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General Motion Picture Services Jump to Topic Editing Original Conforming Sound Transfers Sound Track Mixing Sound Transfers for Printing Timing First Trial Composite Print Intermediates Check Print from Intermediate Release Printing Optical Printing & Special Effects Finishing Special Motion Picture Services

Original Processing Original camera film must be processed under strictly controlled condition to achieve consistent results with the specified tolerances of a particular film stock. Dailies Dailies are printed from camera original using either reversal or positive print stock, depending on the type of original. This print is used to evaluate the production work and for editing. The edited dailies are called the work print. Many labs offer several classes of dailies, differing the amount of correction applied in printing the daily. Check with your ACVL lab for the classes offered and to decide with best fits your needs. Editing This is the creative process of sequencing, arranging scene juxtaposition and sound tracks to achieve the desired effect in the finished production. topˆ Original Conforming Sometimes called negative cutting or matching, this is the process of cutting the camera original to exactly match the edited work print. Optical effects such as dissolves and fades are set up at this time. topˆ Sound Transfers This is the operation by which the original sound recording is transferred to sprocketed magnetic coated film for subsequent editing and mixing. topˆ Sound Track Mixing When multiple tracks are required, such as narration, sync sound, and music, they must be combined and transferred to a single track. The relative levels of the various tracks are controlled to give the desired balance between voice, music and sound effects. topˆ Sound Transfers for Printing The mixed sound track, recorded on magnetic film, is transferred to a photographic sound negative for printing. topˆ Timing Before the first trial composite print is made, the conformed picture original is analyzed for color and density. Scene to scene color and/or density balance is then accomplished during printing. topˆ First Trial Composite Print This is the first print made with picture and sound track, fades, dissolves, and other effects incorporated. It also represents the first effort at scene to scene color and/or density balance. The first trial print allows the producer to evaluate the work before authorizing multiple release prints or the making of an intermediate. topˆ Intermediates To eliminate the cost of A and B printing and the risk of damage to the original, an intermediate is made. The intermediate may be a set of B & W separation master positives (YCM), a color intermediate positive (IP), or a color reversal duplicate negative (CRI)*, if the original material is a color negative. If the original material is a reversal, the intermediate may be a reversal master of an internegative. The intermediate is generally a single picture roll that incorporates all the optical effects, and the timing corrections applied to the approved trial print. *The CRI method is no longer used by 35mm motion picture laboratories in the United States. Laboratories in Europe and the Orient still offer 16mm CRI as a duplicating service. If you intend to use this method for producing duplicate negatives, be sure to contact your laboratory and inquire if the service is available. topˆ Check Print from Intermediate After the intermediate has been made, it must be lined up with its photographic sound negative and a check print produced. This allows the producer to again evaluate the work before proceeding with multiple release prints. topˆ Release Printing After a satisfactory trial print or an approved check print from an intermediate has been obtained, multiple prints are made for distribution. topˆ Optical Printing and Special Effects Optical printing uses an optical method of transferring the picture image as opposed to contact printing. It can be used for changing image size or position, changing emulsion orientation and, creating many special effects. The possible variations in optical printing are enormous, and you should discuss your needs and methods thoroughly with your ACVL lab before proceeding. topˆ Finishing Finishing consists of preparing release prints for distribution. It includes inspection, assembly, mounting on reels, cans, labeling or packaging. In some formats it may include cartridge loading for use on special projectors. topˆ