Cinematographer
Das Internegativ schützt mein Original-Negativ. Für Distribution werden Kopien vom IN gemacht, nicht vom wertvollen OCN.
A duplicate negative film element created from an interpositive (IP) in the photochemical film workflow – serves as a printing master for release prints, protecting the original camera negative (OCN) from wear while allowing mass duplication for theatrical distribution.
What is an Internegative?
An Internegative (IN) is a duplicated negative created from an Interpositive (IP). It serves as a printing master for release prints and protects the original camera negative from wear and tear during the mass production of cinema copies.
Position in the Workflow
| Step | Element |
|---|---|
| 1 | Original Camera Negative (OCN) |
| 2 | Interpositive (IP) |
| 3 | Internegative (IN) |
| 4 | Release Print |
Function
| Purpose | Description |
|---|---|
| Printing Master | For Release Prints |
| Protection | OCN remains untouched |
| Duplication | Enables mass production |
| Archive | Additional security |
Creation
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Interpositive | Is exposed |
| Negative Film | IN stock |
| Processing | In the lab |
| Result | Print-ready IN |
Film Stock
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Fine Grain | High resolution |
| Duplicating | Optimized for copying |
| Color Balanced | Color accurate |
| Archival | Long-term stable |
Quality Aspects
| Factor | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Generation Loss | Minimize |
| Contrast | Controlled |
| Resolution | Fine grain stock |
| Color | Timing critical |
Generation Loss
| Generation | Element |
|---|---|
| 1st Gen | OCN (Original) |
| 2nd Gen | IP |
| 3rd Gen | IN |
| 4th Gen | Release Print |
Multiple Internegatives
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| High Runs | Share wear |
| Different Labs | Print in parallel |
| Regions | For different markets |
| Backup | Security |
Regional Versions
| Version | Handling |
|---|---|
| US | Separate IN |
| Europe | Separate IN |
| Asia | Separate IN |
| Censorship | Different INs |
Digital Intermediate Alternative
| Workflow | Description |
|---|---|
| Traditional | IP → IN → Print |
| DI | Digital Master |
| Hybrid | DI → Film-Out |
| Today | Mostly DI |
Archiving
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Storage | Climate controlled |
| Temperature | Cool |
| Humidity | Low |
| Long-term | Decades |
Restoration
| Use | Description |
|---|---|
| If OCN is damaged | IN as source |
| Scan | For digitization |
| Comparison | With other elements |
| Replacement | If OCN is lost |
Difference to Dupe Neg
| Term | Context |
|---|---|
| Internegative | Formal term |
| Dupe Neg | Colloquialism |
| Protection | For archive |
| Printing | For distribution |
Costs
| Element | Factor |
|---|---|
| Stock | Film costs |
| Lab | Processing |
| Timing | Color correction |
| QC | Quality control |
Historical Significance
| Era | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Studio Era | Essential |
| 1950s-2000s | Standard |
| 2010s+ | Only for film now |
| Archive | Still important |
Challenges
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Color Shift | Precise timing |
| Contrast | Controlled exposure |
| Wear | Multiple INs |
| Cost | Digital alternative |
Quality Control
| Check | Description |
|---|---|
| Densitometry | Density measurement |
| Projection | Visual inspection |
| Comparison | With reference |
| Documentation | Log |
Labs
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Specialized | Few remaining |
| Equipment | Maintenance important |
| Expertise | Experienced personnel |
| Availability | Limited |
Today
Internegatives were essential for cinema distribution for decades. With the transition to digital, they have become rare for new productions but remain relevant for archiving, restoration, and film historians. Knowledge of the photochemical workflow is indispensable for preserving film heritage.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Internegative waren der Weg zur Kinokopie. Das System IP/IN schützt das Original und ermöglicht Massenvervielfältigung.
Producer
Internegative sind das Arbeitsmaterial für Distribution. Das Original-Negativ bleibt sicher, während wir hunderte Kinokopien ziehen.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Post · Material
Interpositive / IP / Master Positive / Intermediate Positive
A positive film element created directly from the edited original camera negative (OCN)…
Post · Material
Release Print / Distribution Print / Exhibition Print
Post · Dienstleister
Film Lab / Film Laboratory / Processing Lab / Motion Picture Lab
Post · Technique
Answer Print
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Zwischennegativ / Internegativ / Duplikatnegativ"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?