The Future of Film in a Hybrid World

Kim Snyder
General Manager of Worldwide Image Origination Products
Kodak Entertainment Imaging Division

Kim Snyder

In response to the latest film technology developed for KODAK VISION3 films, Kim Snyder was asked to highlight the role she expects film origination to play in the motion imaging industry and the company's commitment to the future of film. Following is an excerpt of that conversation:

How does this new family of films fit into Kodak's plan for the future?

This new film platform is an example of Kodak providing solutions to fit the current workflow and help the technologies of today work seamlessly together. As this industry continues to evolve, Kodak's leadership in imaging technology will be a driving force by setting standards for image quality, exploring new technologies, improving workflow efficiencies and protecting the creative integrity of content.

What does this new film offer to the industry?

KODAK VISION3 500T film retains the look and superior image structure our customers have come to know and love in the KODAK VISION2 films - and adds many features and benefits that improve film's overall performance and efficiency throughout the entire motion picture workflow. Our proprietary Dye Layering Technology gives customers noticeably reduced grain in shadows and lower signal-to-noise ratios when scanning low-light scenes. Therefore, cinematographers can further push the boundaries of exposure further and still get excellent results. What's more, the extended highlight latitude gives them greater flexibility when lighting extreme situations and lets them pull even more detail out of highlights.

How does this new platform dovetail with Kodak's digital strategies?

Within the Entertainment Imaging Division, Kodak's commitment to and investment in film continues. At present, Kodak has elected not to participate in the digital motion camera market. We believe the best digital workflow starts with film. For those customers who choose digital capture for creative reasons, there exist many options. Each individual production is unique, and each production decision includes its own prioritizations and trade-offs. Based upon our customers' expectations for the very highest quality images - and for flexibility and ease of use - Kodak remains firmly committed to camera negative films within the origination segment. Our silver halide investments incorporate a full-systems approach to enable today's workflow. Additionally, Entertainment Imaging is investing in postproduction services as well as its currently available digital cinema portfolio.

What will VISION3 mean for cinematographers and their ability to tell stories?

VISION3 sets a new standard for image possibility. In other words, with VISION3, Kodak is providing a new technology to help our customers push the boundaries of what's possible with visual storytelling and motion imagery.

What are the implications for the future of film?

Our commitment to film innovation and the satisfaction of our film customers is unwavering. The launch of Kodak's new motion picture film platform - VISION3 - proves that we believe in the continued viability of silver halide. We are still investing in film technology, and there is more to come.

What are the implications for film formats like 16 mm and Super 8?

VISION3 500T will be available in 35 mm, 16 mm and Super 8 formats.

What were the needs and wants described by customers that led to this new family of films?

Our industry is very creative and collaborative. As such, customer input is critical to the development of any Kodak product that supports our filmmakers and their craft. Our customers have been very satisfied with the look and image quality of the VISION2 family of films, but they were looking for an expanded range of capabilities. This new product offers the 'look' of 5218 in normal exposure. In addition, 5219 has superior latitude; at least two full stops compared to 5218. Furthermore, the image quality of scenes captured with 5219 in the under- and overexposures are improved relative to 5218. Our advanced Dye Layering Technology provides grain improvement in the underexposures. 5219 also offers improved highlight detail compared to its predecessors, which lends an advantage in post. A greater amount of information can be pulled from this film more quickly and efficiently.

Any points to be made about the pace of innovation in emulsion technology? Can you see a point in the future where film innovation will slow down?

As I stated, our commitment to film innovation and the satisfaction of our film customers is unwavering. We continue to look for ways to push the boundaries of what film can deliver technologically. As marketplace dynamics and technologies continue to evolve, Kodak will be there to provide all our customers in the creative community with a full range of tools and services to help bring their vision to the screen, more faithfully, efficiently, and at the highest levels of quality.

Can we expect more additions to the VISION3 family?

There are more film products on the roadmap, and not just in capture. Right now we're announcing VISION3 500T 5219/7219.