Handmade Emulsion Research at IFFR
The Handmade Emulsion research project IFFR with guests Alex MacKenzie and Robert Schaller. Starting point is the home brewing of a silver based emulsion with gelatine, potassium bromide and silver nitrate. January 30-31 Location WORM

Over the years the festival supported the truly independent culture of handprocessing filmmakers and artist run filmlabs. Now that the whole moving image industry is turning digital on all levels, the need for securing filmstock, printers and processing machines becomes more urgent than ever. Important question is also if there is an alternative available for the filmstocks in case the professional labs discontinue the production.

In collaboration with the local lab WORM.filmwerkplaats a research trajectory is initiated on a particular aspect of the real 'home grown' type of film: the creation of handmade film emulsions. The first step is a two day hands-on workshop lead by Esther Urlus, Alex MacKenzie and Robert Schaller to be held in WORM 30-31 january 2012.

For the experienced film artists and artist run labs only. The results will be published on the WORM.filmwerkplaats blog and the www.handmadefilm.org forum.

And now you know where you can find me these two days!
[20 Januari 2012].

Lecture and walk in Den Haag (incoming message)
The Film Atelier Den Haag in co-operation with Residentie Ontdekkingen organise a lecture and a walk for anyone who has an interest in the history of film and cinema of the city Den Haag. Sunday January 22 and Saturday February 4 the lecture + walk along many places in the movie history of Den Haag wil take place. The setting of the lecture is informal around a large table, so that, for those who want there is every opportunity to talk and share thoughts and knowledge. Films, cinemas and other places in Den Haag dealing with film are discussed. The stories are represented by various film clips and photographs and archival materials, these are from the archives of Filmhuis Den Haag. Click here for more about the program via the website of the Film Atelier.

Program
14.00 hours start lecture by Elisa Mutsaers, Film Atelier Den Haag at the Koediefstraat 3a, coffee and tea are provided15.30 Residentie Ontdekkingen wil guide you for the walk in the city until approximately 17.00 hours

The cost are € 24.50 each person, register using the form on the website of the Film Atelier.
If you have a group of 5 persons we can agree to scedule another date / time.
[7 January 2012]

Data scanning
From now on the Super8 Reversal Lab can offer full HD scanning. You can find all details here. Or click in the left main menu on the hd-scan button.
[19 November 2011].

WittnerChrome F64T and UN54 in our range
From now on we have added two super8 emulsion to our range. Together with Wittner Cinetec Germany we can offer you this;

*WittnerChrome F64T Fujichrome Professional film*
Colour reversal film, about 15 meter each cartridge.
ISO 64/19° Tungsten (3200K, no filter)
ISO 32/16° Daylight (5500K, use Wratten 85B filter)
Price:
Excluding development € 23.50 [each cartridge excl. VAT]
Including development € 31.75 [each cartridge excl. VAT]

*Wittner B&W UN54 Orwo film*
Black and white film, about 15 meter each cartridge.
Expose as 125 ASA if you prefer reversal development (no filter)
Expose as 100 ASA if you desire negative development (no filter)
Price:
Excluding development € 15.20 [each cartridge excl. VAT]
Including development € 22.10 [each cartridge excl. VAT]

Of course you can also order these films directly in Germany from Wittner Cinetec. Be quick since F64T is a limited available. (click image to enlarge two boxes).
[29 October 2011].

Nanolab Australia
Unexpected visitors today! Richard and Dianna are on a European roundtrip tour from 'Down Under' Australia, and they try to visit as many independent labs as possible to share ideas and knowledge. In the city Daylesford, Australia they also run a film lab for the development of super8. Both were also present at the large artists' lab meeting held in Zagreb last September. It seems that only friendly people work in the super8 business :-) ! (click image).
[24 October 2011].

Movie camera
An article to think about can be read here. The three major analogue movie camera manufactorers have stopped the production (16mm + 35mm) and are focussing on improving high quality digital version of their own products. Here the article about the future. Let me quote an interesting alinea:
'Eastman Kodak, Chris Johnson, Director of New Business Development, Entertainment Imaging, counters that "I don't see a time when Kodak stops making film stock," noting the year-on-year growth in 65mm film and popularity of Super 8mm. "We still make billions of linear feet of film," he says. "Over the horizon as far as we can see, we'll be making billions of feet of film."
[14 October 2011].

