Kodak Adds Second Daylight Film to VISION2 Product Line

[Tim Tyler]

Kodak is expanding the palette of color

negative films available to cinematographers. The company has introduced an

ultra-fine grain film rated for an exposure index of 50 in daylight. KODAK

VISION2 50D 5201/7201 color negative film is available in all formats from 16

to 65 mm.

 

?This new emulsion is designed to give cinematographers more creative latitude

while filming high-contrast exterior scenes in bright daylight as well as

shots in mixed color temperatures,? says Robert Mayson, general manager and

vice president of image capture for Kodak?s Entertainment Imaging Division.

?Advances in film science and emulsion technology ensure that nuances recorded

on the negative are retained through both digital and optical postproduction

all the way through to cinema and television screens.?

 

The new emulsion is the sixth member of the KODAK VISION2 family of color

negative films, which was introduced in November 2002. The new films offer a

wide range of imaging characteristics designed to enable cinematographers to

create compelling motion pictures in virtually any lighting environment.

 

Mayson says that cinematographers who shot early tests around the world report

that the new negative sees deeper into both highlight and shadow areas, and

accurately records more nuanced details. He also notes that the new film is

optimized for use as a recorder output film, utilized extensively in the

digital intermediate (DI) process.

 

Jon Fauer, ASC was among the cinematographers who tested the new negative.

 

?This film definitely proves that the ?film look? is not about grain but

exposure latitude,? says Fauer. ?There?s no grain to speak of ? it?s the

finest-grained film I?ve ever seen, with perfect color rendition, natural skin

tones, a huge range of exposure, highlights that don?t burn out, and shadows

that are rich and dark but with visible subtle detail. Shooting a low-speed

daylight film in bright sunlight will allow for less neutral density, so

cinematographers can see what they are shooting through the viewfinder.?

 

Mayson says that Kodak will continue to leverage advances in emulsion

technology to satisfy the needs and expectations of the creative community.

?The art of cinematography is never static,? he concludes. ?As

cinematographers challenge themselves to reach new levels of artistic

expression, Kodak will continue to match that pace with exciting new

innovations in film technology.?