Film Stock question..please bare with me

[mentos]

Ok i know this is wayyyy to simple for you guys but im just starting out and id really appreciate the help alot!
How can i tell the differences between the types of film stock? Such as day/night hig grain/low grain etc...etc from the stock numbers?

I want my footage (which will be on color 16mm) to look dark such as the look of dark films like seven/sixth sense/unbreakable I love that look. I suppose my question is was it shot on certain types of film stocks or was it just done in post during the color transfer?

Id really appreciate all the feedback i can get.

my email is [email protected]

[mentos]

I know someone answered my question about the LOOK of a film (thanks by the way!) but what about my question on the different types of film stock?

[Ralph Snart]

Batman the movie: directed by Tim Burton was reviewed as being the darkest movie yet made (Dark as in shadowy) .sic.
Cross reference for a start
I can understand you not wanting to waste miles of footage developing 16mm. As it is, I would guess a COSTLY and TIME CONSUMING way to perfect a desired look.
AND BE CAREFUL WITH THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would consider contacting the manufacturer of either your camera and your film.
BECAUSE YOU CAN NEVER BE SURE OF THE VALIDITY OF THE ADVICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!
WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS you have to run and document for later reference a series of tests.
BE as exact as you can in your notes because while neat, the Oh wow effect is all but useless you can reproduce it.
THAT IS MY BEST ADVICE FOR A COMPLICATED SITUATION.

[tashunka]

You really just have to get to know the films. Go to Kodak and Fuji's sites and read up on the various stocks. As a general rule the film speed will effect the grain/contrast/colour saturation etc. Slow films are finer grain and lower contrast generally. Most of these films definitely use some post processing. The two most common processes used are Bleach By Pass and Cross Processing. You also have to realize that a HUGE part of the look of the finished product is set decoration/art direction/lighting.

Bleach By Pass is just that.....in the processing they skip out the bleach step. This increases contrast and tweaks the colours slightly..usually adding a silvery tinge. Three Kings, Last Night, Seven, Summer of Sam...all these movies used this..Three Kings is the most obvious and dramatic usage of this effect.

Cross Processing is when you shoot on reversal stock but then process it in negative chemicals. This will severly alter and "punch" the colours, sometimes giving very "off" looking skin tones. It's very difficult to find labs that still do this as it can contaminate their chemicals. Not too sure of films that have used this other than Summer of Sam. Very common in Music videos as well.

Hope this shed a bit of light on your querries. Shooting lots of tests is the only way to really find out how you want to produce your look. Bleach By Pass is used at all different stages giving several different results. If you have it done during your first development of the original stock it will give quite a different effect than if you do it on your final print. Read lots and try to find some professsional DP's to talk to...they'll really be helpful (depending on who you speak to I guess).

Good Luck...
tash.

------------------
slurpee+movie=fun

NaMeFoRSOCkS

Indie Film North A community of low budget filmmakers, specializing in north of the 49th.