가상 프린트 비용(VPF) 도입에 의한 국내 디지털 스크린 보급과 문제점 연구

Eastman Kodak is well-known for film manufacturer but in fact also has considerably contributed to the advancement of digital cinema. Thus, this study summarizes the progress of digital image processing technology vigorously led by Kodak in and around its Cineon System which was created to support the work flow of digital intermediate (DI) film production. Then, the mechanism of Virtual Print Fee (VPF) and its application in the United States and Canada are examined. VPF is a key concept of digital cinema distribution and has been playing a crucial role in the rapid expansion of digital screens throughout the world. It is a kind of financing mechanism for supporting movie theaters to switch their existing film projectors to the new digital projection systems through redistributing the savings realized by distributors as replacing film prints with digital prints, the so-called Digital Cinema Package (DCP). Lastly, the introduction of VPF, the deployment of digital projection systems and the distribution of digital cinema in the Korean film industry are closely investigated. Meanwhile, the problems which had already been occurred or posed in those rather abrupt processes are also discussed. The purpose of this essay is to raise the issues related to ‘cinematic diversity’ to prevent a few giant corporations from monopolizing the market and to protect quite a few small businesses at risk of bankruptcy. It also expects to bring up some sorts of movements among the Korean filmmakers and others to keep the right of choice or the options both in production and distribution. One of the options may be the “celluloid” film.