SUMMARY
Harman, a company with a 145-year legacy in black-and-white film production, has undertaken a significant challenge by venturing into color film manufacturing. Instead of a traditional approach, they established a rapid, experimental "skunk works" team within their Ilford film factory. This agile unit focused on developing new emulsions, chemistry, and coating processes from the ground up, leading to the creation of their Phoenix color film line. Harman views Phoenix I and II as iterative steps, with ongoing plans to improve sharpness, color reproduction, and granularity, demonstrating a long-term industrial commitment to film photography.
TAKEAWAYS
Harman has established a "skunk works" operation to develop color film.
The company is investing in new infrastructure for modern film manufacturing.
Harman's color film development is an iterative process with ongoing improvements planned.
This initiative signals a long-term commitment to the future of analog photography.