Before
cinematographers begin shooting, they usually do
some film tests a week or two before the actual shoot.
Test # One: Lighting Ratios
The following is usually done with
all the types of film stocks intended for use.
Lighting ratios are shot with a range of over and under exposure.
Also included in the shot is a color scale. The purpose of this test is to
see how each type of film will react to over and under exposure in the
various lighting ratios. The color scale is for evaluating how colors
change with the above variables. Exposure variations affect colors
differently so this shows how much change takes place. The
lab is usually asked to return a work print with a printer light
setting of 25-25-25.
-Roger Boller.
Test # Two: Registration Accuracy
This is done with all the film cameras intended for the shoot. Here's
the instructions that DP's follow.
"Prepare a black piece of paper or cardboard with a series of
evenly spaced thin white lines both vertical and horizontal. (A piece
of black graph paper with white lines is ideal.) Place the camera
on a rigid support or tripod and film the pattern so that it fills
the entire frame. After several feet, cap the lens and crank the film back
to the beginning. Repeat the exposure, only this time move the pattern
slightly off center both vertically and horizontally. Upon projecting
the film, both patterns should appear as if they were filmed in one
pass. If you can perceive the slightest motion of the two patterns
relative to one another, then the registration accuracy of the camera
has been impaired." This is a camera you do not want to use.
Anton Wilson, Cinema Workshop,
4th ed., (A.S.C. Holding, Hollywood), p.35.
Test # Three: Framing Test
This is also done with all film cameras intended for the shoot.
The Framing Chart
provided is a helpful aid. Go here
to print this chart.
"The framing
test is equally simple to perform. A framing chart
consists merely of a family of concentric rectangles. The chart is placed
in front of the camera at a distance that will just
slightly overfill the framing area (aperture.) The chart should
be carefully framed so that the center of the chart is dead
center with the viewfinder. Only several feet of film need to be exposed.
Upon viewing the processed film the rectangles should appear centered
within the frame lines. That is, the four sides of the frame should
appear perfectly concentric with the photographed family of rectangles.
If the photographed family of lines are not perfectly centered within
the frame area, the ground glass is laterally out of adjustment."
This is a camera you do not want to use.
Anton Wilson, Cinema Workshop,
4th ed., (A.S.C. Holding, Hollywood), p.31.
Test # Four: Scratch Test
This test is done with all the film cameras also. Here are the instructions.
"Run a scratch test for each magazine to determine if there are any
obstructions in the camera or magazine mechanism that might damage the
film. Load a short end of virgin raw stock in the magazine and thread it
through the camera. Turn on the camera motor and run the film through for
several seconds. Turn off the motor. Remove the film from the take-up
compartment of the magazine without unthreading the film from the camera.
Examine the film with a bright light and magnifying glass. If any scratches
or oil spots appear on the emulsion or base, mark the film, still threaded
in the camera body, with a felt pen at the following points:
a) where it exits the magazine feed rollers;
b) just before it enters the gate;
c) just after it exits the gate;
d) where it enters the magazine take-up rollers.
"Then carefully unthread the film and examine it to determine where the
damage originates. Once the problem area has been identified, check that
area for dust, film chips, emulsion buildup, or burrs. Remove burrs with
emery paper, and any removable obstructions with an orangewood stick.
"Make periodic scratch tests on magazines and camera during production
to avoid damage to the negative."
Quoted from the American Cinematographer Manual,
7th ed., (A.S.C. Press, Hollywood), pp.265-66.
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