16 Mm Film - Film Reproduction Methods

Film Reproduction Methods

In most original film production, movies are shot on 35 mm. The 35 mm size must be converted or reduced to 16 mm for use in 16 mm systems. There are multiple ways of obtaining a 16mm print from 35 mm. The preferred method is to strike a 16mm negative from the original 35 mm negative and then make a print from the new 16 mm negative. If a 16 mm negative is struck from the original 35 mm negative, it is called an "original". If a new 16 mm print is made from a print with no negative it is called a "reversal". 16 mm prints can also be made from many combinations of size and format, each with its own distinct and descriptive name as follows:

• If a 16 mm negative is struck from an original 35 mm print, it is called a "Print Down".
• If a 16 mm negative is struck from an original 16 mm print struck from a 35mm original print, it is called a "Dupe Down".
• If a 16 mm print is struck directly from a 16 mm print, it is called a "Double Dupe".
• If a 16 mm print is struck directly from a 35 mm print, it is called a "Double Dupe Down".

When film traders buy and sell 16 mm prints they often refer to the print through its production method, that is an "original", "reversal", "dupe down", "double dupe", and "double dupe down".