Film Developer
えいがげんぞうこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A profession that chemically processes film for movies, turning exposed film into projectable negatives or positives.
Description
Film developers specialize in the process of chemically developing exposed film stock using chemicals to fix the images. They operate developing equipment in darkrooms or labs, performing a series of treatments with developer, stop bath, and fixer solutions. Strict management of temperature, chemical mixing, and processing times is required to produce high-quality negatives or positives without unevenness or contamination. After processing, they perform washing and drying, conduct quality inspections, and hand over to printing, digital scanning, or color grading. Requires knowledge of chemistry, machine operation, and quality control skills.
Future Outlook
Demand is declining due to the spread of digital shooting, but a certain level of demand remains for movie works seeking film texture and the analog revival trend. Lab operations are becoming smaller-scale and more automated.
Personality Traits
High Concentration / Meticulous / Strong Sense of Responsibility
Work Style
Factory Work / Night Shifts / Shift Work / Standing Work / Studio Work
Career Path
Assistant (Lab Staff) → Movie Film Developer → Lab Manager → Quality Control Supervisor → Post-Production Technician
Required Skills
Chemical Preparation Management / Darkroom Work / Film Developing Equipment Operation / Quality Inspection / Temperature Control
Recommended Skills
Color Grading / Digital Scanning / English Technical Document Reading / Image Processing
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because minute dirt or unevenness affects quality. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Because the work is highly procedural, creativity is not particularly required. |
Aliases
- Film Developing Technician
- Lab Technician
Related Jobs
- Color Grader
- Photo Developer
- Post-Production Technician