Chemical film can't be seen instantly, and video recordings can be read only with the help of an
electrical machine. But why be concerned with producing and viewing an image instantly? And what
format can we use to ensure instant, durable images?
The Paper Movie Process
Imagine a motion picture camera that, instead of recording pictures to chemical film or an electronic
format, records pictures to a reel of paper using ink. It is essentially a video camera hooked up to a very
fast printer with a large, continuous supply of paper. For every second the camera is in operation, 30 frames
are printed onto paper without delay. The images can be instantly viewed by the human eye without an electronic
playback device or chemical processing, and are ready to be archived without concern of the future
availability of playback devices.
Plus, when properly stored, paper and ink will easily outlast video and film by hundreds of years.
Sketch of paper movie concept
Inspiration
The origin of this format, like many modern technologies, is inspired by the cold war. While
viewing a repeat of The Day After in late 2006, I found myself very emotionally engaged in the
movie. For those unfamiliar with it, The Day After was a 1983 made for TV film depicting
the devastating effects of a USA-Soviet nuclear war. As a photography enthusiast, I carry around
a small camera with me wherever I go. While viewing the attack scene, I had an impulse to reach for my
camera. But then I thought, no, a video recording would not be possible because
the electromagnetic pulse from the nuclear bomb would disable all electronics. So then I thought
"Okay, I would have to use a wind-up film camera." But the radiation from the bomb might fog the film.
So what media would survive the aftermath of a nuclear war, with no availability of photo labs or
electrical power? The best choice is ink and paper. I sketched out my first design as the fictional war
played out on the TV screen.
After this initial burst of inspiration, I realized that the Paper Movie Process requires electricity, leaving it
as susceptible as a video camera. And the effects of fallout on movie film are unknown, and are probably not as
disabling as an airport x-ray scanner. Also, both video and film cameras can be shielded from the effects
of electromagnetic pulses and radiation.
But in the end, this led to greater thoughts about the problems of archiving film and video recordings. As
we abandon chemical film for electronic-based storage, our shared media became more volatile than ever.
At the very least, the existence of a device which instantly produces motion pictures lasting hundreds or years
might bring to light the problems of electronically stored media.
Media and Playback
For best results, archival, acid-free paper and archival quality pigment inks should be used to ensure
centuries-long storage potential.
Paper movies can be viewed in their native format with a device resembling a modified zoetrope
or praxinoscope. More likely, they will be scanned or re-photographed with a popular video format of
whatever future era it finds itself in.
