A DCP order goes more smoothly when the film arrives as a complete, identified master with the venue's requirements attached. Many delivery problems begin before mastering: an outdated subtitle file, an unexplained audio layout or a picture export that differs from the approved cut.
Use the following review before handing over the material. Its purpose is to make the intended version unmistakable.
Confirm that picture is locked
Watch the actual exported master, including its beginning, end and credits. Confirm that it is the approved cut and record the runtime, resolution, frame rate and aspect ratio. Do not rely only on the settings in the editing project.
Identify the color treatment and any letterboxing or pillarboxing already present. If a specific output is required, agree the treatment before mastering rather than adding another crop to an already formatted image.
Make the audio layout explicit
State whether the supplied audio is stereo or a finished multichannel mix. Provide the channel identification requested by the mastering workflow, and make sure everyone is referring to the same version of the mix.
Check sync against the delivered picture. A replacement sound file can match the duration while still containing a different offset or edit. Listen to the export rather than assuming the timeline guarantees a correct handoff.
Match subtitles to that exact cut
Label the language, revision and timing reference of every subtitle file. Confirm whether subtitles should be separately integrated or already visible in the picture. Avoid supplying both without instructions.
Check the first and last cues, speaker changes and passages that were edited late in production. A subtitle file from an earlier cut may appear correct for several minutes before drifting out of agreement.
Attach the venue delivery sheet
The venue should specify the accepted delivery method and relevant technical requirements. Include its deadline and distinguish the date the file must arrive from the date of the screening.
If encryption, physical media or multiple versions are requested, flag them when asking for the quote. Those details can add coordination beyond creating a single unencrypted digital package.
Keep a version record through delivery
Use a clear title and version label for the source master, subtitle files and delivered package. Keep the technical summary and verification record with the package. If changes become necessary, create a new identified version and confirm which one the venue should use.
Allow time for transfer and ingest. A finished export is only part of the delivery process; the receiving team still needs to download or copy the package and verify the screening version.
COLONFILM's DCP packages start at $295 for shorts up to 30 minutes and $695 for features up to 120 minutes. Send the locked master details and festival brief first so the quote can reflect the actual version and any additional subtitle or delivery work.
Send your source material for a written quote confirming the supported scope, final price and delivery schedule.
Explore Film Festival DCP & Subtitle Delivery for the scope and enquiry details. Continue reading: DCP vs MP4 for Film Festivals: Which File Do You Need?.