Company Creates New Post to Ease Studio Concerns Over Motion Picture Film

Kodak appointed Christian Richter to the newly created position of Film Lab and Studio Relationship Manager, effective immediately, the company said. 

Richter, who reports to Andrew Evenski, president and GM of the Kodak's Entertainment Imaging Division, takes on responsibilities related to workflow involving studios, filmmakers, film labs, and post facilities.

"There is a growing concern that the changes occurring in the industry will be detrimental to the motion-picture film infrastructure, and we want to alleviate that concern," Evenski said in a prepared statement that seemed crafted to address Kodak's own business woes as much as the ongoing, industry-wide transition to digital acquisition and exhibition. "There is a thriving, global lab network and many filmmakers are choosing film."

Richter has worked for Kodak's Entertainment Imaging division since 1997. His tenure has included management of initiatives for students, film schools, and emerging filmmakers in Germany and general management of Kodak's Cinelabs in Dubai and Bulgaria. In his new role, he will continue as business manager for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

"I want to make it as easy as possible for filmmakers to shoot on film, regardless of where they are shooting around the globe," Richter said in a prepared statement. "Filmmakers do not have to shy away from using film because of uncertainties around the availability of laboratory services."

Late last month, Kodak reached an agreement to sell off a large chunk of its business in a $3 billion deal that positioned the remainder of the company, including the motion-picture film business, to emerge from bankruptcy later this year.

Kodak also announced that director Marc Webb and DP Dan Mindel, ASC, BSC, are shooting The Amazing Spider-Man 2 on Kodak Vision3 5219, 5213, 5207, and 5203 film stock. Second-unit DP Bruce McCleery shot part of the film in Kodak's hometown of Rochester, NY, earlier this month.

For more information: kodak.com/go/motion