Overview
ISO 12612:2016 - "Cinematography - Interchange of post-production sprocket-based materials" defines parameters and technical characteristics for the international exchange of post‑production film and magnetic sound elements for 35 mm and 70 mm formats. The standard also specifies an objective method for evaluating picture‑image quality using a standardized test image (the LAD - Laboratory Aim Density test image) spliced into camera originals and read through duplication stages.
Key topics
- Scope and formats
- Applies to post‑production picture and sound elements for 35 mm and 70 mm motion pictures.
- Cutting, perforating and picture area
- Cutting and perforating dimensions: references to ISO 491 (35 mm) and ISO 3023 (65/70 mm); Type N and P perforations and pitches noted for original and projection material.
- Position and dimensions of picture areas: conformity with ISO 2906, ISO 2907 and ISO 2467.
- Splices and leaders
- Splices must comply with ISO 6038.
- Leaders (head/tail) per ISO 4241; includes a required “Head Sync” mark on Picture Gate frame (frame 192).
- LAD test image recommended to replace 1–6 frames within head leader frames 97–102 so printing reaches steady speed.
- Photographic characteristics & LAD system
- Objective densitometric control using the LAD control patch spliced into original negatives.
- Densitometry methods: ISO 5‑2 and ISO 5‑3 for diffuse transmission measurements (Status M for reproduction materials; Status A for projection materials).
- Aim densities specified for camera negative, master positive, duplicate negative and projection print (projection LAD neutral grey = 1.00 equivalent neutral density).
- Sound element requirements
- Cutting and perforating for 35 mm magnetic film per ISO 491; 17.5 mm permitted by agreement.
- Track positions and assignments per ISO 162 (35 mm) and ISO 9525 (17.5 mm).
- Nominal velocity tied to picture frame rate (normally 24 fps ≈ 45.6 cm/s).
- Recording rules: magnetic film without splices where possible; max two editorial splices per roll.
- Track configurations for monophonic and stereophonic interchange (three‑track, four‑track, matrix encoded or discrete formats).
Applications and users
ISO 12612:2016 is used by:
- Film laboratories and duplication houses for consistent print and intermediate creation
- Post‑production facilities and color timers performing grading/timing using the LAD control
- Sound houses and transfer facilities defining track assignments and delivery formats
- Distributors, archivists and quality‑control engineers ensuring international interchangeability of sprocket‑based picture and sound materials
Benefits include reliable tonal and color reproduction, predictable intercutability between originals and duplicates, and standardized sound track exchange.
Related standards
Key referenced standards include ISO 491, ISO 3023, ISO 2906, ISO 2907, ISO 2467, ISO 6038, ISO 5‑2, ISO 5‑3, ISO 2910, ISO 4241, ISO 162, ISO 9525 and others governing film dimensions, densitometry, leaders and sound head gaps.