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Right Lab

personal service
Another good reason to go through a smaller lab is that you are more likely to get good one-on-one service. Bigger labs are less likely to call if there are any problems or questions and may just shelf your film until you contact them. Be especially careful if you're not sending in very much film, because a big lab is more likely to lose your film completely. It is important that you develop a personal relationship with your lab. Find out the name of the person you're talking to and introduce yourself. Take them into your confidence. Tell them about any problems you've been having, no matter how small. They may be able to give you some valuable suggestions or information.

When you do determine which lab you plan to go through, call the lab and ask them specific questions. When you send your film to the lab, include clear, concise and complete instructions.

turnaround time
Very important if you have tight deadlines. Larger labs with well known reputations might have good prices but there might also be a two week backlog. Large labs also may put your project on the backburner if you don't have very much film, money or clout. Smaller labs may cost more but they might be able to process your film as soon as it arrives.

price
Is it by the foot or is there an hourly rate? Are there minimums?

technical services
What stocks do they develop? Do they do transfers? What tape mediums do they transfer to? Do they do postsyncing?

location
Although not as important when you use reliable overnight carriers, it will make communication with the lab more difficult. If your lab isn't local, you won't be able to tour the facility or supervise the transfer of your film.


Excerpted from: http://www.24fps.com
This article was acquired on the "fair use" basis.
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