Master Copy: Overview
The master copy serves as the authoritative source for all subsequent reproductions of a film. In the analog realm, this was often a high‑grade internegative or interpositive; in digital workflows, it is a digital master file conforming to a specified codec and resolution standard.
Maintaining the integrity of the master copy is paramount: any damage or degradation at this stage propagates into all distribution formats. Secure storage, redundancy, and archival protocols ensure the master remains pristine for future remastering and reissues.
Formats and Preservation
Analog masters include:
- Interpositives (IP): Positive prints struck from the original negative.
- Internegatives (IN): Negatives made from the interpositive to preserve the camera negative.
Digital masters adhere to specifications such as:
| Format | Codec | Resolution | Bit Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProRes 4444 | Apple | up to 8K | 12‑bit |
| DPX Sequence | SMPTE | 2K/4K | 10‑bit |
| IMF Package | SMPTE | 4K | 12‑bit |
Proper migration strategies are essential to avoid format obsolescence and ensure long‑term accessibility.