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FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)

Lobby Preview Program FAQS:

1. Where do you get the trailers?

The trailers are supplied to us under license from the studios for the purpose of advertising the film in theatre lobbies.

2. Are they letterboxed, and what aspect ratio are they in?

Depending on the studios, most of the trailers are letterboxed, but they vary in aspect ratio. Usually this will not be a problem if you are video projecting the trailers.

3. Why are some trailers louder than others? Why are some trailers better looking than others? Why are some trailers in stereo, while others are mono?

We try to get the best possible quality from the studios, but depending on the studio, we may get certain trailers in a lower quality format, particularly for films that have a limited appeal. Also, we try to maintain a constant level of audio between trailers, but just like trailers on film, there may be a big difference in the range of loudness. Depending on the level of how the voice tracks, music and sound effects are mixed, a particular trailer may seem louder than another, even though they "peak" at the same level.

4. Will your DVDs play in any DVD player? Is each trailer chapter stopped? Are they anamorphically enhanced for 16:9 HDTV monitors?

Our DVDs are DVD-R which will play in almost all DVD players. Please note that on 60 minute DVD's, the actual running time may be slightly under 60 minutes, as we've found some players freeze up on totally full discs. Each trailer is chapter stopped, so you can program your player if you wish; however, our DVDs are programmed to play as a loop, so most customers simply pop them into their player and press play. Our DVDs are now in anamorphic format to play perfectly on 16x9 HDTV monitors (or letterboxed on 4x3 monitors).

5. Are all the trailers suitable for general audiences?

Please note that we only provide "Green-band" trailers; however, some trailers (particularly for films rated PG-13 and R) may contain elements that make them unsuitable for lobby displays, depending on your market and community. Even trailers promoting films for family audiences sometimes have a vulgarity which will lead to complaints. If you feel your patrons are particularly sensitive to this issue, please contact us regarding the content of a questionable trailer.

Policy Trailer FAQS:

1. How much does it cost to customize your generic trailers?

We generally customize our trailers free with a minimum order of 50 prints of each format (flat and scope). Please understand that this doesn't mean merely superimposing a white title with the name of your theatre over the existing picture - we create your logo in 3D computer graphics, plus you can alter any title in the trailer to reflect your own policies, add or replace concession products that you sell, add sponsor logos, etc. to make the trailer look like it is an original production costing much more. For theatres that simply do not need 50 prints, we offer to do the customization for a flat fee of $1500 for the flat neg. and an additional $1000 if you want a scope neg. We do understand this is a lot of money for individual theatres that only have a few screens, however we have lab costs involved with producing customized negatives and, of course, have to cover those costs.

2. How long does it take to customize one of your trailers?

Customization usually takes 6 - 8 weeks from the time we receive your materials (logos, any concession items you want included, etc). We send you a video copy to approve before shooting to film.

3. Why are some of your trailers only available in flat versions?

Since many of our clients for generic trailers have only a few screens, we tried to design most of our trailers to look good whether projected flat or scope to hold down the cost of policy trailers. When these trailers are customized, we can offer scope versions of your personalized trailer.

4. When are you going to offer new trailers?

We are constantly asked this question, particularly from existing customers that want to update their program. Producing a policy trailer, particularly one that has digital sound, is an expensive process. It oftens takes us at least a couple of years to recoup our initial investment. If you have a fairly good size circuit that would like to be a sponsor for a new trailer, we would be happy to design a trailer that would suit your needs and give you a big price break compared to a fully customized trailer, in return for letting us sell it in a generic version.

5. Are your trailers available in hi-def format for video projection?

Currently, we offer a DVD of all our generic trailers for theatres that use video projection. Purchase of the DVD gives you the unlimited usage of the trailers in your theatre, at a fraction of the cost of buying prints. We so far have had little demand for hi-def format, but since we are content creators, we can adapt any of our current trailers, and produce new trailers, to fit any format that is currently used or that comes along in the future. Just tell us what you need and we'll figure out a way to accommidate.

Video-to-Film Transfers FAQS

1. What format videotape works best?

We prefer Beta SP, although Mini DV, DVD, and other formats are acceptable. VHS will not produce great images, although we have made transfers from it in the past when no other material was available.

2. What can I expect?

Obviously, it depends on the source material. Video that has been shot letterboxed to a theatrical ratio or that has been shot with enough room top and bottom to allow for cropping works best. When we receive your tape we check it to see if we can do a complete 1.85 to 1 ratio print or whether we have to "windowbox" it (put black on the sides) to avoid cutting off heads and titles. We use software to convert the 30 frames per second video to 24 fps for film, and interpolate the video resolution to film. The audio track created from the tape will be Dolby SR unless you want to pay extra for the SR-D license (usually not worth the extra expense, depending on how the commercial is mixed). We pride ourselves on doing transfers that look much more "filmic" than some you normally see.

3. How long does it take?

Allow 2 - 4 weeks, although we can do things faster if necessary. We just like to have time to do it right.

Video to film transfers are usually a case-by-case situation that may require some phone or email conversation. Let us know what you have and what you need and we'll figure out a way to make it work.