Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "Movie Barcode"?
A movie barcode is a visual representation of a film's color timeline. We compress every Nth frame of the movie into a single vertical strip, arranging them chronologically from left to right. This creates a spectrum that reveals the film's dominant color palettes and lighting changes over time.
How is shot length calculated?
We use computer vision algorithms to detect "cuts" in the video stream. A sudden, significant change in the histogram between two frames usually indicates a cut. The duration between these cuts determines the shot length. While highly accurate, stylistic choices like whip-pans or long dissolves can sometimes affect precision.
Can I request a movie to be analyzed?
Yes! Registered users can submit requests for new films. Since the analysis process is computationally intensive, we prioritize requests based on community votings and availability. You can check the status of your requests in your profile.
Is the data free to use?
HardMatte's visualization data is free for personal and educational use. If you wish to use our charts or metrics in a publication, video essay, or commercial project, please contact us for attribution guidelines.