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short ends and recans

Contributed by Glen Berry

I found film for .14 cents a foot, it is short ends, do you forsee this causing problems?

Short ends pose the risk of being light damaged, grainy (from temperature changes or age) and, most likely, inconsistent color reproduction from batch to batch. However, the risk is minimized if you're dealing with a reputable company. The stock isn't guaranteed but even if there was some damage to the film it will probably be inconsequential. Unless you have an anal retentive DP, I wouldn't let these possible risks stop you from using recans and short ends on a low budget shoot.

Short ends and recans can be purchased through Studio Film and Tape.

Berry is the founder of the Northwest Film School and the creator of Film Underground, a popular and successful network of Moviemaking web sites that includes Cyber Film School.

A former member of the Whatcom Film Association Board of Directors, he also has twice served as the director of the Northwest Projections Film Festival. An award-winning filmmaker, Berry specializes in post production and is currently employed as an editor and post production supervisor on professional independent productions. Berry has written for “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Filmmaking,” “MovieMaker Magazine,” Cyberfilmschool.com and Filmfestivals.com. He also has served as an expert source for international newspaper and radio media outlets.

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