Press Release

Kodak is expanding the palette of color negative films available to cinematographers. The company has introduced an ultra-fine grain film rated for an exposure index of 50 in daylight. KODAK VISION2 50D 5201/7201 color negative film is available in all formats from 16 to 65 mm.
“This new emulsion is designed to give cinematographers more creative latitude
while filming high-contrast exterior scenes in bright daylight as well as
shots in mixed color temperatures,” says Robert Mayson, general manager and
vice president of image capture for Kodak’s Entertainment Imaging Division.
“Advances in film science and emulsion technology ensure that nuances recorded
on the negative are retained through both digital and optical postproduction
all the way through to cinema and television screens.”

The new emulsion is the sixth member of the KODAK VISION2 family of color
negative films, which was introduced in November 2002. The new films offer a
wide range of imaging characteristics designed to enable cinematographers to
create compelling motion pictures in virtually any lighting environment.
Mayson says that cinematographers who shot early tests around the world report
that the new negative sees deeper into both highlight and shadow areas, and
accurately records more nuanced details. He also notes that the new film is
optimized for use as a recorder output film, utilized extensively in the
digital intermediate (DI) process.

Jon Fauer, ASC was among the cinematographers who tested the new negative.

“This film definitely proves that the ‘film look’ is not about grain but
exposure latitude,” says Fauer. “There’s no grain to speak of ‘ it’s the
finest-grained film I’ve ever seen, with perfect color rendition, natural skin
tones, a huge range of exposure, highlights that don’t burn out, and shadows
that are rich and dark but with visible subtle detail. Shooting a low-speed
daylight film in bright sunlight will allow for less neutral density, so
cinematographers can see what they are shooting through the viewfinder.”

Mayson says that Kodak will continue to leverage advances in emulsion
technology to satisfy the needs and expectations of the creative community.
“The art of cinematography is never static,” he concludes. “As
cinematographers challenge themselves to reach new levels of artistic
expression, Kodak will continue to match that pace with exciting new
innovations in film technology.”
For more information, visit www.kodak.com/go/motion.