SUPER 8 Video

FAQ

What's the delivery timeline for a super 8 film?

The film is shipped to a specialty Super 8 processing lab in Colorado for processing. They typically take 2 - 4 weeks to process film at which point a 2K scan of the the footage is sent back to me. I then recut the footage into a storyline. The footage (and gallery if applicable) typically arrives within 8 - 12 week timeframe depending on the duration of the project.

Depending on the length of the film, some Super 8 footage takes up to 16 weeks partly due to the processing time at the lab and needs around post processing. The average length of my Super 8 coverage is 4 minutes. If you'd like to explore a project longer than 12 minutes please discuss.

What Are the technical specs of the film you're shooting?

Technically speaking, all footage is shot at a 4:3 aspect ratio on Daylight or Tungsten balanced Colour negative film at 24 frames per second. Each cartridge contains 50 ft. of film (around 3 minutes total watch time when shot at 24 frames per second). I typically use colour cartridges rated for 50Daylight, 200Tungsten light or higher depending on the lighting conditions. I find these stocks expose fairly well in a diversity of lighting conditions.

Super 8 cameras are silent motion picture devices. Often the footage is edited to music or sound recordings in post production. If you'd like to learn more about this classic motion picture stock check out these slides by Imperfect Cinema.

Digital footage is provided in the form of a 2k scan (June 2024 onward) and .mp4 file upon delivery unless discussed. The lab typically recycles the film cartridges so please give me a heads up if you ever wanted to keep them to stream on an old school 8 mm projector. I personally find Super 8 scanned at a 4k resolution or higher to be too sharp for the character of the film, but please discuss if you'd like to maximize the resolution of your footage.

How do you ensure the quality of the footage and vintage film stock?

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Questions? Of course you do! Please explore the following to learn morE about the novelty of Super 8 and my work process.

I try to be cautious to store all of my 35 mm and 8 mm film carefully in a cool place (aka my fridge) and use within 6 months of purchase. When your 8 mm footage arrives expect to see dust, grain, rough edges and framing, and soft resolution – this is normal and within the character of the film stock. Each scene is filmed in short 2 - 5 second clips – the digital file is then lightly processed and recut to improve the narrative or remove an awkward or out of focus moment. I often typically shoot handheld with a 30% image stabilization added in post production. Typically 75% of each cartage is deliverable when shooting documentary style unless we're intentionally doing multiple takes of a scene.

Speaking of Imperfect Cinema – this film medium can be sensitive to work since it records directly to a single film strip on a vintage camera and not to two digital cards with which is why I offer a full refund if there is an issue with the film turning out. I offer a range of coverage lengths around the 2, 5, 8, and 10 minute range.