Film vs the Alternative

Now with the big camera manufacturers (like the Arri Alexa*) in the game it's clear we've crossed that threshold which we've been staring at so long -- that horizon after which everyone starts shooting on some sort of video format and we can actually ignore film (as in the chemical see-through stuff everyone used to make pictures out of) as a format. Which is too bad 'cause I'd love to shoot on 2-perf 35mm. As a producer I simply cannot allow the cinematographer part of my brain to use film even if we went to bigger-budgeted things.

Early key art for "Day 2"

Here's the argument as it happens between the two in my brain:
Producer: You can use film if you pay for it.
Cinematographer: I'll pay for it!
Producer: Liar. You mean I'll pay for it.
Cinematographer: Er... um.
Producer: Just for that, I'm cutting your lighting budget in half.
Cinematographer: You can't do that!
Producer: I hope you like fluorescent lights.
Cinematographer: Well sometimes those are nice. They have those new instruments which are daylight-balanced...
Producer: Here's a clip light.
Cinematographer: Can't I get a stand to attach it to?
Producer: What do I look like, a millionaire?

It's a cruel world, ain't it?

*Note that I don't even think the footage they have on that ProVideo Coalition site is all that awesome. It does indeed seem to lack some things. Maybe it's the lack of grain? But it doesn't matter, we can add grain in post if you like. A good-looking guy and some music on the soundtrack, the only thing missing is a (ahem) story.