Step 1: Double Check Your Film

The requirements for dropping off a film for digitization are:

• Film is on a core
  • Preferably a 3" core, but 2" is okay
• Leader is on both the head and tail of the film
  • About 5-6 feet of leader on both ends for ELMO transfer
  • At least 10 feet of leader on both ends for Cintel scans
• Film is wound correctly
  • Emulsion (matte) side is up
  • The head (beginning) of the film is out
  • When sprocket holes are facing you, film falls to the right / looks like a "9"
• On the outside of the film leader, write:
  • Your full name
  • Your email address
  • Your professor's name
• If hand processed, film must be cleaned!
  • We have liquid cleaner (to be used with gloves on) and dust cloths available in the DFL

Video guide on how to prepare film

Step 2: Drop Off Film at DFL

• Bring your film to the DFL in Ansin 606 and let a lab assistant know you would like a digitized version
• Information to share with lab assistant:
  • If your film has any direct animation
  • If your film has been edited on the Steenbecks
  • If your film is positive / negative
  • Rough estimate of how many feet your roll is
  • If your film is 16mm or Super 16
  • If there is any mature or graphic content
    • This is a yes or no question, no need to detail content
• Films that have direct animation / analog edits are transferred on our ELMO station.
  • A roll with multiple films spliced together is okay for the Cintel, but the machine cannot process the heavy splice count and debris of analog edits
• The Cintel and ELMO are both HD transfers
  • The Cintel has more precise color technology and a frame by frame scan. It is reserved for more advanced projects.
• The RetroScan is a 2K transfer, but does not have as much color information as the Cintel.
  • The Cintel is still recommended for digital workflows

Step 3: Wait for File

• When your film digitization is finished:
  • Your file will be uploaded to the server
  • An email with information about picking up the physical film during our lab hours
• Time frame:
  • ELMO transfers will take roughly one business day
  • Cintel scans will take roughly three business days
• If you do not receive your file shared, let a lab assistant know and we will get the file to you
• If you would like to receive the file on a hard drive, bring one (with ample storage space) to the DFL and a lab assistant can copy the file for you

Other Information

• Resolution
  • ELMO files are 1920x1080 with black bars on the frames of the gate
  • Standard Cintel files are 2368x1712
  • Cropped Cintel files are the standard 4:3 aspect ratio of 1440x1080 for 16mm and 1920x1080 (16:9) for Super 16. Note that this is also the effective resolution of standard files (i.e. the frame will always be 1440x1080 or 1920x1080).
• Please email the DFL manager (stephen_jackson@emerson.edu) if you have 35mm or 8mm (Super 8 or Regular 8) that needs scanning
• Let us know if there are any issues with your file!