Sprinkle a Little Romance

I was first exposed to Super 8mm Film as a child.  I remember my Uncle Ronnie at family functions shooting Super 8.  I used to follow him around and was very intrigued by the camera.  Thinking back, this probably planted the seed for my love of the format.

I started shooting film a few years ago.  Other videographers would ask me how we sell it to clients.  We live in an age now of High Definition and Blu-Ray and one videographer in particular stated, “we have worked so hard at getting a clean image, why would I want to revert back to that crap?”  It was a valid question.

I also remember sharing clips on different forums and there would be comments like, “it just looks too grainy,” “looks rough,”  “too much shake,” etc.  There was only one problem.  They were making the mistake of viewing the footage from their own expectations and preferences, not from the viewpoint of the client.  They were getting hung up on the technical aspects and comparing it to HD.

Let HD be HD and let film be FILM!

People often ask me why is film different.  I can talk about latitude and depth of color, but what really makes it different is….it just has that look.  Clients understand it when the see it.  They either like it or they don’t.  We present film to every client with whom we meet.  We pull out the Super 8 and 16mm cameras, let them hold their vintage bodies, and talk about the history of the tools.

Our 16mm was purchased from a National Geographic photographer, so we mention that to add romance to the presentation.  It’s fun to see their reaction.

Sometimes on the wedding day, I will let a Bridesmaid or Groomsman shoot a little film to add to the romance of their wedding day.  They love it.

We need to remind ourselves that we are visual artists pushing the storytelling in ways that we as filmmakers are comfortable.  Film can be one of those tools, not only as a complimentary piece, but as something that differentiates your studio.  Film is not for every shooter nor every client, but it certainly adds a little interest in how people perceive you.

Sprinkle a little romance :->.

John Moon, Northernlight Filmworks

John and Jennifer Moon