Steve Jobs
Mister Steve Jobs died today. As many probably know he was ill for a long time. It is sad news. As kind of a tribute I mention it also here on this super8 website, as there is no further connection between Steve Jobs and super8 as far as I know. He was a unique personality that stands above all.
[06 October 2011].

Home Movie Day
The HMD doesn't need any introduction anymore I guess. We'll all celebrate the small format film on Saturday 15th October this year. Several location all over the world will bring an tribute to the best format on celluloid film, super8. It is an honour that I am invited by EYE Filmmuseum to give a short presentation on the present possibilities with super8 film. In the program from 16.15 until 18.00 hours i will speak for about 20 minutes and mainly show how beautiful super8 can be, and is:
EYE
Vondelpark 3
1071 AA
Amsterdam
It is going to be a busy day since I will travel (as visitor) to Hilversum in the morning. The Institute for Sound and Image will also spend a lot of attention to super8:
Institute for Sound and Image
Media Park, Sumatralaan 45
1217 GP
Hilversum
Both locations are recommended to visit, but please do not forget to organize you're own Home Movie Day with friends, family or you're city! It is for everybody! (click image).
[03 October 2011].

Run out
The feature film 'super8' had it's final screenings last week in some Dutch cinema's. So one of the largest cinema's of the Netherlands thought it was okay if I came and took a 3D advertisement -also know as 'standy'- home. I will find a suitable place for it in my lab very soon. You could run to you're local cinema and get one for you're own bedroom too. (click to enlarge).
[11 September 2011].

Filmbank Den Haag
You can watch many great movies on haagsefilmbank.nl. The collection consists of films related to The Hague (where this lab is situated). Almost everyone knows a few family members who previously filmed on small gauge film. These films may not always be high-quality from a technical point of view, but they may be of cultural heritage value because of the content. Or just fun to watch. The Hague Municipal can help you assess your movies. The Hague Film archive has a depot with climate control for keeping movies in a good condition. At the same time they digitize your old movies and show them in a modern way (like on the website). If you have any movies? Please contact the curator of the Hague via phone: +31-70-3537008. (click image).
[10 September 2011].

Do it with Super8
The feature film 'super8' has brought us all a website for new film makers and potential small format film lovers. I would have choosen 'shoot it on super8' as catchy sentence since I get strange ideas by 'do it with super8' :-). The website super8film.tv looks anyway very fashionable and shows you step by step what to do if you plan to make a super8 movie. A very good idea. If you live in Germany or Austria you can make use of the very special offer under chapter 5 'Alles in einem'. For only €19,00 you get one Ektachrome super8 film + development + telecine, and also 3 issues of the magazine SchmalFilm. An irresistible and great offer, if you live there... There is an English version of the website which makes it a practical guide for everyone. The website and €19,00 offer is supported by publisher Schiele & Schön, Kodak Germany, Andec filmlaboratory, Screenshot scanning and publisher Atoll Medien. I say con-gra-tu-la-tions!
[23 augustus 2011].

WittnerChrome F64T a new super8 film
German company Wittner Cinetec did it again, they put a new product on the market. This time it is a super8 cartridge that is filled with Fujichrome T64 Professional Film that was slit and perforated first.
ISO 64/19° Tungsten (3200K, without filter)
ISO 32/16° Daylight (5500K, Wratten 85B filter)
This lab can develop this new film easily because it's an E6 process that is also used for Ektachrome 100D for example. The prices are €23.45 excl. and €27.90 including VAT for each cartridge excluding development. Order it directly in Germany from Wittner Cinetec. Be fast because there is only a limited supply. (click to enlarge).
[22 August 2011].

SchmalFilm magazine article 'Perfektionist des Nichtperfekten'
The magazine and author Florian Cramer have approved that I can upload the article as PDF file here on the website. Please donwload and read the full article (in German language) here. I say thank you to SchmalFilm and Florian! If you click the image you'll visit the SchmalFilm magazine website.
[19 August 2011].

