Which black and white super 8 film?

I'm doing several upcoming projects that I'm doing on mini-dv, but have found a way to use super 8 black and white film in the productions. One is a martial arts video, and to make it more interesting, I wanted to use transitional footage between the chapters using black and white super 8..i wanted a grittier look, so I figured the Tri-X would be good. The other project is my own home movie production, and in several of the scenes, it shows my actors watching old "Hollywood" movies of themselves on tv...I thought using super 8 black and white film would make it look more realistic..the problem with that scene is, I don't want a gritty look for the second project, but is the Plus x film too smooth of a film to make it look effective? Is the Tri X super grainy? If I used the Plus x, I don't want it to look like I shot video, then drained the color..I know it would have film texture to it, but I was a bit on the uncertain side...any thoughts? Also, I found that Cinelab is probably where i'm going to send it to be processed..at 10.00/roll, it can't be beat, and I was reading Yale's website, and I don't want them banning my film just because it has people doing martial arts moves in it..besides, they're more expensive for the processing!

I guess it's going to mostly depend on how you frame your shots. There are so many variables to consider.

The size of the TV is important, as is what type of shots will go into making your Hollywood movie for video projection concept. I'd stay primarily with medium and close-ups, since they will automatically be reduced when viewed on the Television when you refilm them mise-en-scene with your actors.

Should you "cut" to the movie, then at that point, I think either would work fine. Perhaps grainer film if it is a scary story, and finer grain if it is a happy story.

Your television also has adjustment parameters for softening or sharpening the picture, so you may be able to get away with either film stock. (just an opinion).

Another technique to sharpen a smooth picture would include keeping the VHS playback slightly mistracked, then you can really control how much grain goes into the TV image, even if you shot Plus X.

Good luck on your projects, Mikey B, I remember you posting about the martial arts concept a couple of months ago.

Glad to see a follow up.

When the characters are watching the "Hollywood" movie, I'd actually be using special effects to superimpose the picture over a blank tv screen. Just from your comments, I have the feeling the Tri-X would be too grainy for the "Hollywood Movie" look...I think I will use Plus x...Thanks for the good suggestions!

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ August 29, 2003 06:56 AM: Message edited by: cameraguy ]</font>

MikeyB,

My fa-vor-ite B & W film, in Super 8 is Plus X. It's sharpness is more in line with Koda-
chrome and Plus-X is great for a Film Noir look. I like to under expose it by 1/3 of a stop.

I love Tri-X for making high quality black and white prints from large format negatives (stills) but I do not care for it in Super 8, it's almost like it's a different film. In fairness I must say the last time I used it in Super 8 was back in 1992.

In 16 and 35 I like Double X negative.

Thanks everyone for the great ideas..I will check out that other lab, cameraguy. I might not use it in the martial arts video after all...for the money it would take to buy, process, and telecine, it's too much for a project that isn't generating any money for me (i'm paying someone back for a favor they did me.)...but when it comes to MY movie....yes! For the color sequences, of course, Kodachrome will be the star of the show!

When my movie is finished, i'll have to find a way to post some screen shots...I'm shooting Plus x and Kodachrome of the actors, then, using green screen, superimposing them in old Hollywood movies..I want to use film because I feel video will give too "clean" of a look, I need a bit of texture and grain to make it blend in with the scenes. I also love any excuse to use super 8!

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ August 29, 2003 06:57 AM: Message edited by: cameraguy ]</font>

Thanks, Cameraguy! I'll use them!

Hey, it looks like they make workprints of super 8 film...I wonder if the copy looks as good as the original..anyone ever had that done?