filmproperty

Filmproperty is a term used in information management and media archiving to denote any attribute that characterizes a film asset. In this context, a property may refer to physical characteristics of film stock, technical specifications of digital files, or descriptive and rights-related metadata associated with the work. It is not a single standardized field, but a broad category used across databases and schemas to organize data about a film.

Properties fall into several broad groups. Physical properties include format, stock type, gauge, exposure index, frame rate, aspect ratio, and color or black-and-white processes. Digital properties cover resolution, aspect ratio, codec, bit depth, color space, duration, file size, and audio configuration. Descriptive properties capture the title, director, cast, synopsis, genres, production year, and language. Rights and provenance properties record ownership, licensing terms, release history, and embargo or access restrictions.

Standards and schemas often used to structure filmproperty data include Dublin Core, PREMIS, XMP, and SMPTE metadata practices, sometimes complemented by identifiers such as ISAN. These frameworks support interoperability, provenance tracking, and preservation actions.

Applications of the concept include cataloging in film archives and libraries, metadata management in digital asset management systems, and rights management for distribution and streaming. Accurate filmproperty data aids searchability, automated workflows, restoration planning, and long-term preservation by documenting both technical and contextual characteristics of film works.

Challenges include data inconsistency across collections, evolving codecs and formats, and the need for shared vocabularies to ensure interoperability. Ongoing efforts focus on standardized vocabularies, automated metadata extraction, and robust preservation metadata.