1 The Director of Photography – an overview

Using the 18 per cent grey card 119
so wished, automatically grade the following scenes to it. At the same
time, the machinery will log the grading in points very similar to
printer lights and can be asked to print this report to either a floppy
disk or a hard-copy printer. The cinematographer can then receive a
report from a direct negative-to-tape transfer, which is just as informative
as they used to get from the film grader.
I have gone over to using the Kodak 18 per cent grey card, whether
the laboratory I happen to be using has the electronics or not, as it is
by far the most accurate and consistent card I have come across.
If you acquire a Kodak card it comes with very good instructions on
the back so you can refresh your mind as to how to use it.
Conclusions
1 You can use an 18 per cent grey card to communicate your grading
wishes to the film laboratory.
2 You can control both the density and colour of the print or tape
transfer by using the card.
3 You must state your wish to grade to the grey card on the laboratory
report sheet.
4 Talk to your laboratory before you start shooting and tell them
what you intend to do.
5 It is a good idea to put a message on the card itself to reinforce the
message – your laboratory will appreciate this.