Mixed Media Video formats
A trend I predict to see in the future is the mixing of different video formats to create a film. Incorperating film shots along with digital video shots would provide a new and unique take on the creation of movies. In a day where so many films are shot on digital cameras, bringing back movies shot entirely or partially on film can be a creative challenge. The nostaligic look of movies shot on film is hard to be replicated no matter the editing software.
An example of the the mixed media movie approach was done in the Black Phone 2, released in 2025. This movie ulitizes shots on film during nightmarish dream sequences, while the rest was shot on digital. The uses of the two formats created a distinct atmospheric difference.
Color grading
So many films lately are falling into a category that many coin as having a “Netflix filter”. The “Netflix filter” is the distinct visual look that most Netflix orginal movies have. These often contain shots with lack of contrast and minimal colorgrading. Compared to the colorful and dramatic colorgrading of films from the 2000s, movies coming out during the streaming era seem polished and dull. It’s the result of flat, minimal contrast lighting that makes characters look flat and the lack of signifgant color grading.
This color grading effect isn’t just reserved torwards Netflix orginal films contrary to the name. Many believe that streaming services like Netflix have contributed to this quality effect. The quantity of movies that these streaming services create per year can lead to less post production times where these films are edited and color graded.
Practical sets and fewer CGI sets
While I believe that green screening has its purpose, I believe that creating and filming on location and practical sets bring an extra sense of reality to films. It’s just another way for audiences to be fully immersed into the world. Some of the most iconic films where filmed on-location on real world sets. While this may be impossible for scifi films specfically, the push towards more practical effects and less cgi can be a step in the right direction for the jobs of set and prop designers.
Maximalism sets
Some of the most famous movie “bedrooms” and sets feature highly maximalist design, making them iconic and memorable. It makes the world look so much more lived-in and real, and is a way to show off these characters’ personalities. Sets in themselves can be an extension of the character and can show facets of themselves off without explicitly telling the audience.