Fuji RT200N is history
From today on Fuji RT200N single8 film is no longer available. I spoke about this during a Skype conversation I had with Tak Kohyama from Retro Enterprises Tokyo. According to Tak it was already known that the end of RT200N was in sight, it actually existed one year longer than initially thought. The Japanese factory still makes R25N but that might also be no longer available soon. If we have bad luck maybe even a few years. It's sad news, even if the production of Fomapan black/white reversal film started again in the Czech Republic. Fuji films are brilliant in their sharpness and colour, and let's not forget that the camera cassette system is better than that of super8 (click image).
[16 August 2011].

Fomapan R100 production
According to several sources the production of Fomapan R100 has started again.
[14 August 2011].

Super8 by J.J. Abrams
From today in theaters in the Netherlands the famous movie; Super8, from producer Steven Spielberg and directedby J.J. Abrams. That's a lot of fun for a rainy day. A lot more fun is the App they have created for you're smartphone!
On the right live twitter messages about this movie, or view the official twitter here or this super8news page.
[11 August 2011].

SchmalFilm magazine article 'Perfektionist des Nichtperfekten'
In the latest issue 3-2011 you'll find a large article about the Super8 Reversal Lab. This very well written and informative piece was made my Florian Cramer, a enthusiastic small format film maker! If you click the image you'll visit the SchmalFilm website.
[02 August 2011].

Dochters
Marta Jurkiewicz made one of this years graduation films for the Dutch Film and Television Academy. Her film 'Dochters' (Daughters) was shot partly in super8 format (click image). This lab developed the cartridges for her. Here the synopsis in Dutch;
'Elzbieta (Lodz, Polen) heeft tot aan het overlijden van haar moeder voor haar gezorgd. De filmmaakster, de dochter van Elzbieta, gaat naar Lodz om te helpen met het ontruimen van de woning van haar oma. Hierbij wordt duidelijk dat de zorgvraag een generatie is opgeschoven. De afstand maakt dat deze vraag vooralsnog onbeantwoord blijft. Deze korte documentaire reflecteert op persoonlijke wijze op een gevoel waar ieder mens, die zijn of haar ouders achterlaat in een ander land, mee worstelt.'. Here the program.
[23 June 2011].

Clockwise turning
Some cartridges that arrive in the lab are completely wrinkled/damaged inside. You can avoid this easily by always turning the takeup roller clockwise (click the image). So if you think the film got stuck or jammed, please turn clockwise. Damaged and wrinkled films are more difficult to develop and digitally transfered.
[21 June 2011].

Somnio film festival
Today and tomorrow you can still visit the 'Somnio Film Festival van de niet-gedistribueerde film'. Films that splash because of the love of cinema, vulnerable, daring, shocking or funny. From independent filmmakers from the Netherlands and from everywhere, with movies in their own style that tell something special. Without distributors their work can only reach a fraction of the audience they deserve. Somnio wants to change that. This exceptional viewing experience opens you're eyes of this new festival. (click the image).
[18 June 2011].

Chairs
Always wanted to determine what chair is the best for you when you are watching a lovely film? This is you're chance! Read the message EYE send to all it's friends (click image).
[15 June 2011].

It's almost here, the summer holidays
From 25 June until 17 July the lab will have a peacefull summer holiday!
[15 June 2011].

It is here, a new book!
Everything you always wanted to know about super8 but were afraid to ask. Or all you can possibly eat super8! A new fresh made book that covers all aspects of making a super8 movie, what more do you want? Click the image for details.
[14 June 2011].

Building a darkroom
Just enjoy a smal stop-motion video with a catchy soundtrack, and see how you could build a darkroom for yourself. The movie has a few hidden practicall tips. Thank you Denis Guzzo.
[14 June 2011].

Piggy-back
Seen for the first time in Antwerp; a coming soon poster for Steven Spielberg's newest production 'super8'. I guess he has noticed that 'our super8' is very popular these days and he might have thought that he could get some extra visitors this way :-). You should always try something new to draw the attention :-) Who needs 3D anyway.
[03 May 2011].

