For many years we have been transferring old films to video and DVD which is mainly for archive and festival purposes. We have for been aware of unfortunate cases of the public binning old films, not realising that they can be run and preserved for future generations. Such action has lead to the loss of valuable records of social history.
 With this in mind we have decided to open our transfer service out to the public at a reduced cost. The service aims to retain good quality results but it is a basic service- please read on:

Films arrive in various states of preservation/decay. Many have not been well looked after but film has a resiliance that far outstrips any modern video format. Take a look at the vehicle at the bottom of the page, it came from film that had spent 25 years exposed to the elements in a shed that slowly collapsed on top of it.

 To get the film to you we will:
Check for perforation damage and failed/failing joins
Rebuild old joins and repair perfs where possible
Wipe excess dirt and dust from the film (this does not fully clean the film)
One-pass transfer to hard drive via paralax or direct-gate (no frosted screens used)
Trim shot changes and correct base white balance
Reframe to 4:3 or 16:9 compatable image for your TV type
Strike print to region 2 DVD (UK format) NTSC available
Return your original films with storage and preservation advice note

 We will not:
Colour correct shots
Apply music to your film 
Add titles or captions
Copy package movies or pre-recorded tapes

This service is designed to provide you with a new MASTER copy of your films. The DVDs you receive should NOT be used to exhibit the film. We recommend that you capture the DVD to you home pc where you can stike further copies for friends and family or do additional work to edit the films. You should treat your first DVD as the new master print and only use where you need to capture to your pc for further copying. It should be stored safely between uses.
Once you have received your DVDs place your original films in a safe place in accordance with advice note enclosed as they may be needed in the future as better methods of transfer become available. The original film is the BEST version available and can ALWAYS be run by someone in the future. You may not have a projector but there are plenty folk keeping the machines working for the decades to come.

Film comes in all shapes and sizes but there are 5 mainstream formats. It is in picture and sound that the variations get more exciting.

Film Types We Handle:

Standard 8mm (aka Normal 8, Double 8, Regular 8, Bootlace)
----Sound or Silent (sound is mono only but will be made stereo compatable)
----Standard frame, Widescreen or Cinemascope

Super 8mm
----Sound or Silent. Mono, Twin Track or Stereo on Magtrack or Optical
----Standatd frame, Widescreen or Cinemascope
(note, Super 8 has a wider aspect ratio than other films)

Single 8mm
----Same as Super 8mm, Single 8 is the same film format but the plastic base is the stronger and thinner polyester instead of tri-acetate.

Pathe 9.5mm
----Silent only (9.5mm does come with magnetic or optical sound) No guarenteed results.

16mm
----Sound or Silent Mono or Stereo on magtrack or optical
----Standard frame, Widescreen or Cinemascope

35mm
----Sound or Silent, Optical sound only (although we may be able to rig something)
----Full range aspect ratios from Direct-gate transfer

VHS transfer service also available which is charged at £12.99p per hour of tape plus £15.00p per hour of reworking to remove un-usable footage.

We accept donations of film to our archive.

I can see that worried look on your face. The cost depends on the condition of film and the work incurred from it. HOWEVER WE WON'T CHARGE if your film contains historically valuable footage whether in a national sense or just locally. (terms apply)
 To put a figure on it 2 hours worth of film can be around £50 and the more film can be done in one run, it gets proportionately cheaper. There is no charge for inspection and estimate of your film.


TERMS FOR FREE COPYING
Where a film contains historical footage (any film outside private or intimate family footage)will be transferred without fee on the understanding that:
A) There will still be a charge for any non-historical film within your collection
B)Our archive will retain a copy of the historical footage.
C) Historical footage may be used elsewhere as part of topical or documentary features.
D) We will acknowledge your ownership of original film in any subsequent use where so requested by you. (but we are not obliged to do so)

E) Terms subject to review at any time.

Contact:  Darren Manson at screenmagic@hotmail.com