New technologies will need to be discovered to satisfy consumer film imaging needs for rapid image access and available-everywhere film photofinishing. Fortunately, the film technologies that enable rapid image processing are also the same technologies that form the basis for relatively inexpensive, self-operated, highly distributed photofinishing systems for consumers. Central to such concepts are camera speed films that can be thermally processed for very short times (less than 10–20 seconds). Photothermographic (PTG) technologies offer the possibility of circumventing the major obstacles associated with current conventional photofinishing that relies entirely on wet chemistries. The authors have examined the potential of new PTG technologies to provide the photographic sensitivity and raw stock stability required for a consumer color film. We have concluded that it might be possible to meet such requirements with newly discovered technologies.