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Topic: Do all distributors destroy prints?

Paul Trimboli
Master Film Handler

Posts: 274
From: Perth Western Australia
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 01-14-2006 04:50 AM

Just seen the massive piles of prints going to be destroyed now the films have finshed their run, do all distributors around the world do this? Why do they not sell them? There would only be a really small group of people that would buy them of course, but they would probably make a profit.

I find it really strange since we have heard so much about how great cyan will be for the enviroment yet they chuck all this stuff to landfill. It makes me really angry to see all that hard work from so many people just get destroyed! [Mad]

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Aaron Sisemore
Flaming Ribs beat Reeses Peanut Butter Cups any day!

Posts: 3061
From: Rockwall TX USA
Registered: Sep 1999

posted 01-14-2006 05:27 AM

quote: Paul Trimboli
Just seen the massive piles of prints going to be destroyed now the films have finshed their run, do all distributors around the world do this?

Yes, for the most part. A few distributors will keep a few prints of successful titles around for repertory screenings, but the rest go to the bandsaw and the shredder.

quote: Paul Trimboli
Why do they not sell them? There would only be a really small group of people that would buy them of course, but they would probably make a profit.

Simple answer: Because the studios see that as a threat to their copyrights. FWIW, Film-Tech Forum rules will likely prohibit more detailed discussion of this subject, so don't expect a lengthy discussion.

quote: Paul Trimboli
I find it really strange since we have heard so much about how great cyan will be for the enviroment yet they chuck all this stuff to landfill.

It doesn't go to landfills anymore: Polyester film is recyclable, and destroyed prints are recycled.

quote:
It makes me really angry to see all that hard work from so many people just get destroyed! [Mad]

The studios for the most part don't care. They are more interested in the video release.

-Aaron

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David Buckley
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 525
From: Oxford, N. Canterbury, New Zealand
Registered: Aug 2004

posted 01-14-2006 01:53 PM

Our little community cinema is at the end of the line, so when prints get to us, they (with odd exceptions) stay with us. Need a Broken Arrow or Buffy the vampire slayer? Step right up.

Actually, I should have worked harder at this, and we could have had a complete collection of Star Wars, but looks like I'll settle for the complete Harry Potter.

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Monte L Fullmer
Film God

Posts: 8367
From: Nampa, Idaho, USA
Registered: Nov 2004

posted 01-14-2006 01:59 PM

John P. , in a earlier post, mentioned that there is over 12mil/miles of the poly film recycled per year.

..just keep a good stock of film bands on store since that poly film is more rougher on these areas of the machine than was the softer acetate base film.

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John Pytlak
Film God

Posts: 9987
From: Rochester, NY 14650-1922
Registered: Jan 2000

posted 01-16-2006 10:28 AM

http://www.kodak.com/US/en/motion/hse/waste.jhtml?id=0.1.4.5.18.6&lc=en

quote:
Disposal of Motion Picture Film

Motion Picture Film
Motion picture film manufactured after 1951 is not considered a regulated waste. Kodak has tested motion picture films and papers using a procedure called the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). We've also tested our films and papers for ignitability, corrosivity and reactivity. These tests have shown that our films and papers are not regulated. Nitrate-based films, manufactured prior to 1951, may be regulated.

Although motion picture film is not subject to disposal restrictions, there are many options for disposal of photographic waste that are friendlier to the environment than land filling. Kodak has numerous recycling programs in place covering a wide range of photographic disciplines.

Many film distributors assume responsibility for disposing of release prints after they are no longer needed. Many of them have contracted with FPC, Inc., a Kodak company located in Hollywood, Calif., which certifies destruction of film content and recycles the base or burns it as an alternate source of clean energy. This service protects the environment as well as the rights of copyright holders by ensuring that worn or unneeded prints do not fall into the wrong hands for unlawful purposes. If your film distributor isn't familiar with the services offered by , you might want to suggest that they contact them at 323-468-5778.

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