Today I spoke with a customer service rep in Kodak's professional products division. Here's what I learned:
* As suspected, there were a lot of fingers in the pot for the Portra promotion. So yes, there were errors made in getting the requested format to each individual.
* Kodak doesn't want any recipient to be unhappy. If all or some of the film you received was the wrong format, feel free to give it to someone who can use it, and contact Kodak and they will be happy to send you the correct format. The rep emphasized the obvious: they want people to try the new formulations of Portra.
* Note: I didn't get push-back when I stated that Mary Jane Hellyar had more b@11s than the CEO. :angel:
So, how do you call and get your film? Well, I was asked not to publish the phone number on forums, because they really fear that with wide publication they would get inundated with lots of bogus "I never got my film!" requests. I know some may be cynical of that, but let's just take them for their word.
So, I am happy to give out the number and extension privately via email to anyone who emails me. You can email me through RFF, or directly to edunbar at rochester dot rr dot com. I'll get you the information as soon as I receive the email, but I only check that email address at home in the evenings and mornings after/before work.
BTW, in a side conversation, we talked a bit about Kodachrome. The rep stated that when K25 was discontinued many, many people within Kodak were extremely upset. They actually held a wake. The film was discontinued because of waste. The amount needed for a production run was way more than what was selling. It was simple economics. I told him that if I ever get a whiff of Kodachrome being killed off completely, I'll be down on State Street, protesting with a sign until Antonio has me arrested.
Edit: Mary Jane Hellyer is the VP over film products.
