What happens to old reel film?

Answer 1

Many major movie and television studios maintain huge vaults of old reel films. Many people have sought permission to restore some of these old films because they worry about deterioration from aging, light exposure, dirt, etc. However, most vault storage sites do their utmost best to preserve these old films, as evidenced by the numerous late-night showings of silent films.

Films of newsworthy world events often end up at The Smithsonian museum, preserved for the public or for scholarly studies. Some of the preserved films are treated as national treasures and are rarely, if ever, handled. For example, everyday citizens who filmed in Dallas Texas when President John F. Kennedy have submitted their films for preservation.

Many people also have kept family films (small to large) and pass them from one generation to the next generation. Since everyday people do not have archival storage areas or preservation skills, and since most people use attics, basements, and garages for storing items, these films can deteriorate much faster in heat and humidity.