Kodak Earns Scientific and Engineering Acad Award

[Tim Tyler]

Kodak received a Scientific and Engineering Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (AMPAS) for the development of antistatic layer technology. The new technology controls static electricity that can cause fogging on color intermediate and sound negative films during high-speed printing operations.

Kenneth Tingler, Charles Anderson, Diane Kestner and Brian Schell, the team that designed and engineered the technology, accepted the plaque for Kodak. It marked the third consecutive year the company has been recognized by the Academy for scientific and technical achievements that have significantly contributed to progress in the industry.

 

Kodak was recognized last year for developing KODAK VISION Premier Color Print Film and in 2002 for bringing KODAK Panchromatic Sound Recording Film to the marketplace. The company and its scientists have received eight Academy Awards® and more than 30 plaques and certificates for scientific and technical achievements since the inception of the awards. ?This recognition will inspire our scientists and all of the dedicated people who support their efforts to pursue their goal of enhancing the movie-going experience,? says Bill Tompkins, vice president and general manager of motion picture distribution products for Kodak?s Entertainment Imaging division. ?We are committed to providing the creative community with the tools they need to make their dreams come true.?

 

The technology developed by Kodak prevents static discharges and consequent fogging of film during manual raw stock handling while it is being manufactured, processed and printed. It also deters the attraction of dirt to film in lab operations and during projection.

 

?This results in audiences seeing cleaner images projected on cinema screens, and it also extends the life of release prints before they are recycled because of wear and tear,? notes Tompkins. ?The antistatic technology also reduces the time and cost needed to clean film.?

 

AMPAS reserves Scientific and Technical Awards for devices, methods, formulas, discoveries or inventions of special and outstanding value to the art and science of motion pictures that also have a proven history of use in the industry. The Academy Board of Governors votes on these awards based on the recommendations of the Scientific and Technical Awards Committee. Awards may be granted in any of three classifications: Academy Award of Merit (Oscar statuette) for basic achievements that have a definite influence upon the advancement of the industry; Scientific and Engineering Award (Academy plaque) for those achievements that exhibit a high level of engineering and are important to the progress of the industry; and Technical Achievement Award (Academy certificate) for accomplishments that contribute to the progress of the industry.