Abstract: An improved method and machine are described for automatically loading a scroll of interwound photographic film and backing paper into a film cartridge. The cartridges are opened for scroll insertion by an initial relative movement of the cartridge halves in one direction and by a further separating movement in a differing direction. The machine has a rotatably mounted turret supporting a number of separate loading heads each of which supports a film cartridge and performs a two direction cartridge opening and closing action. The turret carries the heads through a series of stations where successive head loading, cartridge opening, scroll insertion, scroll to spool attaching, cartridge sealing, torque testing and winding, marking, and head unloading operations are performed. The heads and stations are controlled in their operation by a combination of direct cam control and multi-channel programable logic system control.