Converting DV to film at DVinfo.net

Becky McMillen · January 8th, 2003, 01:30 PM

Can anyone tell me where to go to convert a short video to 35mm film so that it can be shown in a moviehouse? I'm a bit new so please bear with me. Is this going to be terribly expensive? Any tips for shooting with conversion in mind?

Richard Alvarez · January 8th, 2003, 02:35 PM

A good place to start is DVFilm.com read their explanation of process and procedures.

They are based in Austin, Tx.

Steve Leone · January 8th, 2003, 02:48 PM

Video to Film transfers have traditionally used a machine/process called "flying spot telecine"...there are post houses in NY , LA and other large cities that offer this service; I have not had it done, but I dont expect it will be cheap.

Robert Knecht Schmidt · January 8th, 2003, 06:13 PM

Right. For a feature this costs on the order of tens of thousands of dollars.

Becky McMillen · January 9th, 2003, 06:51 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by BillAngstrom : A good place to start is DVFilm.com read their explanation of process and procedures.

They are based in Austin, Tx. -->>>

Once again Bill, you've come to my rescue. Thanks so much! My client is a historic movie house, they're trying to raise money for renovations and want to show my video before movies. For a 5 minute piece the price is not that bad. Since I've already shot most of the video in natural/available lighting I'm wondering how dark scenes will translate to film. Have you ever done it?

David Mintzer · January 9th, 2003, 07:47 AM

For a fairly good explanation of what is required to transfer DV to 35mm, check out www.swisseffects.com. They essentially have a suggestion list for prospective projects---Unfortunately you shot yours already and transfer is an afterthought---This could lead to some problems. Anyhow, hope this helps.

Dylan Couper · January 9th, 2003, 09:41 AM

For the price of a short video transfer to 35mm, the theater could buy a really nice video projector to show it with. And then, hey, free video projector! :)

Becky McMillen · January 9th, 2003, 03:47 PM

Thanks, I'll check it out. I'm not sure what my clients will decide to do. I don't know much about video projectors, that might be a better investment. I wish I had known beforehand that they wanted it converted to film. Most of my video was shot during events tho so I don't know that it would have made much difference. Lights aren't always an option for a 1-man (person) operation. Oh well, live and learn...

January 8th, 2003, 01:30 PM	#1
Becky McMillen Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Scottsbluff, NE USA Posts: 43	Converting DV to film Can anyone tell me where to go to convert a short video to 35mm film so that it can be shown in a moviehouse? I'm a bit new so please bear with me. Is this going to be terribly expensive? Any tips for shooting with conversion in mind?

January 8th, 2003, 02:48 PM	#3
Steve Leone Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 116	DV to Film Video to Film transfers have traditionally used a machine/process called "flying spot telecine"...there are post houses in NY , LA and other large cities that offer this service; I have not had it done, but I dont expect it will be cheap. __________________ Omens carry only as much weight as we choose to assign them.

January 8th, 2003, 06:13 PM	#4
Robert Knecht Schmidt Wrangler Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 1,933	Right. For a feature this costs on the order of tens of thousands of dollars. __________________ All the best, Robert K S Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| The best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

January 8th, 2003, 02:35 PM	#2
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	A good place to start is DVFilm.com read their explanation of process and procedures. They are based in Austin, Tx.

January 9th, 2003, 06:51 AM	#5
Becky McMillen Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Scottsbluff, NE USA Posts: 43	<<<-- Originally posted by BillAngstrom : A good place to start is DVFilm.com read their explanation of process and procedures. They are based in Austin, Tx. -->>> Once again Bill, you've come to my rescue. Thanks so much! My client is a historic movie house, they're trying to raise money for renovations and want to show my video before movies. For a 5 minute piece the price is not that bad. Since I've already shot most of the video in natural/available lighting I'm wondering how dark scenes will translate to film. Have you ever done it?

January 9th, 2003, 07:47 AM	#6
David Mintzer Rextilleon Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Pleasantville, NY Posts: 520	For a fairly good explanation of what is required to transfer DV to 35mm, check out www.swisseffects.com. They essentially have a suggestion list for prospective projects---Unfortunately you shot yours already and transfer is an afterthought---This could lead to some problems. Anyhow, hope this helps.

January 9th, 2003, 09:41 AM	#7
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	For the price of a short video transfer to 35mm, the theater could buy a really nice video projector to show it with. And then, hey, free video projector! :)

January 9th, 2003, 03:47 PM	#8
Becky McMillen Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Scottsbluff, NE USA Posts: 43	Thanks, I'll check it out. I'm not sure what my clients will decide to do. I don't know much about video projectors, that might be a better investment. I wish I had known beforehand that they wanted it converted to film. Most of my video was shot during events tho so I don't know that it would have made much difference. Lights aren't always an option for a 1-man (person) operation. Oh well, live and learn...