16mm film to HD Service?

Michael Erlewine

Michael Erlewine

Well-known member
I have a bunch of 16mm film that I want to transfer to HD format. Does anyone know a reputable service that does this using the best technology?

Thanks,

Michael Erlewine
Heart Center Studios
 
You need to find a Telecine in your area. Check out Post Production Faclities.

Why HD?. (ie .final use is what?) This will involve some complications for you. eg letterboxing and PAR.
 
Shooter said:
You need to find a Telecine in your area. Check out Post Production Faclities.

Why HD?. (ie .final use is what?) This will involve some complications for you. eg letterboxing and PAR.
Click to expand...

what is PAR?

we have been using Modern Digital in Seattle for 2 years now. but you'll want to spend time with your colorist to determine the look you want before telecining everything. Shooter is right about 16:9. even though 16mm is 4:3, our cinematographers tape their eye pieces to 16:9, so cropping for us isnt a problem. but if your 16mm is shot for 4:3, and you still want a transfer to HD, i would suggest either Pan and Scanning in telecine, or telecine the whole thing zoomed out and Pan and Scan in post. it really depends on what your project is and what your finishing requirements are.

if its Super16mm, you'll have no problems.

e
 
Thanks for the info. I went to Modern Digital's website, but found it very hard to navigate, as it is sort of like the old "Myst." I never did find a list of prices, etc.

Does anyone else have companies they know are good and reliable?

Thanks,

Michael Erlewine
 
Michael Erlewine said:
Thanks for the info. I went to Modern Digital's website, but found it very hard to navigate, as it is sort of like the old "Myst." I never did find a list of prices, etc.

Does anyone else have companies they know are good and reliable?

Thanks,

Michael Erlewine
Click to expand...

companies at this level wont list prices on their website. there are way too many options in transferring your footage. the price we pay and the transfer we get is likely very different than what you'll want. they will also price by volume - are you doing a few rolls or 25 hours of raw for a movie? do you want one-light or shot-by-shot color correction? on HDCAM or SR? you need to give them a call and they can give you a custom quote. Kathie McCallister - kmccallister@moderndigital.com 206-623-3444

based on the way that you're wording your question - "good and reliable" and that your're looking for price lists on websites and not calling, makes me think you're trying to find the 16mm equivalent of a company that transfers Super8mm home movies to VHS or DVD. if thats what you're looking for, i can't help you. these types of companies do shoddy work IMHO, and there's no way they will do HD. miniDV at the most.

hope that helps. i spent a lot of time calling around and doing tests with different companies before i settled on Modern Digital. if you're talking about a large amount of film, most places will do these tests for free to get your business. don't hesitate to call.

e
 
Some times its easier to get on the telephone and talk with a real live person about your needs and requirements. They will provide you with a lot of information that you need to know.

You could even ask them for a quote for your project once you get all that sorted.
 
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