Cross Processing

Watch as an animation →
Original photo
Digital original
Cross Processing
Cross Processing (Result of the AI changing the photo from the name alone)

In plain words

Developing the film in the wrong type of chemicals shifts the colors unnaturally and raises the contrast.

When to use it

War and chaos scenes, marking a different time period, music videos, experimental fashion shoots.

Example videos

Three Kings - Original Theatrical Trailer — Real: See the color-shifted image of Three Kings, where slide film was cross-processed.
Cross Processing Slide Film — Explainer: See photos where slide film developed in negative chemicals changed color.
Ask David: What is Film Cross-processing? — Explainer: See a short explanation of what cross processing is and why the colors shift.

Will AI handle it well?

Public AI example available — Atlabs guide 'Cross-processed, color shift, unnatural colors, lomo style' (image). Not in official video guides.

One-click prompt

Cross-processed film look, shifted unnatural colors, yellow-green highlights, harsh contrast, oversaturated, a girl on a rooftop spins with a pink scarf at dusk, skyline behind her, locked-off camera, 35mm lens, edgy fashion mood, 5-second shot.

Tell the AI like this

cross-processed film look, shifted unnatural colors, yellow-green highlights, harsh contrast, oversaturated

Example films

Three Kings (1999) — Developed Ektachrome slide film in color negative chemicals to get colors like Gulf War news photos · Inside Man (2006) — Only the post-incident interrogation scenes were shot on Ektachrome, cross-processed, then bleach-bypassed as well

See it in real films and ads

Wikipedia — Cross processing

AI-made examples

Atlabs — 27 Cinematic Lighting Looks for AI Prompts (Cross-Processed example image)

← Bleach BypassVHS / Camcorder →