1. Film preservation; a first glance Elif Rongen-Kaynakçi Glasgow, 12 may 2008

2. Terminology of Film preservation: Preservation (active/passive) - conservation - duplication - restoration - (various levels of) access

3. Restoration Film restoration always involves making copies [it does not mean restoring the ‘original’]

4. Film preservation A short introduction on film (from DVD EXOTIC EUROPE)

5. How to become a film friendly archivist? Find out what you have. See for yourself! Trust inspection more than old catalogues.

6. Nitrate or safety? Nitrate (always 35mm) Safety [aka acetate]: all kinds of formats. Polyester

7. Tinting and toning of the silent film [image: courtesy of Filmarchiv Austria]

8. Which format? Different gauges (8mm to 70mm) http://www.xs4all.nl/~wichm/filmsize.html (Lumiere frame)

9. Film layers Film base Emulsion

10. Nitrate decompostion Check for physical decay! Nitrate decomposes from day one… http://www.filmpreservation.org/ (preservation basics)http://www.filmpreservation.org/ Nitrate is very flammable! http://www.movieeditor.com/2005/nitrate.fire.html

11. Vinegar syndrome Check for physical decay! Acetate also decomposes from day one… http://www.imagepermanenceinstitute.org but its status can be checked by proven methods such as A-D strip testing. Free to download: preservation calculator

12. Interpreting A-D Strip Results source: IPI A-D Strip Level Film Condition Recommended Actions 0 Good—no deterioration Cool or cold storage 1 Fair to Good—deterioration starting Cold storage Monitor closely 1.5 Rapid decay starting—point of autocatalytic decay Cold or frozen storage 2 Poor—actively degrading Freeze Copying advisable 3 Critical—shrinkage and warping imminent, possible handling hazard Freeze immediately Copy

13. Try to avoid physical decay! Find proper storage! Check your storage and make it better, if possible. Separate decaying material! Calculate the life expentancy of your material!

14. identification What are we looking for? Identification from content or physical properties [image: courtesy of Filmarchiv Austria]

15. soundtrack Check physical characteristics Soundtracks http://www.widescreenmuseum.com/sound/soundsample s.htmhttp://www.widescreenmuseum.com/sound/soundsample s.htm

16. inspection Trust your own eyes. Inspect material for physical damage and for damage printed in. http://diamant.joanneum.at/film_restoration

17. Time to exercise: See for yourself! Take a look at your sample. Try to describe it. What do you think it is?

18. After inspection: Make decisions. How important is this film to you? Does it need immediate attention? If you don‘t find it suitable for your collection, where else could it be needed?

19. How will you preserve this film? Depending on your: -Budget -Purpose -Access channels

20. “Curatorial zone” Prioritize your projects Document what you are doing Keep your catalog updated

21. Once you have a clear picture of your collection: Tell others! Join MIC http://mic.imtc.gatech.edu/index.php If you want to learn more: Join your colleagues at the AMIA List-serve http://www.amianet.org/