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Author Topic: What's The Proper Way To Return A Print? Jim Cassedy Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1661 From: San Francisco, CA Registered: Dec 2006 posted 04-21-2008 10:57 AM                     I'm almost embrassed to ask this question. > What it the proper/prefered way to re-attach head & tail leaders when returning a print?< I've been projecting for over 30 years (carbon arcs, changevovers) but I've recently been forced to lower my standards and start working with xenon lamps and platters. (That's a JOKE, guys! ) Like all of you, I have received a prints wound heads out, tails out, emulsion in, emulsion out and with leaders 'attached' with every type of sticky substance known to man short of chewing gum. (if attached at all) When re-attaching heads & tails, should it be a "full splice" (both sides) or tape-splice on only one side, to make things easier for the next guy? (assuming the "next guy" is not running reel-to-reel!) Thanks  |  IP: Logged Demetris Thoupis Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1240 From: Aradippou, Larnaca, Cyprus Registered: Apr 2001 posted 04-21-2008 11:06 AM                     This tip shows some very usefull information (which most probably you already know) but it doesn't hurt refreshing our memories Building 101  |  IP: Logged Brad Miller Administrator Posts: 17775 From: Plano, TX (36.2 miles NW of Rockwall) Registered: May 99 posted 04-21-2008 11:45 AM                     Heads out / emulsion out / leaders single sided tape spliced on with enough tape to secure the tip end of the leader from unraveling during shipments (this means more than an inch, you cheapasses out there).  |  IP: Logged Kenneth Wuepper Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1026 From: Saginaw, MI, USA Registered: Feb 2002 posted 04-21-2008 12:48 PM                     The tape strip should be pressed down over the entire length so it is really attached to the film. If you are feeling generous, you can double back one end for about 1/2 inch so the next person will have a tab to pull it off without using fingernails. I find many reels where the tape is there but not actually sealed to the film so it comes loose in shipment. KEN  |  IP: Logged Chad M Calpito Master Film Handler Posts: 435 From: San Diego, CA Registered: Apr 2006 posted 04-21-2008 05:04 PM                        I agree with all of the above. Unfortunately, when I received a print of Zombie Strippers, all of the heads were loose which pissed me off. In essence, I agree with everyone who has posted thus far.  |  IP: Logged John Wilson Film God Posts: 5438 From: Sydney, Australia. Registered: Dec 1999 posted 04-21-2008 07:28 PM                     quote: Kenneth Wuepper you can double back one end for about 1/2 inch so the next person will have a tab to pull it off without using fingernails. Make sure the flap is on the 'end' side of the film so it pulls off easily from the print. Leaving the flap on the other end means you've still more work to do as it is still attached to the tip of the leader.  |  IP: Logged John Hawkinson Film God Posts: 2273 From: Cambridge, MA, USA Registered: Feb 2002 posted 04-21-2008 09:14 PM                     Please try not to damage the copy#/barcode sticker when you tape down the reel ends... --jhawk  |  IP: Logged Brad Miller Administrator Posts: 17775 From: Plano, TX (36.2 miles NW of Rockwall) Registered: May 99 posted 04-21-2008 09:33 PM                     That is ridiculous advice. I cut the damn barcode sticker off if it is within a hand's wrap from the tip end, because if I don't the tape will just tear the sticker off anyway and then whoever is breaking down the print has to run get a roll of tape to secure the reel end down properly thus wasting time. Besides John, you know as well as I do that the film labs know what print number each reel is in a given print anyway.  |  IP: Logged Mike Olpin Chop Chop! Posts: 1852 From: Dallas, TX Registered: Jan 2002 posted 04-22-2008 12:44 AM                     Use a new piece of tape. Don't just re-use the piece of tape that came with it.  |  IP: Logged Brad Miller Administrator Posts: 17775 From: Plano, TX (36.2 miles NW of Rockwall) Registered: May 99 posted 04-22-2008 12:52 AM                     Mike is pointing out a minor oversight. I thought the "building 101" tips page covered this, but it was made back in the day when print bands were still in use and is only hinted at when ETS is spoken of. When building, a fresh piece of new quality tape 6 inches long should be used to wrap up the head leader and identify the reel number.  |  IP: Logged Joe Redifer You need a beating today Posts: 12859 From: Denver, Colorado Registered: May 99 posted 04-22-2008 01:14 AM                        Don't forget the "courtesy tab" on the tape (folding one of the edges of the tape over underneath itself to make a convenient pull tab). This is essential and has been known to save lives in the past. It is also recommended, endorsed and sponsored by Kodak as well as Tom Hanks. Keep in mind that when attaching the tape to a reel, put the courtesy tab on the leader side, not on the film that is underneath it. This ensures that the tape comes off cleanly and doesn't try to take the leader with it.  |  IP: Logged Andres Briano Expert Film Handler Posts: 162 From: Buenos Aires, Argentina Registered: Jan 2008 posted 04-22-2008 09:53 PM                        quote: Chad M. Calpito ...when I received a print of Zombie Strippers, all of the heads were loose WHAT were you expecting?? Specially with such a title...!!!! Andrés  |  IP: Logged Chris Slycord Film God Posts: 2986 From: 퍼항시, 경상푹도, South Korea Registered: Mar 2007 posted 04-22-2008 09:57 PM                     He was likely expecting tight tails rather than loose heads.  |  IP: Logged Brian Dooda Film Handler Posts: 16 From: Brooklyn, New York / USA Registered: Aug 2006 posted 04-23-2008 11:22 AM                     In the reel to reel world, which I think would mostly include archival and art house theaters, the preferred orientation received or sent out would be tails out, emulsion in, and leaders with splicing tape on both sides. Having a film tails out makes inspection easier, so thats nice, but from an archival standpoint "emulsion in" is less stressful and better preserves the film image according to SMPTE test. I've wondered if platter houses get pissed when they receive a print like this. Sorry if thats the case. We don't do it out of spite or laziness. Its just the best way for us and the film.  |  IP: Logged Brad Miller Administrator Posts: 17775 From: Plano, TX (36.2 miles NW of Rockwall) Registered: May 99 posted 04-23-2008 12:04 PM                     The overwhelming majority of prints are ran on platters these days, so it only makes sense to single side splice the leaders back on, because a double sided splice is harder to undo and offers the incentive to the next theater to "just cut that frame off". Also there is less handling taking apart a single sided splice as opposed to a double sided splice. This is why the practice of single sided splices upon return is the proper one. In regards to that emulsion in SMPTE test, it is outdated by 30 years of filmstock technologies and should be disregarded. If you pay attention to that SMPTE test as well, it was also designed with 6000' reels in mind where the core to outer wrap ratio is too great. For reel to reel theaters running 2000' reels though, I do agree the reels should be returned however they come off of the takeup arm, because that wind will be superior to what is generally available from a rewind table, meaning it will protect the film better in shipping. As far as emulsion in goes though, prints I have played which have been stored emulsion in for a good length of time have various warping and playing problems. It is not a good idea.  |  IP: Logged

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