Talking Celluloid with Kodak Motion Picture

Bill ManningSeptember 30, 2018

Steven and Bill invite Michael Brown, VP for Kodak Motion Picture – Atlanta, to talk about the resurgence of celluloid in the the motion picture industry.

There is no doubt the film resurgence in the photography is a real thing. However, celluloid has also made its return in the filmmaking industry. In 2012, Hollywood directors voice their concerns in saving film for motion picture. As mentioned in our previous interview with Kodak:

… Christopher Nolan, Quinten Tarantino, J.J. Abrams, Martin Scorsese, were just a few that voiced their concerns in protecting film as a medium for moviemaking. For me, a catalyst to shooting film was a behind the scenes clip to ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’, where J.J. Abrams is making it an effort to film the movie in Kodak motion picture film. Even more so recently, we are seeing screenings of new movies in 65mm such as Christopher Nolan’s ‘Dunkirk’ and Quinten Tarantino’s ‘Hateful 8’.

Atlanta has recently become one of the hottest places to film; The Walking Dead, Marvel Universe, Stranger Things, and Ozark just to name a few. As a result of new filming projects Kodak has placed themselves in a perfect location to sell, develop, and scan motion picture film.

The sudden spike of interest in celluloid has made its way back to colleges. Universities like SCAD and Georgia State University are working with Kodak to help teach the next generation of filmmakers the importance of learning to film on celluloid. However, this is not an easy task. Many of the film departments have scrapped their film equipment and teaching in the classrooms is not always possible. This is where Kodak has expanded their Camera Club to also teach motion picture.

Michael Brown sets up a meet up the last Saturday of the month to teach the ins and outs of handling, operation, and processing of celluloid. Much of this is completely new to the young generation as it shows digital has created a gap in the transfer of knowledge.

The camera club is growing quite rapidly. Each month, more and more students are intrigued by the program often filling the room wanting to learn more about film. It is an exciting time to see film make a comeback. As Michael closed with the episode, “Enthusiasm is contagious,” and we see it in the film community!