Summary
- Olivia Wilde visited Kodak’s motion picture film laboratory in New York
- The tour was produced in connection with A24’s “The Invite”
- The video shows the developing, cleaning and inspection of motion picture film
- The film was shot on 35mm by cinematographer Adam Newport-Berra
- The footage reveals the industrial and highly specialized nature of analog film processing
Olivia Wilde follows the journey of motion picture film inside Kodak’s New York laboratory.
A new video from Kodak and A24 shows director and actor Olivia Wilde touring the facility where motion picture film is processed, as part of the promotion for her film “The Invite.”
The tour is particularly interesting because it reveals a part of movie production that audiences rarely see: an environment that feels more industrial and practical than polished, where film passes through several stages before the images can reach the screen.
Behind the doors of the laboratory
The video avoids an overly polished presentation and records the laboratory as it actually operates. Metal surfaces, large machines, pipes, chemical tanks and controlled-light areas create an environment that resembles a production facility rather than a modern creative studio.
Wilde observes the main stages that follow the completion of a shoot. The exposed film is received, prepared under darkroom conditions and passed through specialized developing, cleaning and drying systems.
It is a process that requires precision, as any problem during handling or chemical processing can permanently affect the footage captured on set.
The connection to “The Invite”
The visit was organized as part of the promotion for “The Invite,” the new film directed by Olivia Wilde and distributed by A24.
The production also stars Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton, while Wilde appears in front of the camera as well. Adam Newport-Berra served as cinematographer.
The film was shot on 35mm, a choice that affects not only the visual style but also the entire workflow. Unlike an entirely digital production, the material must first be developed and inspected before it can be scanned and incorporated into the editing and color-grading process.
Motion picture film as a physical medium
The most important aspect of the tour is that it highlights the physical nature of film. The images are not initially stored in a digital file but recorded on a fragile strip of light-sensitive material that must be transported, developed and protected.
This means that every shot depends on a chain of specialized technicians, laboratory procedures and strict quality controls. Their work usually remains invisible to the audience, but it is essential for preserving the image designed by the director and cinematographer.
Why productions are returning to film
Despite the dominance of digital cameras, a number of filmmakers continue to choose film for its color reproduction, highlight response, texture and grain.
The decision is not simply a nostalgic reference to the past. For many productions, film is a deliberate creative tool that influences the lighting, the pace of shooting and the overall visual character of the movie.
Kodak’s new footage also shows that analog cinematography depends on a complex technical infrastructure that must remain operational for the medium to remain viable.
What we think
Olivia Wilde’s tour offers a rare and compelling look at the hidden side of motion picture film. Without trying to make the facility appear more glamorous than it is, the video highlights the skill and precision required to transform exposed camera frames into images ready for the big screen.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the laboratory Olivia Wilde visited?
The tour took place at Kodak’s motion picture film laboratory in New York.
Why is the visit connected to “The Invite”?
The video was produced in connection with Olivia Wilde’s “The Invite,” which was shot on 35mm motion picture film.
What happens to film after shooting?
The exposed film is delivered to the laboratory and passes through preparation, chemical developing, cleaning, drying and inspection. It can then be scanned for digital post-production.
Who is the cinematographer of the film?
Adam Newport-Berra served as cinematographer on “The Invite.”
Why is motion picture film still used?
Some filmmakers choose it for its color rendition, grain, texture and response to light, as well as for the different working discipline it creates during production.
