The National Film Archive of Japan has adopted the Cintel Scanner to digitize films from its vast collections, with the goal of making these treasures accessible via streaming platforms. The archive houses approximately 85,000 films at its Sagamihara Conservation Center, where the scanner is installed.
Archival Efforts and Digital Technology
Kazuki Miura, Associate Curator at the National Film Archive of Japan, explained that film remains their preferred medium for preserving moving images. The archive employs both in-house scanning and outsourcing to meet the increasing demand for digitization driven by streaming initiatives.
Currently, around 10 films are scanned each month using the Cintel Scanner, a choice made to train staff on digital technology while addressing growing demands.
Ease of Use and Cost Efficiency
The decision to use the Cintel Scanner was influenced by its affordability and ease of installation. Unlike other scanners that require extensive infrastructure investments, the Cintel Scanner connects via a single cable, similar to an external device attached to a PC.
Maintenance costs were another consideration. Miura noted that traditional systems often come with annual maintenance fees, whereas updates for the Cintel Scanner can be performed in-house, and repairs are only necessary if there is a problem.
Digitization Workflow
The archive operates three websites: Japanese Animated Film Classics, which features early Japanese animations; Meiji Period on Film, showcasing films from the Meiji era; and Films of the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. The archive plans to add more titles to the latter site in anticipation of the centennial of the Great Kanto Earthquake.
After scanning, footage is sent to the main building in Kyobashi for editing and grading using DaVinci Resolve Studio with a DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel. Once post-production is complete, the films are posted on one of the dedicated websites.
Future Prospects
Miura expressed hope that the Cintel Scanner's ease of use would encourage more creators to work with film in Japan, thereby revitalizing the industry. The archive plans to continue leveraging digital technology to preserve and promote its rich collection of films.