reel - Uses, Motion Picture Terminology

In photography, (1) a flanged spool on which long lengths of film or tape may be wound, or (2) the roll of motion-picture film that forms a convenient length for handling a section of a programme during editing and printing. A typical feature film comprises 5 or 6 reels, each 500–600 m/1600–2000 ft in length.

Generally a reel has a cylindrical core and walls on the sides to retain the material wound around the core. In some cases the core is hollow, although other items may be mounted on it, and grips may exist for mechanically turning the reel.

Other issues affecting the core size include:

Mechanical strength of the core (especially with large reels) Acceptable turning speed (for a given rate of material moving on or off the reel a smaller core will mean that an almost empty reel has to turn faster) any functional requirements of the core e.g. For a reel that must be mechanically turned the size of the grips that mount it on the mechanical turning device. the sockets on an extension reel)

With material such as photographic film that is flat and long but is relatively wide, the material generally is stored in successive single layers. In cases where the material is more uniform in cross-section (for example, a cable), the material may be safely wound around a reel that is wider than its width.

Uses

A fishing reel is used on a fishing rod to wind the fishing line up. Most rope and cable is supplied on reels

Motion Picture Terminology

It is traditional to discuss the length of theatrical motion pictures in terms of "reels." The standard length of a 35 mm motion picture reel is 1000 feet.

The "reel" was established as a standard measurement because of considerations in printing motion picture film at a film laboratory, for shipping (especially the film case sizes) and for the size of the physical film magazine attached to the motion picture projector. It runs, at sound speed, approximately the same amount of time (11-12 minutes) as a 1000 foot 35 mm reel.

A split reel is a motion picture film reel in two halves that, when assembled, hold a specific length of motion picture film that has been wound on a plastic core. Using a split reel allows film to be shipped or handled in a lighter and smaller form than film would on a "fixed" reel. In silent film terminology, two films on one reel.

A Reel, sometimes called a demo reel or show reel, can also be referring to a collection of works by an individual, an artist.