How many times have you used Kodak as an example of a company that failed to move with the times? Well, err…
Iconic photography brand Kodak is hitting the pause button on film production at its big New York factory, in what is probably the surest sign yet that film is back.
They’re giving the place a massive upgrade to modernise the process and keep up with the exploding demand for film, both for movies and good ol’ still photography. I can’t tell if it’s a bold move… we’ll see. They’re properly invested, though, with 350 new workers added since 2021 to meet the demand for 35mm film.
“Our film sales have increased on motion picture and in still film and other films. So on film, we’re doing a shutdown in November, total shutdown,” Kodak CEO Jim Continenza said during the company’s Q3 2024 quarterly earnings call.
“We’ve continued to invest in our manufacturing process, while we need to shut down completely to bring light into the dark, right? Film is made in the dark.”
The pause shouldn’t impact availability, though – Kodak says it cranked up production before the shutdown to stockpile enough film to keep shelves full while the factory gets its glow-up.
Funnily enough, I have roughly zero interest in pursuing film photography – my ADHD demands the instant fix that only digital photos can deliver – but I’m honestly super glad to see it having this moment. I hope it lasts!
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