Frequently asked questions.

General DCP Questions

  • A DCP (Digital Cinema Package) is the industry-standard format used to deliver and project films in cinemas. It’s a collection of digital files that contain the audio, video, subtitles, and metadata required for a film to be played on professional cinema servers. DCPs ensure high-quality playback, consistent picture and sound, and compatibility with cinema projection systems worldwide.

  • The DCI Standard (Digital Cinema Initiatives) is a set of technical specifications that ensure consistency and quality for digital cinema content worldwide. It defines how Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs) should be encoded, encrypted, and played back to guarantee that films look and sound as intended in cinemas.

    The DCI Standard was created and is maintained by the major Hollywood studios — Disney, Paramount, Sony Pictures, Universal, Warner Bros., and 20th Century Fox — to establish a uniform standard for digital cinema worldwide. Following the DCI Standard ensures that your film meets the technical requirements for theatrical release.

  • Most film festivals, distributors and cinemas require a DCP because it ensures consistent playback quality, secure encryption (if needed), and industry compliance.

  • Yes! We’re familiar with the technical specs and delivery methods of major festivals and can tailor your DCP and its delivery accordingly.

  • Standard turnaround is 1-2 days. Up to 24h for short form content and up to 48h for long form. We also offer express services at a premium of +30% to guarantee same day turnaround.

  • Our preferred file type is ProRes4444 or ProRes422HQ. We accept TIFF sequences, DPX sequences, ProRes Files, DNx Files, H.264, H.265, Audio-WAV files and more. If you’re unsure, please just ask.

  • We support 2K and 4K resolutions with frame rates of 24, 25 and 30fps. If your film has a different resolution, such as HD we will upscale it at no extra cost. If your film has a different frame rate, please get in touch as we may be able to help.

  • You can upload your material straight to our portal. Once you make a purchase you’ll receive instructions, including an upload link. You can also provide us your own download link, Google Drive, Dropbox, WeTransfer - whatever is easiest for you. Alternatively, please feel free to post or to drop off a hard drive.

  • With every DCP, we offer complimentary digital delivery - via download link. The link is encrypted and password protected and it can be shared unlimited times for a period of 30 days.

    For an additional cost, we can provide a direct upload to a cinema server or online platform of your choice; or provide a physical DCP on a USB or CRU drive - on a next-day delivery service within the UK. We can also ship internationally.

  • Yes! If needed, we can ship your DCP on a USB HDD, USB thumb drive or CRU drive to any location. All enclosed in protective hard cases.

  • Absolutely! We offer encryption services and can generate secure KDM keys for specific screening locations and time periods.

  • Yes! We ensure full DCI Compliance, meaning your film will work in any professional cinema worldwide.

  • Every DCP we create undergoes strict quality control and is tested for technical compliance. However we highly recommend testing your DCP at the actual venue before the screening. A DCP is not something you could normally test at home - not without professional cinema equipment.

  • If you experience any issues, we’ll fix it for free, with the utmost priority - guaranteed.

  • We offer free minor revisions (e.g. subtitles, small fixes). Major changes, such as changes to picture or audio may require an additional fee.

    If you’re on a subscription plan then there’s no problem at all - you have access to unlimited revisions.

  • Yes, we offer DCP-to-ProRes conversion, or to any other file type, if you need to repurpose your DCP for online distribution or editing.

AUDIO Questions

  • We support 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound, stereo (2.0), and Dolby Atmos mixes.

  • The industry standard is 85dB SPL reference level, with dialogue peaking around -12 to -20 dBFS. We ensure your audio meets cinema playback standards.

  • Yes. We can upmix your stereo track to a “faux” 5.1 surround, for a small fee. But for the best experience, we recommend using a professionally mixed 5.1 or 7.1 master.

  • Yes! If needed, we can normalise, adjust levels, or apply mild corrections to meet cinema standards.

  • No. DCP’s can only contain a single audio language track.

    If you require multiple languages you need a supplemental package (VF DCP) for each language.

  • Yes! We can add an Audio Description track to the DCP and ensure proper playback support for cinemas that offer accessibility features.

  • The audio tracks can be embedded into a ProRes file, or you could send us the audio separately - whatever is easiest for you.

    Ideally the audio would be delivered as Uncompressed PCM WAV files - 24bit 48khz (interleaved track or separate tracks for each channel).

Encryption Questions

  • A KDM (Key Delivery Message) is a secure digital key that allows an encrypted DCP to be played on specific cinema servers/projectors for a limited time.

