Raw film stock is the term used to describe unshot motion picture film. Camera film is manufactured in wide rolls and then sliced into widths for its intended use, from 8mm up to 70mm. Roll lengths can vary from fifty feet to 2,000 feet. To help ensure consistency throughout a shoot, many filmmakers (those who have the funding to do so) prefer to buy recently manufactured raw film stock from the identical production batch. Given the very high quality-control measures from batch to batch during the manufacturing process, this step isn't mandatory. The most important criteria for you to pay attention to are that the camera film you're using is fresh and from known suppliers with strict handling procedures.

Virtually all camera film for commercial and feature film reproduction is negative film that requires processing and transfer to a positive film format for viewing through a projector. Reversal film is manufactured in positive format, and can be projected immediately after processing. You would choose reversal film if only one copy of your film is needed, or if the time between filming and processing for viewing needs to be limited, as is often the case with news footage.

Negative camera films are manufactured in a wide selection of “looks” and film speeds. Film speed is adjusted by altering the film emulsion and its sensitivity to light. Speeds are chosen to provide latitude for various lighting conditions. The look of camera films can range from films with deep and intensely saturated color to films that accurately convey very fine, sharply detailed images.