Film and TV output – Aspect Ratio question

[Arnie Schlissel]

And the sooner the better. Has the distributor already picked a lab? If not, then you could speak to 2 or 3 labs to get a general idea of what you’d be delivering. Each lab has it’s own way of doing things, though.

In general, most 35mm theatrical in the us is 1.85. If you shot in 4X3, there’s going to be a significant reframing of each shot. If you shot 16X9, then you might be able to just crop the bottom a little bit.

I’ve had a couple of labs tell me that titles, lower 3rds, etc should be done in 2K, so that they appear sharper on the 35mm release. How you develop & deliver the titles & graphics is going to be unique to your FCP setup & which lab you use.

The lab can run your tape through their Terranex to upconvert your doc before they color correct & make a negative. Or you can deliver to most labs on hard drives. which is best for you is something to discuss with the lab.

Congrats & good luck!

Arnie
Now in preproduction: Peristroika (Cosmological Congress), a film by Slava Tsukerman
https://www.arniepix.com

[Godfrey Pye]

That’s a very good idea thanks.
I just know that this is going to cost the producer much more than he has budgeted for – and guess where he’ll no doubt try to cut corners!
Many thanks.

Godfrey Pye
Mulholland Bays – in the Hollywood Hills