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Filmmaking Dictionary: Number 5 / 5-Perf 65mm / 70mm
Definition
5-perf describes a film frame that occupies five perforation pitches along the film’s direction of travel. In large-format filmmaking, it commonly refers to vertically transported 65mm camera negative and corresponding 70mm theatrical prints.
The number describes the frame’s relationship to the perforations, not the width of the stock. ’65mm’ and ’70mm’ describe film width. The combination of gauge, perforation count and transport direction identifies the format more clearly than any one number alone.
Capture and Presentation
A conventional five-perforation large-format production can photograph on 65mm negative and be exhibited on 70mm prints. The wider print historically provides space for sound information outside the picture area. A common presentation aspect ratio is approximately 2.20:1, although the actual release specification should always be checked.
A 70mm screening does not prove that the original photography used 65mm film. A release print may come from a different film gauge or a digital intermediate. Capture format, finishing process and exhibition format are separate stages.
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5-Perf Versus IMAX 15-Perf
- 5-perf large format: Film runs vertically, with five perforations associated with each frame.
- 15-perf IMAX film: Film runs horizontally, creating a much larger frame across fifteen perforation pitches.
- Picture shape: Five-perforation 70mm and full-height IMAX film presentation use different aspect ratios.
- Equipment: Cameras, magazines, scanning and projection arrangements must match the specific format.
Practical Production Considerations
Choosing five-perforation 65mm affects the camera package, stock consumption, loading, processing and scanning plan. It also changes lens coverage requirements. A lens designed for a smaller image area may vignette even if it can be physically attached to the camera.
For example, a production planning a 70mm release still needs to agree on framing guides and the final extraction. Protecting a wider capture area does not automatically make every alternate release ratio work. Composition and post-production requirements should be established before principal photography.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 5-perf mean five frames per second?
No. Perforations per frame and frame rate are different measurements. The camera’s running speed is specified separately.
Is all 65mm photography five-perforation?
No. Other transport arrangements exist, including the fifteen-perforation horizontal format associated with IMAX. Always identify the complete camera format.
Related Terms
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