At YMCinema, we admire film cameras and the filmmakers who shoot on film. We call them brave creators, for they embrace a craft that demands patience, skill, and an appreciation for the unique qualities of celluloid. In a world increasingly dominated by digital, these filmmakers choose film for its authenticity, its unmistakable aesthetic, and the discipline it requires. This article aims to educate and inform about the beauty and process of shooting on film. We will explore why film remains relevant, the different stocks and cameras used, the technical aspects of developing and scanning, and how modern filmmakers can still integrate film into their workflow. By the end, we hope to provide a deeper understanding of why so many passionate creators refuse to let celluloid fade into history.
CREDIT: What a nice surprise it was to find this incredible video by Team 2 Films—a deep dive into the world of shooting on 35mm film, visiting Kodak’s lab, and mastering the post-production workflow in DaVinci Resolve. Their passion for analog filmmaking and their ability to share knowledge with clarity and enthusiasm is nothing short of inspiring. This article explores the insights from their video, coupled with our own industry knowledge, to celebrate the magic of film. First, eplore their video below:
Why Film Still Matters
Imagine this: a dimly lit studio, a vintage 35mm camera loaded with a fresh roll of Kodak stock, a cinematographer squinting through the viewfinder. The director calls action, and the scene unfolds. There’s no instant playback, no safety net of unlimited storage. Every second captured is deliberate, every movement calculated. Film forces a kind of discipline that digital simply doesn’t demand. But it’s not just about nostalgia. Film has a visual signature that digital has spent decades trying to mimic. The rich contrast, the soft roll-off in highlights, the subtle grain that dances in the shadows—it all contributes to an image that feels alive. It’s the same reason why blockbuster directors like Christopher Nolan and Quentin Tarantino refuse to abandon the format. It’s not just about how film looks; it’s about how it makes us feel.
Choosing the Right Film Stock: More Than Just a Roll of Film
Not all film is created equal. Walking into Kodak’s world means stepping into a labyrinth of choices. 8mm, 16mm, 35mm, 65mm—each format carries its own personality.
- 8mm: Smallest and grainiest, often used for nostalgic, lo-fi aesthetics.
- 16mm: A balance between affordability and cinematic quality, used in indie films and documentaries.
- 35mm: The industry standard for Hollywood, offering rich details and cinematic depth.
- 65mm: The IMAX format, providing stunning clarity and immersive scale.
Then, there’s the choice between Tungsten-balanced film for indoor lighting and Daylight-balanced stock for outdoor scenes. Higher ISO film stocks increase sensitivity to light but introduce more grain—something many filmmakers embrace for its organic feel.
The Cameras That Bring Film to Life
A film’s magic is only as strong as the cameras that capture it. For this project, Team 2 Films used:
- Eclair ACL (16mm): A French-made, Super 16 camera with crystal sync for recording sound.
- Arri 35.3 (35mm): A noisy, classic 35mm camera that captures stunning cinematic imagery.
- Lenses: Vintage Angenieux, modern Canon Samyang primes, and Atlas Mercury anamorphics.
Supporting gear included Sekonic L-858D light meters for accurate exposure and Tentacle Sync timecode systems to ensure seamless audio synchronization.
The Legacy of VistaVision and Oscar-Winning Film Cameras
The passion for film is evident in the tools filmmakers use. A prime and most recent example is the Beaumont VistaVision Camera, a rare and legendary film camera that recently played a crucial role in some of the most visually stunning films of the 97th Academy Awards. As detailed in YMCinema’s article on the cameras behind the 97th Academy Awards (read more), this camera was instrumental in creating breathtaking visuals that captivated audiences worldwide. VistaVision cameras were initially developed in the 1950s, using a horizontal 35mm film format to achieve higher resolution images. Their revival in modern cinema highlights how film remains an irreplaceable storytelling tool, even in an age of digital dominance. The 97th Academy Awards proved that despite the rise of digital cameras like the ARRICAM and ARRIFLEX, traditional film cameras still have their place in contemporary cinema.
A Journey Through Kodak’s Lab
Once the film is exposed, the real magic begins. At Kodak’s lab in Pinewood Studios, technicians work in complete darkness, threading delicate rolls onto massive spools. Here, in the shadows, individual reels are spliced together into 2,000-foot lab reels. Each strip of celluloid is then fed through a series of chemical baths that develop the image—a process that has remained largely unchanged for decades.
The Development Process:
- Pre-bath: Removes the anti-halation layer.
- Developer: Converts exposed silver halides into metallic silver, revealing the negative image.
- Stop bath: Halts the development process at the right moment.
- Bleach & Fixer: Remove unwanted silver and stabilize the image.
- Stabilizer & Drying: Ensures longevity and prevents static buildup.
Every foot of film is meticulously inspected for damage before it leaves the lab. Even the silver extracted during processing is recycled, reflecting the industry’s commitment to sustainability.
Scanning and the Bridge to the Digital World
Once developed, the film enters the digital realm. At Digital Orchard, Kodak’s scanning partner, high-resolution scanners meticulously digitize each frame.
Editors use DaVinci Resolve to:
- Apply precise color grading using Cineon Log profiles.
- Match aspect ratios for different film stocks.
- Sync sound using Tentacle Sync Smart Slate for frame-accurate timecode.
The Cost of Shooting on Film—Is It Worth It?
Inevitably, the question of cost arises. Shooting on film isn’t cheap—Kodak stock, lab processing, and scanning can add up to thousands of dollars. For instance, a typical project using 35mm film can easily exceed $2,500 for materials alone. But is digital truly “free”? Professional productions still incur massive expenses in storage, backup solutions, and extensive post-production workflows. More importantly, film forces efficiency. Digital shoots often result in bloated shooting ratios—hours of excess footage, endless retakes, and a lack of decisive direction. Film demands discipline. Every frame counts, every take is rehearsed. The result? A sharper, more intentional final product.
The Emotional Experience of Shooting on Film
Ask any filmmaker who’s shot on film, and they’ll tell you: there’s a buzz to it. The anticipation of waiting for dailies, the trust in your exposure settings, the sheer satisfaction of seeing celluloid come to life—it’s a sensory experience unlike any other. Even mistakes, like accidental light leaks or minor exposure shifts, often add character rather than detract from the image. And then there’s the look. When placed side by side with digital, 35mm footage has a texture that digital simply lacks. Shadows breathe, colors glow, and even the imperfections feel intentional. The footage doesn’t just capture a moment—it captures a mood, a feeling, a sense of something real.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Film
Despite the convenience of digital, film continues to thrive. Kodak remains committed to keeping celluloid alive, supplying major productions and independent filmmakers alike. More and more directors are choosing to incorporate film into their workflows, blending it with digital for a best-of-both-worlds approach. Even today, the top directors refuse to compromise. Christopher Nolan, a steadfast advocate for film, is currently utilizing the Next-Gen IMAX film camera for his latest production, The Odyssey (read more). His dedication to the format proves that film is not a relic of the past—it’s the future of storytelling. At the end of the day, film is more than just a medium—it’s an artistic choice, a storytelling tool, and a connection to cinema’s roots. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned professional, the question isn’t whether film is better than digital. The real question is: how do you want your story to feel?
