Film Print Cost

F

Fidelio

Active member
How much does it cost approximately to create a ten minute color 35 mm film print?

Also, if a film is funded by a particular agency... does the funds usually cover the amount of prints one can create, and are there any restrictions in terms of festivals, etc, if a film IS funded by an agency?

Fidelio
 
There are several issues with answering your question. First, it is not entirerly clear what you mean by 10 minutes of 35mm. Assuming you are talking about printing from a dv or hd master, the cost can vary greatly from house to house depending on the print method. From there you have what sort of CC and error correction will be done. Also need to print and sync your audio tracks. Then you have your answer and/or release print costs.

A ton of variables to consider, your best bet is to start calling some houses for bids. They are usually not like car salesmen where if you plead ignorance they will take advantage. More so if you let them know you are taking bids from multiple print houses.

You want a ballpark that could be way off, $10,000 out the door.

Not sure if I understand your question about who funds it but that is usually determined in the original budget estimates.

Good luck
 
DVFilm.com will do a 10-minute print from DV for around $3000; from HD it'll be around $4250 or so. Every lab is different.
 
I had a couple questions for your questions:

By agency, do you mean a 501c? if so, Kodak might hook you up especially if you're a filmschool grad (from a school that uses kodak). otherwise, film independent or ifp has a good relationship with kodak so you ask through that route. their labs are a good place to get some 1 on 1 time with a rep.

Or do you mean ad agency? If this is the case, they should have brokered that deal prior to shoot and I wouldn't worry about it.

If you're asking about transferring your short to 35mm for a festival, then you want to look into what the advantages are vs. costs. For a short, it'll limit your run on film festival wise in my experience. They'll usually ask for dvd, beta, digibeta (almost never HD).

If this is for a reel so you can sell yourself as a DoP, then that's another story. I'd hit up fotokem type labs and processing houses and see about developing a relationship because you'll need one sooner than later. A DoP's reel on 35mm is a great way to raise money for a feature and it really helps the production team move forward but you'll want it to be spotless. It's like doing an MA thesis paper, it's gotta great, good is not good enough.

I hope I made sense and maybe there was one tidbit that helps you out. Take care.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top