Notes from June 2011

ORWO online in the USA

If I am reading the information on the ORWO/Filmotec website correctly, ORWO 16mm film stock is now being distributed in the USA by RB Group in Newport, Rhode Island. I'm still awaiting the details from both parties, but this could be great news, especially if UN54 is now available in the States. Definitely a viable replacement for Kodak 7231 Plus-X that was recently discontinued. Of course, ORWO makes a number of other stocks as well, including print stocks, intermediate stocks and sound recording film. I did some tests back in 2007 and I have to say, after reviewing the UN54 test results again that the contrast is actually very good.

June 18, 2011  –  permalink

Handmade Film Camp

Come July, we are planning to attend Robert Schaller's Handmade Film Camp. Pam and I are both excited for the trip and our time in Colorado. It may be our only vacation away from Portland this summer, albeit a working vacation. I'll likely focus on black and white negative processing, but looking forward to learning more about other processes as well. Schaller is an accomplished filmmaker, and talented chemist, so we are very much looking forward to our time at the camp and what we'll be able to gain during our visit. I've been somewhat hands-off when it comes to motion picture film developing (though I have a background developing still photos), so this will be new territory for me.

June 06, 2011  –  permalink

Optical Sound Camera Testing Continues

We will not know for certain until running some cross modulation tests, but so far so good. Chris Millar came down from Seattle for a few days and we connected the system, threaded and ran the camera. The lamp came on, we could adjust the voltage current to the lamp, and signal testing showed that sound is getting to the camera. In the coming weeks, we'll order some 3374 stock, and shoot cross modulation tests in preparation to shoot a track for a short film I am nearing completion on. At this stage, I do not foresee opening up the service to other filmmakers. There are plenty of other west coast options all doing quality work for reasonable rates. What this will do is allow us to shoot tracks for shorter projects and to keep more of the work in-house.

June 06, 2011  –  permalink