene has a series of variables that must be addressed prior to setup and shooting. Decisions about the technology that is to be used during the principle shooting will affect what the audience ultimately sees at the multiplex. Though the director is responsible for the finished product, the key players on the production team are hired for their expertise in the technical craft of filmmaking.

Format and Film Stock

The first decision to be made regarding the technology of a feature film centers on the screen format, which is the ratio of a film's width to its height (i.e., the aspect ratio). All pre-1952 films and most non-high-definition television (non-HDTV) programs...