Nature of Film - Course Outline

"Nature of Film" describes the art and science of motion picture film including the basics of image capture, processing, and sensitometry.

You will learn:

What is Film?

Objectives

• List the types of film backing and their function.
• Describe the characteristics of film support.
• Identify the functions of the other film layers.

Overview

• Describe similarities between still and motion imaging.
• Identify and describe the three different kinds of motion picture film.

Film Anatomy

• List the three common types of film backing (antihalation, REMJET, dyed-film base).
• Describe the functions of each backing.
• Discuss the characteristic of film support.
• Describe the imaging layers in color film.
• Describe the function of the ultraviolet absorbing layer.
• Discuss the purpose of a film overcoat.

Self-Check exercise

How Film Works

Objectives

• Identify the steps through which black-and-white film is exposed and processed.
• Identify the steps through which color film is exposed and processed.
• Describe how film compensates for the imperfection in dyes.

Overview

• Describe how light forms a latent image on silver halide crystals.

Black-and-White Film

• Describe and illustrate the three steps involved in processing black-and-white film.

Color Film

• Describe and illustrate the six steps involved in processing color film.

Masking By Colored Couplers

• Describe masking couplers and their function in color film

Self-Check exercise

Sensitometry

Objectives

• Explain basic graph principles.
• List the parts of the characteristic curve.
• Identify spectral sensitivity curves and spectral-dye-density curves.
• Explain the relationship between grain size and film speed.

Attributes of Film

• Define sensitometry.

Basic Graph Principles

• Describe the term "log" or "logarithm".
• Identify and illustrate the different ways of charting film data.
• Describe and illustrate each portion of the sensitometric curve.
• Describe and illustrate exposure latitude.
• Describe and illustrate how contrast is a function of curve shape.
• Describe the spectral sensitivities of different types of films.
• Discuss spectral-dye-densities for color film.
• Identify a Modulation-Transfer curve as it relates to film sharpness.
• Discuss granularity in reference to grain size and shape.
• Identify and discuss the two primary shapes of silver halide grains.

Self-Check exercise

Motion Picture Film

Objectives

• Identify the format sizes of motion picture film.
• List the three characteristics that differentiate motion picture film from still photography.

Motion Picture Film

• Describe the various image sizes and shapes offered in motion picture film stocks.
• Define and illustrate different motion picture aspect ratios.
• Describe motion picture film as it relates to length, processing, and projection.