Eastman Kodak introduced 16mm film in 1923, offering it as a more cost effective alternative to 35mm. It meant a non-professional filmmaker could initiate their own 16mm film production. Also, it brought down the costs of renting and buying movies, and this was very important to the growth in demand for the new stock.
Originally, 16mm was shunned by commercial filmmakers, later however, they accepted the new format. Many famous films have been made using it, Clerks, The History Boys and The Constant Gardener, to name a few. Television production companies were attracted to using it because the technology was not as heavy as 35mm, and this made recording documentaries or news easier.
There are three main formats. Standard leaves space for a soundtrack because it only has perforations on one side. The more expensive format is Super 16, which creates a much broader frame than Standard. Super 16 can be blown up into 35mm when projecting the imagery. Lastly, there is Ultra 16, and this camera can be made into Super 16 using cost effective, non-professional techniques.
Four hundred feet of stock equates to around 11 minutes of actual screen time, but the same amount of 35mm stock will only produce four minutes. 35mm does have a wider aspect ratio, creating more space for the imagery, which means the image is of superior quality. The popularity of television nowadays has made 35mm less important because more people watch movies on television screens rather than big cinema screens.
The most famous suppliers of stock are Kodak and Fuji. When using your camera, you'll need to load film into the magazine, then take a light reading as this will help you to use the right levels of exposure. Once you've got that, you can work out which f-stop setting to employ, as this determines the quantity of light allowed on to the lens. The lighting levels determine the crispness of the image.
Most 16mm cameras are old now, so when buying one, make sure it is in good working order. Reputable brands include Bolex, Bell And Howell, Krasnogorsk and Arriflex. An operators's manual is very useful, and if it doesn't come with the camera then you should be able to find one on the internet.
Be aware that stock is expensive. Digital cameras allow you to let the camera roll and experiment, without any cost. When working with film though, you'll need to prepare everything and know exactly what you want to shoot. Furthermore, with digital you can record sound straight to the camera. Film does not have this function, you will need to add a soundtrack later on.
When making fiction, ensure you've finished the script before your production starts. Try to find good quality actors, but if this is not possible then employ friends and family. Go scouting for superb locations, and try to make sure they are in the same area because this makes moving the production around a lot easier. If everything is prepared properly, you will get very good results for your 16mm film production.
Originally, 16mm was shunned by commercial filmmakers, later however, they accepted the new format. Many famous films have been made using it, Clerks, The History Boys and The Constant Gardener, to name a few. Television production companies were attracted to using it because the technology was not as heavy as 35mm, and this made recording documentaries or news easier.
There are three main formats. Standard leaves space for a soundtrack because it only has perforations on one side. The more expensive format is Super 16, which creates a much broader frame than Standard. Super 16 can be blown up into 35mm when projecting the imagery. Lastly, there is Ultra 16, and this camera can be made into Super 16 using cost effective, non-professional techniques.
Four hundred feet of stock equates to around 11 minutes of actual screen time, but the same amount of 35mm stock will only produce four minutes. 35mm does have a wider aspect ratio, creating more space for the imagery, which means the image is of superior quality. The popularity of television nowadays has made 35mm less important because more people watch movies on television screens rather than big cinema screens.
The most famous suppliers of stock are Kodak and Fuji. When using your camera, you'll need to load film into the magazine, then take a light reading as this will help you to use the right levels of exposure. Once you've got that, you can work out which f-stop setting to employ, as this determines the quantity of light allowed on to the lens. The lighting levels determine the crispness of the image.
Most 16mm cameras are old now, so when buying one, make sure it is in good working order. Reputable brands include Bolex, Bell And Howell, Krasnogorsk and Arriflex. An operators's manual is very useful, and if it doesn't come with the camera then you should be able to find one on the internet.
Be aware that stock is expensive. Digital cameras allow you to let the camera roll and experiment, without any cost. When working with film though, you'll need to prepare everything and know exactly what you want to shoot. Furthermore, with digital you can record sound straight to the camera. Film does not have this function, you will need to add a soundtrack later on.
When making fiction, ensure you've finished the script before your production starts. Try to find good quality actors, but if this is not possible then employ friends and family. Go scouting for superb locations, and try to make sure they are in the same area because this makes moving the production around a lot easier. If everything is prepared properly, you will get very good results for your 16mm film production.
About the Author:
Read more about Ensure You Get The Most From Your 16mm Film Production visiting our website.
No comments :
Post a Comment