The processing of motion picture film is considerably a lot more complicated than consumer film. There are also complex processing cycles, intermediate film stages and other steps which allow for optical and digital sound tracks. Special optical or digital effects may also need to be added into the original negative and each step adds a new potential for film damage. With the potential of hundreds of thousands of dollars spent just on one day's shooting, the negative is a very valuable item which must be protected at all times.
Any damage represents significant costs to the production company.
More and more quality minded motion picture laboratories recognize the need for exceptional quality to provide customers with peace of mind. Kodak designed the imagecare TM Program to assist such motion picture laboratories in implementing the procedures and processes required for reliable and consistent processing. Reassessment is repeated every 12 months and the laboratory must demonstrate that it continues to meet Program requirements. Continued self-assessment means that the company constantly monitors their own standards, thus being in a sound position to find any deviations from the norm. Similar to ISO 9000, the imagecare TM Program requires laboratories to standardize and document their procedures, monitor and control their processes, and be able to demonstrate that they are following the procedures and checklists they have documented.