DEVELOPING FILM AT HOME

Project Summary

I created a beginner-friendly instructional video that teaches how to develop film at home using a simple step-by-step process. The goal was to make a technical workflow more approachable by combining visual demonstrations, clear narration, and on-screen text, so that viewers can understand the basics and feel confident trying it themselves.

This assignment also includes a follow-along text guide to support the video, as well as a reflection where I share what worked, what didn’t, and what I would improve moving forward.

VIDEO TUTORIAL

Reflection

This project made me realize how easy it is to forget what it feels like to be a beginner.

Film development feels straightforward to me now, but breaking it down for someone new forced me to rethink everything:

  • What actually matters

  • What can be skipped

  • What would confuse someone right away

A lot of tutorials overcomplicate this process or rush through it. I wanted to avoid that and keep things clear and usable.

What I Focused On

  • Clarity over completeness
    I didn’t try to include everything—just what’s needed to successfully develop a first roll.

  • Simple, direct explanations
    Avoiding unnecessary jargon and keeping things easy to follow.

  • Tone
    Making the process feel approachable instead of intimidating.

UDL Takeaway

Using multiple ways to present information made a big difference:

  • Visual (demonstration)

  • Verbal (simple explanation)

  • Text (key steps + timing)

Not everyone learns the same way, and combining these helped make the process easier to follow.

What I’d Improve

1. Visual Consistency

  • Footage was shot on different days with different lighting

  • Background (my apartment) can be distracting

  • Next time:
    → Shoot everything in a controlled studio environment
    → Keep lighting + framing consistent

2. Information Delivery
I struggled with how much info to include on screen:

  • Option 1: Put everything as text in the video

  • Option 2: Use a supplemental document

I chose the second option to avoid overwhelming viewers or forcing them to read too much while watching.

Going forward:

  • Find a better balance

  • Add short sections where:

    • Key info is shown on screen

    • AND narrated at the same time

  • Give viewers time to process important details

Overall Takeaway

This project wasn’t just about explaining a process—it was about making something people can actually use.

It forced me to think less about what I know and more about:

  • What the viewer needs

  • What actually helps them follow along

  • What makes them feel confident enough to try it themselves

FILM DEVELOPING GUIDE

This is meant to be used with the video, not instead of it.
Keep this nearby while you’re working so you don’t have to remember everything.

Before You Start

What you need (bare minimum):

  • Developing tank + reel

  • Chemicals (CineStill or similar)

  • Gloves

  • Thermometer

  • Scissors

  • Dark bag (or fully dark room)

  • Bottles for chemicals

Quick notes:

  • Chemicals ≈ 102°F (39°C)

  • Wear gloves

  • Work near a sink

  • Don’t rush

Step 1 — Load Film (IN THE DARK)

You cannot skip this part. No light.

What you’re doing:

  • Open film canister

  • Cut off the leader

  • Feed film onto reel

  • Place reel into tank

  • Seal the tank

Key points:

  • Use your fingers to guide the film—don’t force it

  • If it jams, stop and reset

  • Practice with a junk roll if you can

Once the tank is closed → you’re safe to turn the lights back on.

Step 2 — Prep Chemicals

Follow the instructions from your kit.

Focus on:

  • Measuring correctly

  • Mixing fully (no powder left)

  • Labeling everything

Important:

  • Keep chemicals separate (don’t cross-contaminate)

  • Temperature matters—get close to 102°F

Step 3 — Develop

Have a timer ready.

1. Pre-Rinse (Optional but recommended)

  • Warm water (~102°F)

  • ~1 minute

  • Dump

2. Developer

  • Time: ~3.5 minutes

  • Pour in → start timer

Agitation:

  • First 10 seconds: continuous

  • Then: every 30 seconds

  • Just invert the tank (don’t shake)

Dump when time is up.

3. Blix (Bleach + Fix)

  • Time: ~6–8 minutes

  • Same agitation method

Dump when done.

Step 4 — Rinse + Final Step

  • Rinse with water: ~3 minutes

  • You can open the tank now

Final rinse (recommended):

  • Photo-Flo + distilled water

  • Quick swirl

  • Dump

Step 5 — Dry

  • Hang film in a clean area

  • Use clips to hold it straight

Wait at least:

  • 1 hour (minimum)

  • Longer is better

Don’t touch the film surface while it’s wet.

Simple Tips (That Actually Matter)

  • Temperature consistency > perfection

  • Timing matters—don’t guess

  • Don’t over-agitate

  • Don’t touch the image area

  • Stay organized (caps, chemicals, tools)

Common Mistakes

  • Forcing film onto the reel

  • Mixing up chemicals

  • Wrong temperature

  • Rushing steps

  • Overthinking everything

Final Thought

This feels like a lot the first time. That’s normal.

After 2–3 rolls, it clicks.

You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to get through the process once.