8mm Forum: Protecting Films During A Move

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Posted by Scott Mallory (Member # 2393) on May 09, 2012, 01:31 AM:

This summer I'm moving from the very hot and humid Southern Indiana (almost Kentucky) to Montreal. It's a pretty long haul in a hot moving truck and I'm worried how I'll protect my film collection. Any ideas on the best way to pack and protect the films? Thanks, Scott

Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on May 09, 2012, 05:47 AM:

I one moved from Fiji, a humid country too, to Indonesia, a much humid ones and my films was moved with 20' container. It took 2 months for container to arrive..... And nothing happen to all my films.

I don't think high temperature in very short time wil harm your films as long as you do not directly expose them to the heat source (sunlight).

My 2 cents

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on May 09, 2012, 01:48 PM:

Hello Scott,thats sound advice from Winbert.All I could suggest
if you are really apprehensive,would be to make sure that they
are packed securely,and all loose ends of film taped down in their
boxes.Depending on the size of your collection,perhaps the use
of those "freezer packs" that are used in picnic cooler boxes might
offset some of the temperature.The b/w prints should be okay,it's
just your colour film that need special attention.Although as
Winbert said,his films were alright and he's been through it.

Posted by Greg Marshall (Member # 1268) on May 09, 2012, 07:31 PM:

Hey Scott.... didn't know you were that close to Nashville. Is the move permanent, or just for the summer?

Posted by Scott Mallory (Member # 2393) on May 10, 2012, 01:03 AM:

Thanks guys, I have OCD about my films as it is, and I'd hate for the move to trash the collection. I'll just go above and beyond packing the films and projectors. I recently also got 5 old theater seats from the 50s. Beautiful hardwood backs and iron frames. Hopefully they won't get tossed around too bad either, lol. And Greg, we're going to be there for 3 years! Target is launching a chain of stores in Canada and my wife is part of the effort. Should be quite an adventure. I hope there's film groups and conventions there.

Posted by Akshay Nanjangud (Member # 2828) on May 10, 2012, 01:42 AM:

Scott, I can lighten your burden. Since shorts are lighter, you could move those quite easily. I see features being the main problem. With this logic in place, I suggest you media mail your choice features to me! [Big Grin]

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on May 10, 2012, 05:05 AM:

Might sound a bit over the top but I lined storage cupboards with foil to help maintain a cool temperature.

Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on May 10, 2012, 09:15 AM:

Scott,

You are transporting print film not fresh films, so temperature is not that issue, as long as it not extreme. I can say it is like you are transporting color posters. If you put a poster into direct sunlight of course it is going to get color fade, otherwise it will be fine.

Just for your peace of mind, during the 35mm era, print films were packed inside cans and distributed around the world by wood pallet. They arrived no wrong in cinemas.

As I am in Canada, I can assure you that Montreal is the best place for film group, as many Canadian movies are made in Montreal (Quebec). But those groups more to film makers/shooters not collectors like us.

I have been here in Canada for 3 years but don't really see movie collectors. Most projectors I have found is the most common Bell & Howell.

cheers,

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on May 10, 2012, 01:02 PM:

I saw the title and for a second I thought it said "Projecting Films During A Move"

I thought "Well, if you stayed in a hotel room with white walls..."

-but seriously folks:

I'd be just as concerned about the projectors. Especially the ones in operating shape I'd want to keep in my own custody rather than tossed around by movers.

If you are doing a move where they pack your car in the van, inside the car would probably be the most shock free environment. Ditto If you are driving it yourself, just be prepared to negotiate this with the rest of the occupants.

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on May 10, 2012, 02:40 PM:

I like the "projecting during a move" Steve,it conjures up this
vision of silhouettes on the screen of removal men carting Scott's
furniture to the truck.

Posted by Dino Everette (Member # 1378) on May 10, 2012, 06:53 PM:

Scott, yes I would simply make sure you pack them in moving boxes with absolutely no chance for movement within the box, so they won't shift around, but you will be safe...I have drive a van filled with nitrate across states with no problems...The temp is not going to have a chance to have much of an effect on them for such a short move unless it was an open bed truck or something...But in a moving truck it may get warm, but not enough to cause damage...YOUR PROJECTORS on the other hand could get destroyed, so I would say pack them in a box, and then put that box into a bigger box filled with popcorn, or foam or something soft and protective, other wise you may be sorry.

Posted by Scott Mallory (Member # 2393) on May 10, 2012, 11:54 PM:

Wow, thanks guys for all the great suggestions and your generous offer Akshay, lol. Yes I will super-pack the projectors and that's a good idea about putting them in the car. Wife and kids are flying, but I have to carpool with an old German Shepherd that would not do good on a flight. It's going to be a long drive! Winbert, I was excited about Montreal because they have a theater that shows 16mm prints, which I also collect, but they just announced they're shutting their doors for good in a couple of weeks. Maybe a new theater effort or group will come out of it?

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