About 1933, it was decided in the Sound Department of Walt Disney Studios that some procedure should be established whereby only "selected" takes would be sent to the laboratory for processing. With this in mind, the following system was adopted:
At the time of recording, the take numbers are punched in the film and a notch, similar to a timing notch, is punched on the edge of the film to assist the film breakdown man in locating the take number. After recording, the film is taken into the darkroom and broken down into "selected" and "hold" takes under a safelight. On each roll of film, two lamp tests are made. One of these tests goes to the laboratory with the "selected" takes and the other is held with the "hold" takes.
In case any of the "hold" takes are later sent to the laboratory for processing, all or part of this second lamp test is included with the film so it may be developed by the laboratory to set the developing time. The "hold" takes are held for a period of thirty days at the end of which time they are turned over to the Test Camera Department or Cutting Department. The Test Camera Department makes use of the long takes for photographing the original pencil animated drawings for test reels. The sound-track on the edge of the film is blocked off by the projection aperture, so is not seen. The Cutting Department uses a great deal of film for leader in animation tests and re-recording reels.
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