Industry acceptance of cost-effective 2 and 3-perf (perforations) film stock, which is being marketed as an alternative to Super 16 and 4-perf 35mm as well as digital HD, is gaining ground following a format demonstration held at Ascent 142 last week.

The 2-perf and 3-perf footage was shown alongside Super 16 footage to 13 directors of photography to showcase the quality of the pictures.

Several attendees were keen to support the drive, including the latest Silent Witness director of photography, Nick Knowland. He said: “Digital HD has some inflexibilities, the look can be difficult to manage and can actually cost more than film to post because of this. I hope it isn't too late to stop digital HD replacing film.”

In addition, DoP Martin Testar, who has worked on a number of high-profile commercials, said: “The formats are genuinely impressive but, to really succeed, rental companies will need to offer good deals on the cameras.”

The demo follows a series of positive announcements for 2-perf and 3-perf.

The BBC said it views 2-perf as acceptable for HD programming, while camera manufacturer Aaton has released Penelope (pictured), a camera capable of running 2 or 3-perf film for about half the price of competitor products. This was demoed by inventor Jean Pierre Beauviala at the event.

In addition, Channel 4 has commissioned a 2-perf 35mm feature, Scouting Book for Boys, being made by Celador.

BBC drama Tess of the D'Urbervilles was filmed on 3-perf film provided by Ascent Media in conjunction with Fuji.

With 2-perf, a 2.39:1 widescreen aspect ratio on standard 35mm film stock can be obtained using spherical lenses. It uses the complete width of the negative, but it is only two perforations high, thereby wasting less film.

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