Ever wondered what format, camera model, lens type, finishing format, lens manufacturer, etc. was used to create a certain film? You may have found yourself punching in IMDb as your default movie trivia database, and you may have found some or all such information in the film's technical specs page -- or you may not have. While IMDb has a lot of other coverage to keep itself occupied logging (particularly cast and crew lists), you may find yourself wanting a more detailed and dedicated technical breakdown -- enter 'ShotOnWhat?'

With thanks to NFS reader maghoxfre for the tip-off, here's an example of the type of details ShotOnWhat? is trying to compile, followed by a bit of the site's mission statement:

Our goal at ShotOnWhat? is to create the largest collection of technical information that exists for Film & Television productions. If it has been seen on TV or shown in a theater, we would like to gather as much technical information as possible about the cameras, gear, post, sound, VFX and any other associated elements or processes, notes and trivia from the production. We are making the information searchable, cross referencing it a bit, and creating some trending to observe long term shifts in technology.

Great idea you say? Well, it can only happen with your help! It only takes a few moments to add your technical information to ShotOnWhat?.

We not only want to gather current productions from the digital age, but are seeking archive information on all productions: notably, all the classic films from the beginning of film-making. We want to preserve and make accessible this information. We hope that over time this repository of technical and equipment data will be useful for research and to students of the entertainment industry and it’s production history. But we will need vast amounts of data for this to be truly effective.

This is where you come in. In a sense, this project is similar to IMDb -- though it attempts to be far more specialized -- in that both contributors to projects can donate information directly from the source, or enthusiasts can add information from any sources they may find themselves. ShotOnWhat? is still in beta, and in a way, until its stores of information are full and complete it always will be -- but it's a great idea, something I would love to see grow extensively, and has a lot of potential as a resource for technical reference. This is really one of those 'every little bit helps' type of thing, so if you'd like to check it out or get started contributing, head over to ShotOnWhat? now.

Do you guys see yourselves making this a regular point of reference, or as a contributor? How well do you think adding technical details of older films will go?

Link: ShotOnWhat?