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09/02/2007: "SILENT MOVIE MAKING ...... film editing 1980's"

Shooting 16mm film was easy - if you were able to get the correct exposures. A good tripod helped too.

Film came in 100 foot spools - each lasting only 2 minutes 44 seconds.

The processed film could be viewed and carefully tape spliced into larger reels for copying.

The copied film was what we projected in theatres, halls and clubs. Silent films with live narration given each night.

Later, magnetic soundtracks were added to the prints which made work easier.

Sequences were sold for TV commercials and for use in other documentaries. This is called stock footage sales.

Cost of 16mm film and processing is a bit prohibitive today. Our cameras, lens and housings are antique museum pieces.

Yet those original film images could end up lasting longer than video made today.

Video has the advantage of low cost and especially no dust and scratching.

The color hasn't been as good as film. This is changing for the better.

The other interesting point being how good (long term), Kodak's Kodachrome 16mm movie film has turned out to be.

Kodachrome was the domestic product. Professionals laughed at it in the 1960's and 70's.

Film companies used Commercial Extrachrome .

Years later these professional films have all turned pink in color.

Not Kodachrome. It's as good as it was decades ago. Beautiful original color superior to video.