Instruction Manual

20 Chapter 1 Before You Begin Your Project
Transfer Techniques That Are Not Recommended
There are a couple of transfer techniques that are worth mentioning just to point out
why you should not use them.
Film Chains
It is recommended that you avoid using a film chain if at all possible. Film chains are
relatively old technology, as compared to telecines. They are basically a film projector
linked to a video camera. They typically do not support features such as reading the
key numbers or controlling video recorders, and cannot create a positive video from a
film negative. You must create a workprint to use a film chain.
Using a film chain is usually less expensive than using a telecine, although the cost of
creating a workprint partly offsets the lower cost. The biggest challenge is being able
to define the relationship between the film’s key numbers and the video timecode. This
is usually accomplished with hole punches (or some other distinct frame marker) at
known film frames.
Important: Older film chains may not synchronize the film projector to the video
recorder, potentially causing the film-to-video relationship to drift.
Recording a Projected Image With a Camcorder
Due to the greatly increased chances for error and the additional time you have to
spend tracking key numbers, this method of transfer is strongly discouraged and
should not be considered.
Projecting your film and recording the results using a video camcorder is a method
that, while relatively inexpensive, almost guarantees errors in the final negative cutting.
Telecines and film chains are usually able to synchronize the film and video devices,
ensuring a consistent transfer at whatever frame rates you choose. The projector’s and
video camcorder’s frame rates may be close to ideal, but will drift apart throughout the
transfer, making it impossible to ensure a reliable relationship between the film’s key
numbers and the video timecode. You will have to spend extra time going over the cut
list to ensure the proper film frames are being used. Additionally, there may be
substantial flicker in the video output making it difficult to see some frames and
determine which to edit on.
Since the video is not actually used for anything except determining edit points, its
quality doesn’t matter too much. As with film chains, you have to create a workprint to
project. Being able to proof your cut list before the original camera negative is worked
on is very important with this type of transfer.
UP01101.Book Page 20 Thursday, March 10, 2005 3:16 PM