In a message dated 6/12/00 7:36:17 AM, [log in to unmask] writes:



<< My own approach in cases where the ratio is not indicated on the cans or

head leaders and there is no 1:1.85 hard matte is to run a rehearsal

screening in 1:1.66 with the racking set quite low and observe (i) how much

dead space there is at the top of the frame, and (ii) whether any boom

mikes are visible.  From this information I then decide whether to show the

film in 1:1.66, 1:1.75 or 1:1.85 on the basis of what appears to look like

the most consistent framing.  I know this sounds hit and miss but if the

studios aren't willing to tell you what ratio they want their films shown

in (as is the case in at least 80% of new releases), then the only option

left is guesswork. >>



Well, you're absolutely right on everything you say and the problems that are

surrounding proper projection. We have the luxury of calling the director and

asking him the proper aspect ratio (and then we put it in our press kit, our

film catalogs and our website) so the projectionist hopefully will be told by

the programmer.



Unfortunately, we've tried labeling the leaders, the reel bands and the ICC

cases, but then after a year of release with the theaters and nontheatrical

venues (I won't blame projectionists since it's not always them) changing and

replacing these elements at whim, it becomes more problematical to do this

than not. (I have phone calls from projectionists asking why the leader of

TABU says its cinemascope.) It would be nice if the DGA, MPAA or NATO or

someone else would have a database that projectionists could click on to.



Dennis Doros

Milestone Film & Video

PO Box 128

Harrington Park, NJ 07640-0128

Phone: (201) 767-3117 or (800) 603-1104

Fax: (201) 767-3035

Email: [log in to unmask]

Website: http://www.milestonefilms.com



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