Kodak in Hollywood: A Changing Picture (Part 1)

We take you to Hollywood for a closer look at what Kodak's bankruptcy means to the entertainment industry.

It's where movies are filmed and stars created.

But is Kodak film still a part of the magic?

News 8's Caroline Tucker went to find out how the picture is changing for Kodak in Hollywood:

Almost every best picture nominated for an Academy Award this Oscar season was shot on Kodak film. But while the company's business picture is changing, it's still playing a role in Hollywood.

It takes a lot of work to make movie magic.

Inside Pro8mm, they are doing work that makes it to the big and small screen.

The company processes a film format of the past: Super 8.

It's that format of film that gives everything that "home video" quality.

The company has worked on projects like "500 Days of Summer" and Steven Spielberg's "Super 8."

"It's got a grain, it's got that jitter Super 8 has and really it has the depth that video can't duplicate and that's really with film in general," said Scott Sawyer, sales manager at Pro8mm.

Since the 1970's, the company has used Kodak products.

Even today, 80 to 85-percent come from the Rochester company.

"Kodak is the leader in film, they have always been that way," said Sawyer.

Whether it's the chemicals used or the 35mm film stock that's cut down to create 8mm.

The company is well aware of Kodak's troubles but not troubled about supply.

"I haven't heard anything from our Kodak reps or anything like that," said Sawyer.

It's a company that works on preserving the past as the future continues to evolve.

Caroline: "What would you guys do if Kodak didn't make film anymore? Would you guys just go elsewhere?"

Scott Sawyer: "Fuji still makes film, we would work with Fuji film stocks, unless they went out then I don't know what we would do because we can't produce films. But I really don't think Kodak will give up on it"

Over on the set of the hit television show Glee, Kodak plays a part of the production.

I sat down with Michael Goi, Director of Photography.

"That you could take individual still photographs and create movies and create emotion," said Michael Goi, who has worked for numerous television and film projects.

He is also President for the American Society of Cinematographers.

"When I finish a motion picture film, I ask if I can rewind the last roll of film, and hold it in my hands and see where the cuts are," said Goi.

For, Goi that's the magic.

Magic created for years by Kodak.

"Film is still very relevant," he said.

Despite a push to digital, Glee shoots on Kodak film.

Goi says the reason they use 35 mm film to shoot Glee is because they love the color, clarity, and it moves quickly.

"Especially musical production numbers, we need to run cameras quickly," said Goi.

Goi says he's shot on every format but for him film is a constant.

"We know with some certainty that you can put a can of 35 mm film on a shelf in cool, dry conditions, and it will last over 100 years. But no one can tell you what will be the digital archival method of 20 years from now or 10 years from now," said Goi.

Goi doesn't deny that film might one day fade.

His hope is that bankruptcy is good for Kodak so it can focus on what it does best.

Caroline: "Do you think it will still be good for the film industry? Is there any worry?"

Goi: "There's speculation but don't think there is overwhelming concern because there is plenty of stock and both Kodak and Fuji continue to make film stock."

Caroline: "What is your hope for Kodak's role in film industry?"

Goi: "I hope to continue to have the option of shooting film and shooting Kodak film."

Even in the television and film industry, its unknown for many to predict what the future will hold for Kodak.

There is a hope that it gets brighter for the company that put so many movies on the big screen.

Part II of our series Kodak in Hollywood: A Changing Picture will air on Thursday, February 23 at 11pm.