Most effective 8mm film simulation technique for FCP? at DVinfo.net

Greg Quinn · September 25th, 2007, 03:53 PM

I'm putting together a trailer for one of the documentaries (in HDV) that I have in production, and want to include some footage at the start of the trailer that appears to be old 8mm film (it actually oriinates from HDV). I can get the colorization OK, using MBE and the "Look Suite", but I'm having trouble getting the footage to realistically appear like old 8mm. I'm not a fan of just sticking tramlines and scratches on it with filters (from MBE or Natrass), since I think that's a small part of a realistic appearance.

Has anyone worked on something like this and have any tips? I've played around with the Natrass filter set, and again, wasn't sold.

Thanks
Greg

Richard Alvarez · September 25th, 2007, 05:06 PM

I guess that would all depend on what you think "Old 8mm" film looks like?

We've all seen damaged and faded 8mm film, that skips and shudders because the sprocket holes are worn out or torn. I assume from your statement, that you don't want the film to simply look damaged, scratched, faded or out of registration?

Then aside from the aspect ratio, you're dealing with increased grain, and the saturation of the color stock. Are you speaking of the high contrast of color reversal film? Have you tried building that into your filter set?

Greg Quinn · September 25th, 2007, 05:21 PM

Thanks Richard; I'm just looking for suggestions about what's worked for others. In fact, I am looking to introduce random registration artifacts, effectively implemented.

September 25th, 2007, 03:53 PM	#1
Greg Quinn Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Diego, California Posts: 505	Most effective 8mm film simulation technique for FCP? I'm putting together a trailer for one of the documentaries (in HDV) that I have in production, and want to include some footage at the start of the trailer that appears to be old 8mm film (it actually oriinates from HDV). I can get the colorization OK, using MBE and the "Look Suite", but I'm having trouble getting the footage to realistically appear like old 8mm. I'm not a fan of just sticking tramlines and scratches on it with filters (from MBE or Natrass), since I think that's a small part of a realistic appearance. Has anyone worked on something like this and have any tips? I've played around with the Natrass filter set, and again, wasn't sold. Thanks Greg

September 25th, 2007, 05:06 PM	#2
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	I guess that would all depend on what you think "Old 8mm" film looks like? We've all seen damaged and faded 8mm film, that skips and shudders because the sprocket holes are worn out or torn. I assume from your statement, that you don't want the film to simply look damaged, scratched, faded or out of registration? Then aside from the aspect ratio, you're dealing with increased grain, and the saturation of the color stock. Are you speaking of the high contrast of color reversal film? Have you tried building that into your filter set?

September 25th, 2007, 05:21 PM	#3
Greg Quinn Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Diego, California Posts: 505	Thanks Richard; I'm just looking for suggestions about what's worked for others. In fact, I am looking to introduce random registration artifacts, effectively implemented.