Pricing
Archives Filmworks' fees are are not based on an hourly charge, but on a price for each individual reel (a static amount) and the length of the film on each reel (a variable amount). Specifically, for each reel we charge $60 no matter the length, plus $0.30 per foot of film on that reel. We break it down this way because some of our services are provided for each reel of film regardless of length (archival rehousing, labeling, producing copies, and creating a curatorial report) and some that are best measured by the length of the film (examination, repair, cleaning, transferring to a digital file, and adjusting the digital file for brightness, contrast, color fading, etc.). But you can be assured that the price bid is the price you pay -- regardless of the time we need to spend on a particular reel.
So, how can you estimate your cost? Here are some examples of our pricing on common film reel sizes (reel diameters are approximate; running times are at "sound speed" of 24 frames per second):
100' film 3.50" reel diameter 2.8 minutes running time $90
200' film 5.00" reel diameter 5.6 minutes running time $120
400' film 7.25" reel diameter 11.1 minutes running time $180
600' film 9.25" reel diameter 16.7 minutes running time $240
800' film 10.25" reel diameter 22.2 minutes running time $300
1200' film 12.50" reel diameter 33.6 minutes running time $420
1600' film 13.75" reel diameter 44.5 minutes running time $540
2000' film 15.00" reel diameter 55.3 minutes running time $660
If you estimate what you have based on these figures, the result may be liberal since the reels might not be full. But at least the costs would be no more than those listed.
Another way to estimate your footage is to look at the reel the film is on. Film reels will often have footage measurements on them, which can yield fairly accurate estimates. Also, if you know how many minutes a film runs, you can multiply that by 36 (the number of feet per minute at sound speed of 24 frames per second) to give you an estimate of the total footage.
Finally, we can also give you an exact quote by measuring the films, which we can do for you with no further obligation to use our services. In any case, the billing will be based on exact footage. We level no extra charges if a particular film requires more attention than another.
So, how can you estimate your cost? Here are some examples of our pricing on common film reel sizes (reel diameters are approximate; running times are at "sound speed" of 24 frames per second):
100' film 3.50" reel diameter 2.8 minutes running time $90
200' film 5.00" reel diameter 5.6 minutes running time $120
400' film 7.25" reel diameter 11.1 minutes running time $180
600' film 9.25" reel diameter 16.7 minutes running time $240
800' film 10.25" reel diameter 22.2 minutes running time $300
1200' film 12.50" reel diameter 33.6 minutes running time $420
1600' film 13.75" reel diameter 44.5 minutes running time $540
2000' film 15.00" reel diameter 55.3 minutes running time $660
If you estimate what you have based on these figures, the result may be liberal since the reels might not be full. But at least the costs would be no more than those listed.
Another way to estimate your footage is to look at the reel the film is on. Film reels will often have footage measurements on them, which can yield fairly accurate estimates. Also, if you know how many minutes a film runs, you can multiply that by 36 (the number of feet per minute at sound speed of 24 frames per second) to give you an estimate of the total footage.
Finally, we can also give you an exact quote by measuring the films, which we can do for you with no further obligation to use our services. In any case, the billing will be based on exact footage. We level no extra charges if a particular film requires more attention than another.
Additional copies of optical disks
The general fees above include one optical disk: a video DVD or a digital file of the client's preference. Additional disks are $15 each. Additional fees may apply for portable hard drive or Cloud delivery; contact us for pricing.
Requesting a bid and contract
Use the Contact us page to request a a bid. We will need the number of films and the actual or estimated footage length of each (see above on this page for suggestions for estimating film footage length). Contracts are avalable for institutions that require them; for the language used therein, see the sample Contract.
Shipping
Actual shipping costs to and from Archives Filmworks is covered by the client. Archives Filmworks uses FedEx Ground, but can use another carrier at the client’s request. Tracking numbers are provided. Shipments are insured for the amount of the bid unless otherwise requested by the client.
Billing
Invoices are sent upon return of the original film(s) and delivery of the job products -- no need to pay in advance. Payment is due within thirty days of the date on the invoice.
Some thoughts on funding. . .
Most of the large US granting agencies (like the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Council on Library and Information Resources, and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission and others) will fund work on heritage films and film collections. The National Film Preservation Foundation funds work specifically for film preservation. But don't forget regional and local foundations, organizational sponsors or private individuals, too, who might have an interest in the content of a film in your collections. A film may also be of interest to corporate bodies and other archives, which might share the burden of cost in exchange for a useable copy of the film.
Films may also be useful internally as both a marketing tool and part of a revenue stream. The effectiveness of moving images for exhibit and promotional purposes cannot be understated. And a film may pique the interest of a media producer or researcher, who can fund work on the film, all or in part, through special access and use fees.
In any case, content is the key -- the images and themes exhibited in a reel of film will be the foundation of any funding request.
Films may also be useful internally as both a marketing tool and part of a revenue stream. The effectiveness of moving images for exhibit and promotional purposes cannot be understated. And a film may pique the interest of a media producer or researcher, who can fund work on the film, all or in part, through special access and use fees.
In any case, content is the key -- the images and themes exhibited in a reel of film will be the foundation of any funding request.