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 post production 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.”
