UK broadcasters accept Super 16mm for HD channels

The new standard resulted from a review by the BBC of its delivery requirements following the closure of the BBC HD channel, the launch of BBC One and Two HD and consultation with industry stakeholders.

It follows a campaign led by Directors UK and supported by Kodak, Deluxe, Panavision, i-Dailies, Cinelab and the British Society of Cinematographers.

Programmes shot on Super 16mm film will need to be agreed with the broadcaster during the commissioning process and there may be some restrictions applied.

The Digital Production Partnership DPP, the cross-broadcaster initiative led by the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, has now published a supplement to its delivery document, giving details of how Super 16mm acquired programme should be used.  

It will be applied by all broadcasters in the DPP, including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, S4C, BSkyB and BT Sport. 

BBC HD & UHDTV head of technology Andy Quested said: “The DPP Super 16mm document is a supplement to the main common technical standards and is for programmes that have been commissioned to shoot onSuper 16mm film.

“It outlines the process that has been agreed with Directors UK after seeing the results of tests that were carried out by BBC R&D.”

Chair of Directors UK’s Film Committee Iain Softley added: “Our campaign was about ensuring that filmmakers have the freedom to make the right choice - whether film or digital - for their projects, and it was clear that this had wide support from filmmakers and the industry. 

“The new delivery standards will protect creative choice for directors and I am delighted they have been agreed by all the leading UK broadcasters.”