Analogue film has the future
Today Dutch newspaper 'de Volkskrant' published an article about analogue photography. It seems that more and more (student) photographers are using the darkroom to experience the magic of film emulsion and film grain. There are even schools that, after years, re-open the darkroom because students demand it. You can read the full article on the website of the newspaper or buy an edition (analogue!) in the bookstore. Click the logo for 3 screenshots.
The lab is very happy with these news items because it's important that more people use analogue film in order to keep it for the future. The only way to preserve analogue film worldwide is to increase the demand for these lovely emulsions on celluloid, so spread the word and expose film.
[27 April 2011].

Fomapan R100 production stop
There were rumours on the internet about Fomapan R100 but now I can definitely mention here that Czech Republic company Foma has stopped the production of it's Fomapan R100 for this moment. Three independent suppliers told me that this is true, and it's a sad thing actually. The R100 cine film is a nice alternative for Kodak Tri-X reversal stock and Orwo's UN54 negative black and white. Foma doesn't have the clear base film where they can pour the emulsion on. These transparent base films are only produced by a few companies world wide (Kodak and Fuji for sure, and Agfa and Orwo maybe?) and that makes it even more difficult to get the Fomapan R100 production going again. Let's all hope it will all be solved soon so we can buy and enjoy these b/w films.
[30 March 2011].

Petition supporting L'Abominable (shortened e-mail to the lab)
Why it is important to help L’Abominable as it is in danger of being evicted.

The non-profit organization L’Abominable in the suburbs of Paris, has been able to gather the energy, competence and equipment to offer an impressive range of techniques for the processing and the printing of Super-8, 16mm and 35mm film, as well as digital transfers to and from these formats. The association functions by apprenticeship: the filmmakers more proficient in the equipment teach others how to operate and use tools which were previously thought to be inaccessible and too complicated to be used by the general public. This do-it-yourself operation has yielded its fruit: more than 250 works have benefited from L’Abominable’s existence since its creation in 1996. Its activity and experience in this particular area, the wide range of services it offers and the quality of the works created with its assistance have given it an internationally recognized reputation and a particular importance within the network of artist-run film labs in Europe and abroad, even though its public funding remains minimal.
But all this was possible only because L’Abominable paid almost no rent. At a time when this organization is finding itself evicted from the inexpensive premises where it was created some 15 years ago, thereby threatening its very existence, public funding bodies must understand the contemporary issue that represents the passage of cinematographic tools away from the industry and into the hands of the artists themselves. While the digitalization of commercial cinemas is heavily funded, a structure such as L’Abominable must be given the means to survive this transition, in order to continue and develop its activities to the full potential of its technical tools and expertise it has assembled over the years through obstinate perseverance

To support us by signing this petition, please go to: http://www.l-abominable.org/petition
Common web site of more than 20 artist-run film labs in the world: http://www.filmlabs.org
Archive of the dix ans de L’Abominable program (2006-2007): http://www.10ans.l-abominable.org
L'Abominable's website: http://www.l-abominable.org
[29 March 2011].

9th April 2011 German Waghausel film fair
I have made some advertisement in the past for this sympathic film fair in Germany. Now i'll do it again because they can use all visitors possible, from all over the world. So if you have a chance to visit Waghausel (near Mannheim) please go. You will not regret it. Did you know that many film collectors join the evening before and afterwards for a meal? I mean where can you experience that? You should not under-estimate the power of German bear and bratwurst. Click the image for some images that I took in 2007 when i joined inn. Time and place: 9th April 2011 from 10-16 hours in the Wagbachhalle, Wiesental, 68753 Waghausel in Germany (Flyer large German).
[22 March 2011].

Spanisch soundfilm
Mister Angel Caro from Spain has a super8 laboratory in the city Lérida. He has succesfully added a soundstrip to a Ektachrome 100D super8 emulsion. After winding the film back into the cartridge (a single8 sound cartridge) he was able to record synchronised sound onto his super8! He then developed this film and you can check the results to the right, the sound is really okay. A very big compliment for Angel Caro because it is not easy to do it!
[02 March 2011].