HOLLYWOOD — Side By Side is an upcoming PBS special that examines how digital filmmaking is challenging traditional celluloid film as the gold standard in moviemaking. Produced and hosted by Keanu Reeves and directed by Chris Kenneally, the program includes insight from filmmakers such as James Cameron, David Fincher, George Lucas, David Lynch, Martin Scorsese, Robert Rodriguez, Lana and Andy Wachowski, and Steven Soderbergh, among others.
"Cinema is at a tipping point,” notes director Chris Kenneally. “Digital has challenged, and in some ways completely overturned, a process of making movies on photochemical film that has been a tradition for over one hundred years. Side By Side is an intimate conversation between Keanu and the top professionals in the industry about this revolution and its impact."
(L-R) Chris Cassidy, Justin Szlasa, Chris Kenneally, Keanu Reeves at Arri, Burbank, CA.
The program investigates the history, process and workflow of both digital and photochemical film creation, and how — for now — the two forms coexist side by side. The evolving relationship between art and technology is revealed through clips of groundbreaking films, as well as visits to movie sets. Directors, producers, cinematographers, colorists, editors and actors offer anecdotes and candid opinions about how the digital revolution is transforming their storytelling tools and techniques.
The director of photography on the project was Chris Cassidy. Mike Long and Malcolm Hearn served as editors. Kamil Dobrowski was the assistant editor. Original music was provided by Brendan Ryan and Billy Ryan.