elokuvaaineistoa

Elokuvaaineistoa, meaning "film material" or "film stock" in Finnish, refers to the raw film stock used in the production of motion pictures. It is a light-sensitive material that captures images when exposed to light. Historically, film stock was made of celluloid, a plastic derived from cellulose nitrate or cellulose acetate. Modern film stock typically uses a polyester base, which is more stable and less flammable.

The composition of film stock includes several layers. The base layer provides structural support. On top of this is an emulsion layer containing silver halide crystals, which are sensitive to light. When light strikes these crystals, it causes a chemical change, forming an invisible latent image. This image is then made visible through a chemical developing process. Different types of film stock are designed for various purposes, such as black and white, color, and various sensitivities to light (ISO or ASA ratings). The choice of film stock significantly impacts the aesthetic qualities of the final image, including grain, color rendition, and contrast. Although digital filmmaking has become dominant, film stock is still utilized by some filmmakers for its unique visual characteristics and artistic appeal. The handling and storage of film stock require specific conditions to prevent degradation and ensure image quality.