Methods of previewing and editing motion pictures

A method for editing motion pictures, the method comprising:

• transferring visual images from motion picture film to a high definition video storage medium;
• transferring the visual images from at least one of the group consisting of the motion picture film and the high definition video storage medium to a digital data storage format adapted for use with digital nonlinear motion picture editing equipment;
• using the digital nonlinear motion picture editing equipment to edit the visual images stored in the digital data storage format and to generate an edit decision list;
• conforming the visual images that have been transferred to the high definition video storage medium to the edit decision list;
• displaying the visual images that have been transferred to the high definition video storage medium and conformed to the edit decision list on a big theater-like screen that simulates cinema resolution and picture quality to an audience for preview screening;
• evaluating audience reaction to the preview screening;
• using the digital nonlinear motion picture editing equipment to edit the visual images stored in the digital data storage format and to generate a negative cutting list based on evaluation of the audience reaction to the preview screening;
• and
• conforming the motion picture film to the negative cutting list.

A method for editing motion pictures, the method comprising:

• transferring visual images from motion picture film to a high definition video storage medium;
• transferring the visual images from at least one of the group consisting of the motion picture film and the high definition video storage medium to a low definition video storage medium;
• transferring the visual images from at least one of the group consisting of the motion picture film, the high definition video storage medium and the low definition video storage medium to a digital data storage format adapted for use with digital nonlinear motion picture editing equipment;
• using the digital nonlinear motion picture editing equipment to edit the visual images stored in the digital data storage format and to generate a first edit decision list;
• conforming the visual images that have been transferred to the high definition video storage medium to the first edit decision list;
• displaying the visual images that have been transferred to the high definition video storage medium and conformed to the first edit decision list on a big theater-like screen that simulates cinema resolution and picture quality to an audience for preview screening;
• evaluating audience reaction to the preview screening;
• using the digital nonlinear motion picture editing equipment to edit the visual images stored in the digital data storage format and to generate a second edit decision list based on evaluation of the audience reaction to the preview screening;
• and
• conforming the motion picture film to the second edit decision list.