Super 8 telecine in the UK

[Pj]

As a filmmaker I have used Super 8 for many years, and I am am always keen to promote Super 8 as a serious viable format for story - telling. I have started to offer Super 8 telecine service, using the frame by frame method with a modified projector and a machine vision camera.

It all started as a bit of fun, but since there aren't many transfer options here in the UK friends and their friends have been sending me their newly processed films to transfer to digital. Currently I am transferring in Standard Definition Pal both 4.3 and 16.9. I can get really good results, I will put some samples online soon when I update my site. A lot of people say they have difficulty telling the difference between my transfers and 'Rank' transfers.

Many people have warned me that there's not a lot of money to be made in Super 8 transfers and have kind of deterred me. I am not doing this for money as I charge very little, I am doing this as I am passionate Super 8 and with all my years of experience I really want more people, especially young people to use Super 8 here in England.

P

[Pj]

I have just uploaded a sample clip; http://www.vimeo.com/12793339

I had a short film of mine transferred via a DIY frame by frame system; http://www.vimeo.com/3175593.

I was so impressed with the transfer, which was much better than a Rank transfer that I had done. It was after this that I decided to build my own system.

P

[granfer]

I've seen your excellent film before (for those who haven't realised, one continuous shot). Now you have your own transfer machine you have a standard to aim for. I look forward to seeing the result on the same film from your machine.

[Pj]

Thank you, I will re-transfer the film to see how it turns out, though I think the film might be scratched as it has been throuh a projector a few times.

P

[Jim T]

Fantastic! The more services in the UK, the better.

Do you have a site up and what kind of prices do you charge?

[Pj]

Thanks

I do have a site, but it needs updating, I've forgotten how I log into it to make changes, it's been so long sice I last updated it. I haven't given prices that much thought yet as I have been concentrating on perfecting my technique, but I've been thinking maybe around £10.00 for a 50 foot of reversal, neg will be slightly more since it's more tricky.

For more specific details just message me or email me.

P

[Jim T]

Sounds good. Thanks

[Pj]

I have had a lot of success getting people to use Super 8 to create their projects. Many of these people have never used film or Super 8 before and have been impressed with the end results. Since a lot of people are unsure of how good frame by frame transfers can be I have decided to offer transfers at an increadibly low cost.

There's a lot of hard work getting the best out of Super 8 and I have realised the main drawback of the frame by frame system is that of time - transfers take a long time, but so far time has not been a problem. I am also redesigning my system developing a new a film transport unit from scratch to replace the projector as I have become aware of certain limitations of using my projectors.

I will be putting more samples on my website soon.

P

[Andersens Tears]

Sounds like you are pushing forward this obsolete technology - shame you haven't got the backing of a big company!

Look forward to seeing the results!

Jamie

[granfer]

I think you are being a little unkind, Jamie.... frame by frame is by no means "obsolete". Perhaps it would be kinder to say that "slow" frame by frame (5-7 fps)is "outdated". Frame by frame, albeit faster, is still the way that the majority of work is carried out, and remarkable results are being obtained in both SD and HD, (wouldn't you agree, Fred?) and is really the only way available to the amateur experimenter.
Nevertheless, your implied words of caution are very valid; one needs to achieve a high degree of quality, and consistency, before it becomes a viable COMMERCIAL enterprise.
Granfer

[Andersens Tears]

I think you are being a little unkind, Jamie.... frame by frame is by no means "obsolete". Perhaps it would be kinder to say that "slow" frame by frame (5-7 fps)is "outdated". Frame by frame, albeit faster, is still the way that the majority of work is carried out, and remarkable results are being obtained in both SD and HD, (wouldn't you agree, Fred?) and is really the only way available to the amateur experimenter.
Nevertheless, your implied words of caution are very valid; one needs to achieve a high degree of quality, and consistency, before it becomes a viable COMMERCIAL enterprise.
Granfer

Sorry Granfer - I wasn't refering specifically to the frame by frame scanning - more the super 8 format as a whole. The idea of taking the projector out of the process intrigued me. The obsolescence of the format is one of its charms for me.

I think PJ is doing a good job and look forward to being impressed.

Jamie

[Jim T]

Sounds good PJ, keep us posted.