Cinematographer
Das Interpositive ist der erste positive Abdruck meiner Arbeit vom Original-Negativ. Es wird sorgfältig getimed und dient als Master für alle weiteren Duplikate.
A positive film element created directly from the edited original camera negative (OCN) in the photochemical workflow – serves as the intermediate step for creating internegatives (IN) for release print production, while protecting the irreplaceable original negative from damage during duplication.
What is an Interpositive?
An Interpositive (IP) is a positive film element created directly from the Original Camera Negative (OCN). It is the first step in the duplication process and serves as the master for creating Internegatives (INs), from which release prints are then made.
Position in the Workflow
| Step | Element |
|---|---|
| 1 | Original Camera Negative (OCN) |
| 2 | Interpositive (IP) |
| 3 | Internegative (IN) |
| 4 | Release Print |
Function
| Purpose | Description |
|---|---|
| Archive Master | Permanent Reference |
| IN Source | For Print Masters |
| OCN Protection | Preserve Original |
| Timing Master | Capture Color Look |
Creation
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Contact OCN | Direct Exposure |
| Positive Stock | Fine Grain Material |
| Color Timing | Set the Look |
| Development | In the Lab |
Film Stock
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Fine Grain | High Resolution |
| Low Contrast | For Duplication |
| Archival Quality | Long-Term Stable |
| Color Balanced | Neutral Starting Point |
Color Timing
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Scene-by-Scene | Individual Correction |
| Printer Lights | RGB Values |
| Approved Look | From DoP/Director |
| Reference | For All Prints |
Timing Process
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Analysis | Evaluate Negative |
| Test Prints | Check Options |
| Approval | Creative Sign-off |
| IP Printing | Final Creation |
Quality Aspects
| Factor | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Sharpness | Maximum Resolution |
| Color | Timed Version |
| Contrast | Controlled |
| Stability | Archival Grade |
Generations
| Generation | Element | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | OCN | Original |
| 2nd | IP | Very High |
| 3rd | IN | High |
| 4th | Release Print | Good |
Protection of the OCN
| Measure | Reason |
|---|---|
| Minimal Passes | Wear and Tear |
| IP as Working Master | Preserve OCN |
| Archival Storage | OCN Safe |
| Contact Once | For IP |
Archiving
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Temperature | -5 to 0°C Optimal |
| Humidity | 30-40% RH |
| Container | Acid-Free |
| Handling | Minimal |
Storage
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Climate Control | Constant |
| Darkness | Light Protected |
| Ventilation | Sufficient |
| Monitoring | Regular |
Protection Master
| Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| Separation Masters | YCM Extracts |
| IP | Complete Positive |
| Redundancy | Multiple Elements |
| Long-Term | Centuries Possible |
YCM Separation Masters
| Alternative | Description |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Yellow Record |
| Cyan | Cyan Record |
| Magenta | Magenta Record |
| Advantage | B&W Stability |
Digital Alternative
| Workflow | Description |
|---|---|
| Traditional | OCN → IP → IN |
| DI | OCN → Scan → DI |
| Hybrid | DI → Film-Out |
| Archive | Preserve Both |
Restoration
| Usage | Description |
|---|---|
| Scan Source | For Digitization |
| Reference | Approved Look |
| Replacement | If OCN Damaged |
| Comparison | Quality Check |
Challenges
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Color Fading | Cool Storage |
| Shrinkage | Climate Control |
| Vinegar Syndrome | Early Detection |
| Dust/Scratches | Clean Handling |
Current Relevance
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Archives | Still Important |
| Restoration | Source for Scans |
| Film Production | Rare, but Exists |
| History | Preserve Film Heritage |
Labs
| Aspect | Reality |
|---|---|
| Few Remaining | Specialized |
| Equipment | Maintenance Critical |
| Expertise | Rare |
| Costs | Increased |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Careful Creation | Single Contact |
| Optimal Storage | Long-Term Preservation |
| Documentation | Timing Data |
| Redundancy | Multiple Elements |
Today
Interpositives were the backbone of film distribution for decades. Although Digital Intermediate has revolutionized the workflow, IPs remain essential for film archives and restoration. They preserve the approved look on the original medium and serve as a bridge between analog heritage and the digital future.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Das IP ist der genehmigte Look meines Films auf Film. Von hier werden alle Kopien abgeleitet – es repräsentiert die kreative Vision.
Producer
Das Interpositive ist unser Archiv-Master. Zusammen mit dem OCN ist es die Grundlage für alle zukünftigen Versionen und Restaurierungen.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Zwischenpositiv / Interpositiv / Master-Positiv"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?