Film prints are copies created from a master film (like a negative or interpositive) that are then used for projection in theaters. They are made by transferring the images and sound from the master onto new, unexposed film stock using light.
Creating a film print involves processes that expose raw film stock to light through an existing film master. This light exposure imprints the images from the master onto the new stock, which is then developed to create the final print.
How Film Prints Are Made
The process of creating a film print from a master requires careful control of light and alignment. Printing takes a number of different forms depending on the desired outcome and equipment used. The two primary methods described are contact printing and optical printing.
Contact Printing
In this method, the master film and the raw film stock are brought into direct physical contact.
- Process: In contact printing, the master film (or negative) is pressed against the raw stock; this combination is exposed to light on the master film side. The light shines through the master film's image areas onto the raw stock.
- Result: Where the master film is transparent, light hits the raw stock, causing a chemical change. Where the master is opaque, no light hits, leaving that area unexposed. After development, this creates a positive print from a negative master, or a duplicate negative from a positive master.
- Usage: Often used for creating answer prints, check prints, or release prints directly from the camera negative or an interpositive/internegative. It's a straightforward method, but damage to the master is a potential risk.
Optical Printing
Optical printing uses lenses to project the image from the master film onto the raw film stock.
- Process: In optical printing, the master film is projected through a lens to expose the raw stock. This is similar to projecting a film onto a screen, but instead of a screen, the projected image lands on unexposed film stock.
- Usage: Optical printers are versatile machines. They are used for:
- Creating duplicate negatives or positives.
- Making effects shots (like dissolves, fades, slow motion, or split screens).
- Resizing images (e.g., reducing a larger format image to a smaller print format).
- Restoring damaged or shrunken film.
Both contact and optical printing transfer the visual information from a master film onto new stock, forming the basis of the final print that audiences see projected.
