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WHAT SPECS SHOULD MY SOURCE FILE BE FOR THE DCP BUILD?
PICTURE
​​We prefer your film to be delivered in the same high-quality format you used for mastering.
Either ProRes 422 HQ (or higher), DNxHD/HR, 12-bit DPX sequence
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If your film was finished in 2K or 4K, we’d like to receive it at that resolution.
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If your film is in 1080p HD, we can still work with it, but it will require a slight upscale to 2K on our end.
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The ideal source is a ProRes .mov file with audio embedded for synchronization purposes.
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FRAMERATE
The preferred framerates for DCP creation are 23.976 fps or 24 fps.
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If your project was shot or finished in a different framerate, we can still create the DCP.
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PLEASE NOTE: non-24 fps DCPs may not be compatible with all venues, so playback is venue-dependent.​
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AUDIO
All audio should be 24-bit, 48kHz, PCM (Uncompressed)
The ideal audio setup is a 5.1 or 7.1 surround mix.
If 5.1 or 7.1 aren't available, then we can create a 3.0 (L,R,C) or 2.0 (L,R) DCP, depending on your source audio.
5.1​
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L (music and effects)
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R (music and effects)
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C (dialogue)
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LFE (low frequency)
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Ls (left surround)
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Rs (right surround)
7.1
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L (music and effects)
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R (music and effects)
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C (dialogue)
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LFE (low frequency)
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Ls (left surround)
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Rs (right surround)
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Lrs (left rear surround)
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Rrs (right rear surround)
3.0
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L (music and effects)
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C (dialogue)
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R (music and effects)
2.0
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L (full left stereo
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R (full right stereo)​
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SUBTITLES/CAPTIONS
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SUBTITLES: On-screen text for language translation
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CAPTIONS: On-screen text for hard of hearing
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OPEN SUBTITLES/CAPTIONS: Always on
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CLOSED SUBTITLES/CAPTIONS: Toggle On/Off
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The best method in regard to adding OPEN/CLOSED SUBTITLES/CAPTIONS to your DCP is to provide a properly timed subtitle file (.SRT)
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To create an .SRT file, utilize a company like Rev.com. It is recommended that you use the HUMAN option and not the AI option in regard to your .SRT creation.
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CLICK HERE: For more information on the intricacies of creating a proper .SRT file that will pass QC.
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START & END FRAMES
Make sure your source file includes at least two frames of black:
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Before the first frame of picture or audio
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After the last frame of picture or audio
This ensures the DCP doesn't begin or end abruptly on actual picture frames. More black frames are acceptable, but two is the minimum.
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HOW LONG DOES DCP CREATION TAKE?
TURNAROUND TIME
Once we receive your source file, the DCP creation process typically takes 1 to 5 days, depending on the complexity of your project.​
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We’ll keep you updated throughout each stage of the process, so you’re always informed and in the loop.
WHAT ARE MY DCP DEPLOYMENT OPTIONS?
CRU Drive [FEATURES]
Our standard CRU drive is housed in a shock-resistant, dustproof, and watertight case, and is designed to slot directly into cinema servers. It enables faster ingest speeds and allows projectionists to play the DCP directly from the drive.
CRU drives are the industry standard for feature film distribution.
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​​USB Drive [SHORTS]
USB drives, while more budget-friendly and easy to transport, lack these professional features.
As a result, USBs are typically used for short-form content, screeners, or festival submissions where CRU isn't necessary.
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DIGITAL DELIVERY
We can securely send your DCP via a Filemail download link, allowing you to receive it anywhere in the world, fast.
This is a convenient option for clients working with tight deadlines or distributing to multiple venues.
Let us know your preferred delivery method, and we’ll take care of the rest.
DO YOU CHECK THE DCP FOR PROBLEMS?
QUALITY CONTROL & REVIEW
After we complete our work, we'll run the DCP through a 3-part QC process. This process includes a complete HUMAN eyes/ears on viewing from start to finish, before it leaves the lab.
We ensure your source image is accurately converted to the XYZ color space and that your audio plays back exactly as it does in your original mix.
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Things we catch during our QC include: errant frames, audio sync issues, color shifts, etc.
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In the almost 20 years we've been doing this, any problem we find during QC exists in the source.
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That’s why we highly recommend reviewing your final master export carefully before sending it to us.
WHAT IF I NEED MORE THAN ONE DCP OF MY MOVIE?
ADDITIONAL COPIES
The Archetype Company keeps your DCP safely vaulted here in perpetuity at our lab in Burbank, California.
Extra copies/clones of a DCP are available for the cost of the drive setup.
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USB HDD: $75 + shipping
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CRU Setup: $250 + shipping
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A new digital link can be built with the following options:
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7-Day Link: $20
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90-Day Link: $40
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We also offer a CRU rental service if you need to deploy to multiple venues at once via physical drives.
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Just email us and we can setup your DCP to be sent out ASAP.
If you have any additional questions about the process, just let us know!