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Topic: Replacement prints/reels

Scott Norwood
Film God

Posts: 8146
From: Boston, MA. USA (1774.21 miles northeast of Dallas)
Registered: Jun 99

posted 07-17-1999 01:59 AM

What kind of success have others had with requesting replacement reels or prints? Why did you request them? Whom did you call to get the replacement? I could never seem to get replacement reels of anything (and it was kind of pointless, since we changed films weekly and problems noticed on Friday night couldn't be corrected until the replacement reel arrived on Monday or Tuesday), even if there were significant footage loss. On the other hand, I've heard stories about people who get complete replacement PRINTS because of bad SDDS tracks or lab splices or missing head and tail leaders or other relatively minor issues, at least compared to footage loss. What gives?

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Aaron Sisemore
Flaming Ribs beat Reeses Peanut Butter Cups any day!

Posts: 3061
From: Rockwall TX USA
Registered: Sep 1999

posted 07-17-1999 03:59 AM

Scott:

It will always be easier to get replacement reels (or prints if the problem were severe enough) when a film is in its first run. However, if there is a definite problem, you should get in touch with your film booker and give them the title and print# and a description of the trouble and they can try to procure a replacement print for you. Another idea (once again I think this is more of a first-run issue),for films on the 800-PHONE-THX program, you can call Lucasfilm TAP and give them the title, print# and description of the problem, and they may be able to help as well. Good Luck!

Aaron

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Brad Miller
Administrator

Posts: 17775
From: Plano, TX (36.2 miles NW of Rockwall)
Registered: May 99

posted 07-17-1999 05:43 AM

Lucasfilm's TAP program is excellent and will ALWAYS come through for you on replacement reels/prints!!! Unfortunately, only certain selected films are covered in their program. If you don't see the "TAP" quality assurance tag at the end of the credits, you've got to call your booker.

Unfortunately, too many managers are afraid of calling in a replacement for fear they will get charged. I requested 6 out of 9 reels be replaced on an Eyes Wide Shut print. Warner did one up on that for me and sent me an entire new print...from the Rank lab in Europe (which I love) and on FUJI stock (yet another solid plus over the original Kodak print from the Technicolor lab)! Not a single lab splice in there either! Granted, I haven't had a problem with a Warner print for years, but after their demonstration today concerning their desire for quality presentations, I couldn't be more impressed with that studio! Two thumbs WAAAAAAAY up for Warner Brothers!!

Unfortunately I cannot say the same for other studios. Universal has been particularly bad to me in the past when it comes to replacement reels. They always make a big stink about it and give a exert a strong stench of disapproval.

The other problem you may run into other than managers is an uncaring booker. If he doesn't care about your presentation, you're pretty much stuck! If anyone has that problem let me know and I'll send Guido to your service.

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Brian Paymer
Film Handler

Posts: 31

Registered: Jun 99

posted 07-18-1999 03:52 PM

Does Guido have a rate sheet?

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Jim Ziegler
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 753
From: West Hollywood, CA
Registered: Jul 99

posted 07-18-1999 03:58 PM

Technicolor will usually send out new reels (aftert they interrogate you to see if you damaged it). But they usually arrive on Saturday in the middle of the day. If it is Reel 1 or two, there usually isn't time to get it on until close (damn AW3s are so friggin slow).. O n the other hand, I ordered a replacement reel for Wild Wild West (a highway print) at 3 am, and the reel was in my theatre by 10 am the same day, so it was on before any customers saw the print.

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Brad Miller
Administrator

Posts: 17775
From: Plano, TX (36.2 miles NW of Rockwall)
Registered: May 99

posted 07-19-1999 01:41 AM

Yup! That's because ETS (highway) has some 30-odd depots around the country. There is always one close by. Technicolor ships out of their ONE in Ohio!

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Jim Ziegler
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 753
From: West Hollywood, CA
Registered: Jul 99

posted 07-19-1999 02:04 AM

That would explain why ETS is so much better. WIth Technicolor, they are always wanting prints right when they drop, or at the very least the next morning. Also, they frequently get films to us late Thursday night (after the theatre 2 miles away has torn it down). ETS never delivers late, and wants the films ready for pickup by Monday.

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Aaron Mehocic
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 804
From: New Castle, PA, USA
Registered: Jun 99

posted 07-23-1999 01:02 PM

I guess I'm lucky. When ever I need a Technicolor replacement reel, it's usually at our theater within 12 hours. Then again, Wilmington, Ohio, (Technicolor's ONLY shipping depot) is just 150 miles west of here.

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Chris Wootten
Film Handler

Posts: 50
From: Moonlit Cinema, RAAF Tindal, N.T. Australia
Registered: Dec 1999

posted 03-01-2003 07:59 AM

Being in the middle of nowhere and noplace is a real pain in the butt, trying to get a replacement, but I have only had to request twice, and both times I got the replacement, by Air Freight. NO Charge.

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