Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Print Tracking Database

This is topic Print Tracking Database in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://ft-forum.com/ft/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=007320

Posted by Chad Smith (Member # 2130) on 07-09-2005, 10:31 PM:

This idea was inspired by the thread talking about odd messages in film cans, but I thought that it'd be fun to have a website or a feature on film-tech that tracks prints, much like "Where's George?" does with dollar bills. Does something like this already exist? What does everyone else think?

Posted by Peter Mork (Member # 1336) on 07-10-2005, 12:44 AM:

I'd be curious, though I'm guessing the great majority of release prints go to the chop shop when we're done with them.

But somewhere in North Dakota, there's a warehouse with 1,273 used prints of "Benji the Hunted" in it. (Because you never know.)

Posted by Dominic Espinosa (Member # 2122) on 07-10-2005, 05:34 AM:

The trick would be getting the non-Film-Techers to do it.

Posted by Alex Rolfe (Member # 1648) on 07-11-2005, 10:19 AM:

A print tracking database could actually be *extremely* useful for the rep (and maybe second run) houses to (1) keep track of whether a decent print exists for a given title and (2) be able to request prints by number so you don't get a faded, scratched print that's 10 years old if something better exists. It could also be a good way to share booking contact info for foreign or indie films that can be tough to track down.

Posted by Tao Yue (Member # 836) on 07-11-2005, 09:24 PM:

As far as the repertory prints issue is concerned, in a database-happy mood three years ago, I wrote:

Proposal for Web Site with Technical Info on Films

The problem now, as before, remains the data entry part. How do you get enough, high-quality data into the system for it to be useful? How would it fare against popcorn projectionists doing midnight shows and chopping ID frames like crazy?

Posted by Dominic Espinosa (Member # 2122) on 07-12-2005, 01:29 AM:

It would only work if the exchanges were sharing information and inspecting prints between every single house.