The Film Lab        Processing        Bulk Release Printing        Other Services        Portfolio        Contact Us    
Film Lab

Excalibur Logging

Excalibur is a computer that will log the negative using a bar code reader. This information is invaluable for when the negative is to be cut for final transfer or print. It will conform a cutting copy and an EDL list, providing accurate cutting information.

Neg Matching via Cutting Copies or via “Digi Work Print”

Aside from full facilities for cutting and matching negative (using motorized upright Arri tables), we also offer clients the unique resources of both Excalibur and Digi Work Print.

Digi Work Prints may be used for maximum accuracy in the negative matching process, or may serve as a vital tool for matching negative from a video tape reference, if a cutting copy or (actual) work print is not available.

Colour Grading/Timing

The grading of 16mm and 35mm prints is performed with the use of INPS, coupled to the latest Colormaster colour analyzer. This system allows for a more efficient system of cueing negative before printing, especially as it is linked through a network to our printers.

The fully digital Colormaster Analyser is used for viewing negatives in order to assess the correct exposures required to make a pleasing print. It is designed specifically for the motion picture industry. It has a high resolution CCD imager, digital video processing with computer calibration, rotary colour control, and frame stores with a split screen facility, built-in data collection system (INPS) and flatbed servo film transport. It provides accuracy, stability and efficiency of operation and the large number of features ensures trouble-free grading.

This machine is top of the range of the Colormaster series and comes with the prism which allows one to view the grade in real time before going ahead and printing the final print, saving both time and stock. The machine is also fitted with barcode readers allowing for the negative to be logged at the same time as the grade is done, which is a big plus factor for DOP as we can give them their grading lights even if the negative is not printed.

Printing


A range of Bell and Howell printing machines are used for 16mm, super 16mm, 35mm and super 35mm prints. Fitted with additive heads and electronic light valves, they have both the option of dry gate printing of rushes, or wet gate printing of production work, while loop racks are used for commercial bulk printing. Our BHP Panel printer offers an added advantage of "rock & rolling" to produce feature bulk release work.

Opticals


Our optical facilities give clients the option of shooting title sequences over live action backgrounds, as well as optical effects, such as fades and dissolves, using an Neilson Hordel rostrum camera or Oxberry optical printers. Many of our commercial clients also make use of our optical facilities for shooting stills, artwork sequences and commercial tags as well as 16 mm to 35mm blow up and 35mm to 16mm reduction printing.

16mm & 35mm 15-Seater Preview Theatre with Dolby Digital


Film Lab clients are able to view their rushes and approval prints in our 15-seater preview theatre, where we are able to project 16mm and 35mm prints. 35mm has both Dolby SR and SRD sound capabilities.

The projector in the preview theatre is the Kinoton FP30EC II, a product which was awarded with the technical OSCAR 2004. It can project both 4 perf and 3 perf rushes. It also shuttles forwards and backwards at any speed between 1 frame a second to 300 frames per second.

Film Vaults


A large area of space in the Film Lab is devoted to our vaults, where client's negatives are kept in storage in accordance with Imagecare standards.

The vaults are computerized for immediate access.