Blackmagic Cintel · 4K digital masters

Premium 16mm & 35mm film scanning

A frame-accurate, preservation-focused workflow for archive material, productions, restoration, grading and clients who want the strongest possible digital representation of their original film.

4K scanningProRes 422 HQMP4 viewing copy16mm & 35mmIn-house Cintel

Beyond a viewing transfer

A true digital master for serious film work

Premium Cintel scanning is intended for material where detail, tonal range, grain structure, stability and an editing-friendly master matter more than simply creating a convenient viewing copy.

  • Preserve maximum useful image detail and natural film grain
  • Retain tonal information for grading and restoration
  • Create stable, frame-accurate files for editing workflows
  • Support archive, broadcast, documentary and production use
  • Deliver a practical master plus an easy-to-view copy

What you receive

Useful deliverables, not just a large scan

4K

High-resolution scan

4K scanning unless another resolution or workflow is agreed for the project.

HQ

ProRes 422 HQ master

An archive- and edit-ready master suitable for professional post-production.

MP4

Viewing copy

A smaller MP4 for easy review, playback, sharing and approval.

BAL

Basic colour balance

Initial colour and density correction to provide a sensible starting point.

FILE

Logical organisation

Clear file naming and folder structure agreed around reels, cans or project references.

UK

In-house handling

Film is handled and scanned in-house at our Borehamwood studio.

Straightforward Cintel pricing

16mm and 35mm guide prices

Prices are per reel and assume continuous film that is correctly assembled and ready to scan. Larger, damaged, sound, negative and restoration projects are quoted individually.

FormatVisible footageGuide price
16mmUp to 200 ft£29.99
16mmUp to 400 ft£39
16mmUp to 800 ft£49
16mmUp to 1,200 ft£60
35mmUp to 200 ft£79
35mmUp to 400 ft£149
Other workLarger reels or complex preparationRequest a quote
The guide price includes: 4K scanning, a ProRes 422 HQ master, an MP4 viewing copy, basic colour/density balancing and organised files. Client-supplied storage is recommended.

Preparation and condition

What continuous-film pricing excludes

Splicing repairs

Failed, dried or missing joins that require new splices before safe scanning.

Damaged perforations

Torn sprocket holes, complex joins or edge damage requiring specialist handling.

Fragile or degraded film

Shrinkage, warping, brittleness, vinegar syndrome concerns or unstable film base.

Physical restoration

Cleaning, mould treatment, reconstruction and extensive preparation beyond routine setup.

If extra preparation is needed, we assess the film and obtain approval before adding work or cost.

Optional enhancements

Build the workflow around the film

Advanced cleaningDeeper cleaning and mould treatment where safe and appropriate.
Physical repairsSplicing, leader work, stabilisation and preparation for scanning.
Advanced gradingShot-by-shot colour work or a more developed restoration pass.
Restoration servicesNoise, dirt, flicker, stability and image repair quoted according to the material.
Rush turnaroundAvailable for some projects, subject to workload and film condition.

Professional workflows

Archive, production and white-label support

AV Transfers UK works with production companies, archives, collectors, dealers and other digitisation businesses. Deliverables can be adapted for editing, preservation and downstream post-production.

  • Trade and reseller pricing subject to volume and terms
  • Confidential white-label / OEM service
  • Client naming conventions and project inventories
  • ProRes, viewing copies and agreed custom outputs
  • Quantity and long-term project pricing
Professional capability

Premium scanning questions

Planning a Cintel project

Why choose ProRes 422 HQ?

It is a widely supported, high-quality production codec that balances image quality, editability and manageable storage. Other deliverables can be discussed where a project requires them.

Is the scan automatically fully restored?

No. The included service provides a high-resolution scan, basic colour/density balancing and organised deliverables. Advanced grading, dirt removal, image repair and restoration are separate processes.

Can you scan negative or unusual film elements?

Potentially. The gauge, element type, perforation, condition and intended result must be assessed. Send photographs and as much production information as possible.

How can I estimate footage?

Reel diameter, reel capacity markings and film build give an initial guide. Photographs of the reel, can and leader help us estimate, while final pricing is based on visible footage and work required.

Can you work to our file naming and folder specification?

Yes. Supply a spreadsheet, can/reel references and naming rules before scanning. Larger projects can include an agreed inventory and staged delivery workflow.

Do you offer trade or white-label scanning?

Yes. Trade and reseller arrangements are available subject to volume, delivery requirements and agreed terms. Work can be performed discreetly under a white-label arrangement.

Send us your film details

Include gauge, reel sizes, approximate footage, film condition, required masters and delivery deadline.