Film preservation; a first glance

Elif Rongen-Kaynakçi

Glasgow, 12 may 2008

Terminology of Film preservation:

Preservation (active/passive)

- conservation

- duplication

- restoration

- (various levels of) access

Restoration

Film restoration always involves making copies

[it does not mean restoring the ‘original’]

Film preservation

A short introduction on film

(from DVD EXOTIC EUROPE)

How to become a film friendly archivist?

Find out what you have. See for yourself!

Trust inspection more than old catalogues.

Nitrate or safety?

• Nitrate (always 35mm)• Safety [aka acetate]: all kinds of formats.• Polyester

Tinting and toning of the silent film [image: courtesy of Filmarchiv Austria]

Which format?

Different gauges (8mm to 70mm)• http://www.xs4all.nl/~wichm/filmsize.html

(Lumiere frame)

Film layers

• Film base• Emulsion

Nitrate decompostion

Check for physical decay!

Nitrate decomposes from day one…

• http://www.filmpreservation.org/ (preservation basics)

Nitrate is very flammable!

• http://www.movieeditor.com/2005/nitrate.fire.html

Vinegar syndromeCheck for physical decay!

Acetate also decomposes from day one…

• http://www.imagepermanenceinstitute.org

but its status can be checked by proven methods such as A-D strip testing.

Free to download:

preservation calculator

Interpreting A-D Strip Results source: IPI

A-D Strip Level Film Condition

Recommended Actions

0 Good—no deterioration Cool or cold storage

1 Fair to Good—deterioration startingCold storageMonitor closely

1.5Rapid decay starting—point of autocatalytic decay Cold or frozen storage

2 Poor—actively degradingFreezeCopying advisable

3Critical—shrinkage and warping imminent, possible handling hazard

Freeze immediatelyCopy

Try to avoid physical decay!

Find proper storage!

Check your storage and make it better, if possible.

Separate decaying material!

Calculate the life expentancy of your material!

identification• What are we looking for?

Identification from content or physical properties

[image: courtesy of Filmarchiv Austria]

soundtrack

Check physical characteristics

Soundtracks

• http://www.widescreenmuseum.com/sound/soundsamples.htm

inspection

Trust your own eyes.

Inspect material for physical damage and for damage printed in.

• http://diamant.joanneum.at/film_restoration

Time to exercise:

See for yourself!

Take a look at your sample.

Try to describe it.

What do you think it is?

After inspection: Make decisions.

How important is this film to you?

Does it need immediate attention?

If you don‘t find it suitable for your collection, where else could it be needed?

How will you preserve this film?

Depending on your:- Budget- Purpose- Access channels

“Curatorial zone”

• Prioritize your projects• Document what you are doing• Keep your catalog updated

Once you have a clear picture of your collection:

Tell others! Join MIC

http://mic.imtc.gatech.edu/index.php

If you want to learn more: Join your colleagues at the AMIA List-serve

http://www.amianet.org/