Aworkprint is a rough version of amotion picture or television program, used by thefilm editor(s) during the editing process. Such copies generally contain original recorded sound that will later be re-dubbed,stock footage as placeholders for missing shots orspecial effects, andanimation tests for in-production animated shots or sequences.[1][2][3][4]
For most of the first century of filmmaking, workprints were done using second-generationprints from theoriginal camera negatives. After the editor and director approved of the final edit of the workprint, the same edits were made to the negative. With the conversion todigital editing, workprints are now generally created on anon-linear editing system usingtelecined footage from the original film or video sources (in contrast to a pirate "telecine", which is made with a muchhigher-generation film print). Occasionally, early digital workprints of films have beenbootlegged and made available on theInternet.[4][5][6] They sometimes appear months in advance of an official release.[7]
There are alsodirector's cut versions of films that are only available on bootleg, such as the workprint version ofRichard Williams'The Thief and the Cobbler.[8] Although movie studios generally do not make full-length workprints readily available to the public, there are exceptions. Examples include the "Work-In-Progress" version ofBeauty and the Beast (albeit it is unfinished footage intertwined with the DVD release on top with the finalized sound mix), and the Denver/Dallas pre-release version ofBlade Runner. Deleted scenes or bonus footage included on DVD releases are sometimes left in workprint format as well, e.g. theScrubs DVD extras.[9] A workprint as source for a leaked television show is rather unusual, but it happened with the third season's first episode ofHomeland a month before it aired.[10][11]
Workprints are unfinished, pre-production materials that often lack scenes and additional sounds. They are of higher quality thanCAM movies, and usually contain a ticker somewhere in the picture. (PIRACY FACT... Aticker is a small clock that shows the current frame that is running. It is usually used for reference purposes by directors and animators.) Workprints are usually leaked from production houses. Most recently, aStarWars Episode 3 workprint was released hours before the first official screening. The workprint was of relatively high quality because it originated from a DVD; however, it had two tickers at the top of every frame. (See Figure 8.1.) Workprints are rare, and only a highly anticipated film's workprints are released by pirates. The majority of watchers are only interested in watching the final product.
It was without many effects, had missing and unedited scenes and temporary sound and music," the studio said. [...] He said the movie is a rough cut, using placeholder images in many sections and special effects that look like "video games 12 years ago.
Workprint: This category represents movies that were taken usually from VHS tape. If the source is as good as first generation VHS demo tape with GOOD encoding, it should be labeled Screener. All other home-made VCDs must be labeled Workprint. If you know your copy is not complete, use this label. (missing scenes, missing audio tracks, additional scenes, alternate ending etc.)VCD standards set by thewarez scene.
In 2003, a version of Universal's "The Hulk" appeared on the Internet two weeks before the film opened. A New Jersey man pleaded guilty to the theft. And in 2005, a pirated print of "Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith" was uploaded to the Web within hours of the movie's release.
Had to crop and throw some black bars over the indicative parts. All I can say is you wouldn't like SMF when they're angry! Enjoy a 2-week pre. and die slow all you puny banners! HULK SMASH!!!