Film to Digital 101

The recently finished Müller-Brockmann inspired “Der Film” Scanning room at Cinelicious. Positive Airflow (dust free). 24/7 Isolated Temperature Control. Pressurized air to scanners.  NetApp Data Storage. Quantum LTO-6 Robotic Tape Library.

Film Scanning

The process of “Film Scanning” in post production terminology differs from “Telecine” in that each roll of film is scanned into a sequence of high-resolution, pin-registered, discreet image files, typically in the uncompressed DPX format, whereas Telecine converts film reels into a lesser quality standard video stream (SD 525i, HD 720p, HD 1080p/i). After the scanning process is complete, each frame of film has a corresponding DPX image file which easily interacts with higher-end VFX, DI and Restoration imaging applications. For the highest quality images available for a Feature, Commercial, or Remastering Project we are proud to offer the Scanity by DFT which resolves up to 4K image resolution with the highest dynamic range of any scanner in the world. For detailed information on what makes the Scanity unique and why we chose it over all film scanning technologies in the world click here.

Color Grading

Film is always scanned “flat” or “log” and requires a skilled colorist to bring the DP and Director’s creative vision to life. We offer either supervised scene-to-scene creative color grading or unsupervised ‘best light’ balancing color grading in a non-linear calibrated Rec709 Broadcast or P3 Digital Cinema color space.