Abstract: A direct-drive, tractor-type film transport apparatus operates at rates typically used for sync sound, high-speed and special effects applications. A preferred embodiment includes three sprockets, each with a plurality of radially outwardly extending pins on either side to receive the sprocket holes of the film while positioned in the film plane. A pair of belts is also preferably used to rotationally interconnect the three sprockets, each belt being perforated to receive the outwardly extending pins on either side of each sprocket. An apertured gate overlays the film in the film plane, the gate including a back side with grooves to receive at least the pins of the middle sprocket, thereby enabling the gate to function as a pressure plate. A microprocessor-controlled servo motor is preferably used to reversibly drive the middle sprocket, with the two outer sprockets being slightly biased away from the middle sprocket so as to keep a central section of the film taunt during the exposure thereof.