Hollywood, Kodak Near Deal to Save Movie Film

The virtues of using digital "film" versus shooting with film-film continue to concern movie makers and fine art photographers. Each point of view has its merits. However, it appeared digital would ultimately survive, simply because firms were discontinuing the manufacture of roll film (e.g., 35 mm film).

That dynamic has slowed a bit in the movie industry, thanks to the efforts of major directors such as Quentin Tarantino. They believe movies shot on film offer a rich visual experience that digital means cannot effectively duplicate or supersede. (I agree with the directors' position.) These influential voices have helped bring about a deal between Kodak and major Hollywood studios regarding the continued manufacture of film stock.

According to a story by Sam Byford in theverge.com, LA's major players and Kodak have okayed a supply agreement that would ensure motion picture film stock well into the future. (Please, no jokes about the length of a Hollywood "future.") For anyone who has experienced movies the way they were meant to be seen, this is very welcome news.

Pam Grier

I don't have anything original to say about Pam Grier. I have the usual male reaction to her: you can guess what that is. In Grier's case, my curiosity extends beyond her figure and sexiness to her life story. It's an interesting tale, one which Grier relates in her memoir. You can show her a little love by talking your public library into buying a copy of the book.

The LA Times recently published a five question interview with Grier. If you are unfamiliar with Grier's film work, two entry points are the blaxploitation movie Foxy Brown and Quentin Tarantino's underestimated Jackie Brown.