  • Yes! We can create individual KDMs for each venue where your film will be screened.

  • A DKDM (Distributor Key Delivery Message) is an encrypted key that allows a third party (e.g. a post-production lab or distributor) to genrate KDMs on your behalf.

  • If you want a distributor, cinema chain, or festival lab to handle KDM creation without sharing your original DCP encryption keys.

  • Yes! We can provide a DKDM for your distributor or festival, allowing them to create and manage KDMs for your encrypted DCP.

  • Absolutely. A DKDM is encrypted and time-limited, meaning only the authorised recipient can use it for a specific time period.

  • DKDMs can be time-restricted or open-ended, depending on your needs. We’ll set the validity period based on your request.

Supplemental dcp (vf) Questions

  • A supplemental DCP (VF - Version File) is a lighter version of a DCP that contains only the modified elements (e.g. new subtitles, audio tracks, or minor edits) instead of a full DCP. It requires the OV (Original Version) DCP in order to play.

  • A VF DCP is useful when you need to:

    • Add or replace subtitles in different languages

    • Add or replace an audio track (e.g. dubbing)

    • Make minor fixes without re-encoding the entire DCP

    • Reduce delivery file sizes (VF DCPs are much smaller than full DCPs)

  • No. A VF DCP only works if the original OV DCP is present. The cinema’s server links the VF DCP to the OV DCP to create the final playable version.

  • Yes! You can create separate VF DCPs for each subtitle or dubbed version, allowing you to distribute localised versions without duplicating the full DCP.

  • Each VF DCP is labeled with a language tag (e.g. “_EN-EN_” for English Audio with English Subtitles, or “_EN-FR_” for English Audio with French Subtitles. The cinema selects the correct version based on their needs.

  • Yes! If you provide your original OV DCP , we can generate a VF DCP that works seamlessly with it.

  • Yes, if your OV DCP is encrypted you’ll need a KDM for both the OV and the VF DCP. We can generate these for you.

  • Since VF DCPs are much smaller than full DCPs, they are easy to send via digital download, but we can also provide them on a USB or CRU drive if needed.

cinema Hard drive Questions

  • Cinemas use EXT2 or EXT3 file systems for DCI-compliant hard drives. These formats are optimised for Linux-based cinema servers and ensure smooth, error free playback.

  • No. NTFS, exFAT and MacOS are not DCI-compliant and may not be recognised by cinema servers.

    NTFS formatted drives may work in some cinema equipment, although this is unreliable and it is a practice we do not recommend.

  • The cinema’s TMS (Theatre Management System) or server (Dolby, Doremi, GDC, Barco, etc.) reads the drive, allowing them to ingest the DCP into their system.

  • Yes! We can format, copy and ship DCPs on DCI-compliant drives, ensuring they work perfectly in cinemas.

Subscription Services QUESTIONS

  • Our subscription plans provide filmmakers, production companies, film festivals, and post-production professionals with cost-effective, high-quality DCP services.

    Subscribers enjoy:

    • Lower prices than one-off orders.

    • Fast turnaround on all services.

    • Unlimited revisions.

    • KDM management for UNLIMITED EVERYTHING subscribers.

    • Centralised content management.

    • Versioning for different territories.

    • Extra savings on yearly plans (equivalent to 2 months free).

  • You can choose between a monthly or yearly subscription:

    • Monthly: Pay as you go with no long-term commitment.

    • Yearly: Get 2 months free by paying upfront for the year.

  • Yes! You can upgrade at any time to unlock additional features. Downgrades are available at the end of your current billing cycle.

  • If you exceed your plan’s limits, you can purchase additional services at exclusive subscriber rates or upgrade to a higher tier.

  • No, all our monthly plans are flexible and can be canceled anytime before your next billing cycle. However, yearly subscriptions are non-refundable after purchase.

    • Monthly Plans: Your subscription remains active until the end of your billing cycle, after which you lose subscriber benefits.

    • Yearly Plans: Since the yearly plan is prepaid at a discounted rate, no refunds are issued for early cancellation. Your benefits will continue until the end of the 12-month period.

  • No, subscriptions are linked to a single account or company. However, film festival subscribers can share download links with their partnered venues.

  • Subscribers automatically receive discounted pricing on additional services. When logged into your account, subscriber-exclusive pricing is applied at checkout for eligible products.

  • Simply visit our subscription page, select the plan that fits your needs, and follow the checkout process. Your benefits start immediately!

Please reach out to us if you have any other questions or IF something isn’t quite clear.

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