In this process we focus primarily in the QUALITY OF digital CAPTURE. All of the precise editing, titles and transitions are secondary if the capture is less than perfect. Capturing your film with precise FOCUS and COLOR BALANCE takes time! We are extremely particular about "optimum settings". We often run a segment several times before we are satisfied with the quality.  We take the time necessary to review your film, precisely adjust the focus of BOTH the digital camera AND the projector and adjust the COLOR BALANCE when the lighting conditions change. 

Some facts about film transfer...

It is common for "clipping" to occur when film is transferred to video using certain equipment. Clipping is evident if you have recently previewed your film by projecting it onto a screen where you remember how many family members are in a certain segment. BUT... when you watch the the converted tape on your TV, you notice that some people are no longer visible or that only half of them is showing. We have special lenses that are designed for the size of the projected film picture so you will enjoy the entire "edge to edge" picture.

We often visit local photo shops to have our digital photos printed. We were constantly surprised by how many boxes of movie film were sitting around waiting to be transferred so we brought in a few reels to compare... OUCH!!!

I asked the clerk if they could do my film while I waited, they agreed. I looked at an entire wall filled with  analog video equipment and I thought... it must be good, look at all the boxes here. Just then an older gent shuffled in with yet another box. The wall of equipment looked impressive, it must be good. I watched as the video transfer person threaded up my first reel and flipped on the projector. A monitor above displayed the film as it played. I remember seeing the monitor and wondering what was happening to the outer 4" of the picture. I shrugged it off as something that COULDN'T be on the final video and must be a glitch in the monitor. I brought the video back to our studio and played the videotape next to another monitor with our transfer on it. This was the point I decided to create a website and try to explain some of this to folks who want a good quality transfer but don't want to be disappointed.

My curiosity now baited, I called Kodak (yes, in Rochester, NY) and inquired about their film transfer service. I was informed that Kodak no longer provided this service but referred me to another service who did. I thought... It must be good, Kodak recommended them so I sent a couple of reels up to the big apple. after three weeks I called to inquire how the project was coming and was told it should be ready any day. Another two weeks passed before the film arrived. We promptly qued up the footage next to our second display as before and watched, at best, a poor quality transfer.