The film production

[sanmich]

Hi All

I know that there is a lot of information scattered about the possible sudden death of film.
I would like to understand better what are the crucial elements in film production.
For instance, there seem to be three major players in BW film. But are they totally self reliant, and independent one from the other or from a third party?
Is there a common facility that produces a crucial element, that, if shut down, will probably mean a total stoppage of film production?

 

[sevo]

Photo grade gelatin and anti-lightpiping acetate base have a limited number of sources - but there are (less affordable) substitutes for either, so a shortage would mean a price increase rather than make film extinct. And Kodak recently sold off their gelatin factory, so that one at least won't be scrapped...

 

[sanmich]

Hey Sevo
The base seem to be one of the problems, also linked to the movie/projection industry.
Do you know if production can be massively reduced and still remain economically sustainable?
Also, would you think that any emulsion can be transfer to other base types (like estar)?
Is it the same for all formats? (35, MF, LF... I don't know if there even is an estar based LF emulsion)

 

[sevo]

Hey Sevo
The base seem to be one of the problems, also linked to the movie/projection industry.
Do you know if production can be massively reduced and still remain economically sustainable?

Hard to tell. Even if small scale production is possible, someone might have to start from scratch if Kodak drop out, as no-piping stained acetate is/was made by the major the film manufacturers themselves. There already are what might be traces of a shortage - small makers frequently resort to clear acetate.

Also, would you think that any emulsion can be transfer to other base types (like estar)?
Is it the same for all formats? (35, MF, LF... I don't know if there even is an estar based LF emulsion)

35mm is unique in needing a no-piping stained base so that the leader can be exposed to bright light when loading - all other formats require dark loading or have protective paper wraps, and will do fine with a wide variety of general purpose clear bases, which are not at risk. In the worst case we might some day need a dark bag to load fast 135 film, or pay a hefty surcharge for materials that can be purchased with a tint in small volume.