Bong Joon-Ho Explains Why Netflix Wouldn't Let Him Shoot 'Okja' On 35mm

The debate around Netflix and their dedication to cinema continues to rage. One on side, there are those who argue the streaming service’s priority of availability over traditional release models is killing moviegoing as we know it. Not only that, the introduction of new features like Skip Intro — which extend to non-Netflix produced feature films as well — is actually destroying the very way that movies were intended to be watched by their creators. On the other side, Netflix’s collaboration with auteurs and indie filmmakers in a climate where mainstream Hollywood continues to bet on blockbusters is seen by many as giving a home to creative voices that might not get to be expressed elsewhere. However, for all the carte blanche Netflix gives the filmmakers they work with, there are some compromises.

Bong Joon-ho, who will be hitting Cannes with his Netflix effort “Okja,” has applauded the company for giving him the money to make not only the biggest movie of his career, but also the most expensive film in South Korean history. However, there was one thing he was not able to do: shoot in 35mm.

“At first, Darius Khondji, my cinematographer, and I wanted to shoot ‘Okja’ on 35mm, but Netflix insisted that all Netflix originals be shot and archived in 4K,” Bong told Variety. “Khondji then figured that we would use Alexa 65, which equates to a 70mm film in digital format. It makes a great cinematic vibe.”

So it sounds like an agreeable compromise was found, and other than that, the director stated he had “complete freedom” to make the movie he wanted. However, for those fighting for the survival of analog formats, this will be another mark against Netflix.

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