FYI Kodak : Directors rally to save film factory

[peter k.]

http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-28559326

original source:

http://online.wsj.com/articles/kodak-movie-film-at-deaths-door-gets-a-reprieve-1406674752

 

[hdeyong]

Well, it's gotta be good news.

 

[pdeeh]

I found the wsj article interesting, but it seemed to garble the difference between "movie film" (and thus presumably film production also for stills photography) and film used in touchscreen technology, and that somehow producing and selling the latter guarantees the production of the former ... even if there is a relationship between the two (the base?) I had the impression that Kodak had outsourced production of film base?

So it all seems a bit unclear to me, but then it might be my misunderstanding and/or making unwarranted assumptions.

 

[Jeff Kubach]

Looks good!

Jeff

 

[bobwysiwyg]

"Mr. Clarke originally had hoped that a group of studios, producers and filmmakers would invest directly in Kodak's film-manufacturing plant, as a joint venture. But that proposal fell flat earlier this summer."

This suggests to me the studios are not quite that confident in the long term survival.

 

[analoguey]

From the article:

But proponents have also pointed out that film is the only medium still used for preservation of all types of movies for long periods of time—even ones shot digitally. Digital files need to be regularly transferred, putting them at greater risk of being damaged.

Mr. Clarke said that he expects Kodak will lose money on film manufacturing in 2014 and roughly break even by next year, based on the deals currently being worked out. By 2016, he hopes that sales to touchscreen manufacturers combined with projected demand from Hollywood will move Kodak's film business back into the black.
"I am confident we will see a slowing of the [revenue] decline," said Mr. Clarke. "But a large part of this will be a deeper recognition that film is valuable."

It is good, I think. Keep them running, but if nothing changes in another 6 months, what will Kodak do?
Also, it quotes stats from 2002, with Kodak sales probably showing up on a Bell Curve - but how was the lead up, to 2002 - that would be interesting to see.

I do hope Kodak makes it, would be good even if maybe not directly impacting me(I shoot mostly ilford/fuji).
Then again, apparently film sales only constitute 10% of their sales.

 

[AgX]

I found the wsj article interesting, but it seemed to garble the difference between "movie film" (and thus presumably film production also for stills photography) and film used in touchscreen technology, and that somehow producing and selling the latter guarantees the production of the former ... even if there is a relationship between the two (the base?) I had the impression that Kodak had outsourced production of film base?

So it all seems a bit unclear to me, but then it might be my misunderstanding and/or making unwarranted assumptions.

Very well observed.

The article further does not differ clearly between camera and projection films. Also Agfa as major manufacturer of cine projection film is explicitely neglected.

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

Hey thanks for the link!

 

[Ken Nadvornick]

If true, it may also logically say something about EK's ability to further downscale their film production.

Ken

 

[Hatchetman]

The WSJ print edition has a shocking graphic that shows Kodak's motion picture film sales dropping from nearly 12 billion feet in 2009 to less than 500 million in 2014.

 

[Xmas]

EK upped all cine supplies $ by ~15% Jan 2014 citing increased overheads with reduced sales that will push the minnows to D+%=¥*§&.

 

[Mustafa Umut Sarac]

The WSJ print edition has a shocking graphic that shows Kodak's motion picture film sales dropping from nearly 12 billion feet in 2009 to less than 500 million in 2014.

2006 was the highest selling figure , 2009 to 2014 is a disaster. All happened here when I was chatting . And all the good folks dropped from the forum. Threads is turning in to broken parts threads , Whatever I post , 130 people are reading and 1 or two is answering.

 

[MDR]

Unfortunately Hollywood is run by bean Counters of the worst order who absolutely hate film and Quality (They also hate a good Story). A red or Alexa is great but it ain't film. Film projection is also different to digital projection I like the artefacts many People don't

 

[Sirius Glass]

It is good that a major step has been taken to help film.

 

[Sal Santamaura]

Bottom line: this is the only reason Bldg. 38 won't be demolished -- for now. If it had been, subtleties concerning different bases for motion picture and various types/sizes of still film would be moot. Still films from Rochester would have ended too.

How long Eastman Kodak will continue to operate Bldg. 38's coating line and Kodak Alaris will continue to purchase/re-sell still film made by that line remain unknowns.

 

[Ken Nadvornick]

Bottom line: this is the only reason Bldg. 38 won't be demolished -- for now.

Hence my earlier post.

There are only two realistic ways to keep the lines running. Downsizing production levels to match reduced demand. Or sufficient continuing demand to meet minimum required production levels. Or some combination of the two.

They have possibly already exhausted the former. Now they seem to be trying to guarantee the latter?

Ken

 

[Xmas]

Hence my earlier post.

There are only two realistic ways to keep the lines running. Downsizing production levels to match reduced demand. Or sufficient continuing demand to meet minimum required production levels. Or some combination of the two.

They have possibly already exhausted the former. Now they seem to be trying to guarantee the latter?

Ken

I thought the reason for the haggling was EK was producing cine film until 2015 as part of a bankruptcy agreement agreed with the courts to recompense the big studio creditors, e.g.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/bankruptcy-judge-cancels-kodaks-agreement-422680

When the agreement times out EK won't have to make film, any more and may well 'do a Fuji'.

The production and management people's wages in the cine manufacture are difficult to scale back.

The real estate is valuable.

EK closed down its UK (@Harrow) and French coating circa 2003 painting itself into a volume dependent corner.

 

[visualbassist]

"how four directors saved film"

good news, yet the kodak-film situation is a lot worse than i would have thought.

http://nikkifinke.com/four-director...gn=film&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitter

 

[Dr Croubie]

Strange, that graph could also have "my interest factor in watching movies" on its Y axis...

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Threads merged.

 

[visualbassist]

thanks.

 

[Ektagraphic]

I think that news like this is great news, myself. I wish that they would talk about the figures for still films.

 

[removed account4]

....

 

[Xmas]

I think that news like this is great news, myself. I wish that they would talk about the figures for still films.

too small
Im still getting given kit by chums going to dark side
last was a daylight loader...

 

[RattyMouse]

good news, yet the kodak-film situation is a lot worse than i would have thought.

http://nikkifinke.com/four-director...gn=film&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitter

Yeah, how many companies can survive a 96% drop in sales? I can't name a single company that rode that wave and lived.