This is a debate on whether the use of CGI (computer generated imagery) in movies is essentially hurting the quality of these movies. There are essentially two camps to this debate: that CGI is a tool, like any other tool, and can be used well or used poorly. Or that CGI offers producers an 'easy way out', and that CGI could be used as a shortcut. That lazy film-making during production was fine because they could just 'fix it in post'.
Who are some of the major speakers/writers…
It's hard to break this into a 'this camp vs. that camp' debate, especially given the ample room for middle ground. Filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino have spoken out against the newer digital era. Most directors are fine using digital or at least some hybrid of digital and practical effects. Mostly, the debate will be between the producers and fans who notice some of the bad CGI.
What kind of social/cultural/economic/political power…
This one's simple. The producers write the checks, so the producers decide whether or not CGI gets used. If less CGI makes a film better, and a better film makes more money, then perhaps CGI heavy films don't go as far. Money has the real bargaining power, and usually CGI is cheaper to implement than practical effects.
What does each group value?
Audiences want better movies and producers want profitable movies. Audiences may be under the illusion that CGI is a shortcut and lessens the value of the film, but there's nothing wrong with CGI used well.
Is there a power differential…
The production companies have the power in that it's their money that gets spent, so they want to use it safe or cheap methods that are more likely to guarantee a return. Audiences do have buying power though, and decisions that lead to audiences abandoning a movie will not typically be reused on later projects.
Is there any acknowledged common…
There are in fact very few people wanting a complete boycott in CGI. Most people against it are just against unnecessary uses of CGI or poorly executed CGI. It could be argued that both sides want a convincing and well executed effect that won't draw attention to itself. Producers just want it to be cheap.
Is there any unacknowledged…
Audiences want to see a movie and producers want to sell them the ticket. In actuality, all that needs to happen is for the effects of the movie to be convincing and well executed. Audiences have already shown that they won't notice your editing if you do it well.
Do the various groups listen...
They talk with their wallets. With twitter and social networking what it is nowadays, word of a bad movie spreads quickly and a movie can bomb after just one day of bad reviews. When audiences don't like a movie, they won't pay for that movie. Producers will follow strategies that make them the most money.
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