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DCP ASSEMBLY PROCESS
SOURCE -> BUILD -> QC -> DEPLOYMENT
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.
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PRORES .MOV (422HQ -> 4444XQ)
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DNxHR | DNxHD
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DPX IMAGE SEQUENCE
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TIFF IMAGE SEQUENCE
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JPEG2000 SEQUENCE
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Accepted framerates for source files:
23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30 for 2K or 4K
23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 48, 50, 60 for 2K
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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 will still accept it, but it will require a slight upscale to 2K on our end. (Standard.)
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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.
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)
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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)
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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) with your source file.
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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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COLOR:
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sRGB
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Rec. 709 | Gamma 2.2 | Gamma 2.4
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P3 DCI
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P3 D65
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DCP conformed to standard DCI P3 in X'Y'Z' colorspace.
HOW DO I SEND MY SOURCE TO YOUR LAB FOR MY DCP BUILD?
SOURCE DEPLOYMENT
The preferred method of source deployment would be to upload directly to our server here: SOURCE UPLOAD
Alternatively, feel free to utilize any service in order to send your source file. (i.e., Aspera, Filemail, Media Shuttle, etc.)
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In-person drive drops at the lab here in Burbank can be coordinated as well.​​
HOW LONG DOES DCP CREATION TAKE?
TURNAROUND TIME
Once we receive your source file, the DCP creation process typically takes 2 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.
DO YOU CHECK THE DCP?
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.
While we completely trust the software and hardware QCs that we utilize, we're kind of old-fashioned in regard to a PROPER HUMAN QC of the project. Plus it means we get to watch the whole thing. And since we still absolutely LOVE MOVIES, even after having been at this work for all these years, that is the best part of the job.
Ensuring your source file undergoes thorough quality control before reaching us is crucial at this stage.
We perform our own QC processes after completing our work, and if any issues are found, we promptly inform you. However, catching these issues in the source file prior to commencing DCP work is ideal to avoid additional costs for corrections or rebuilds.
​Here are some common issues to check for in your source export before sending it our way:
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Errant frames
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Audio drops / sync issues
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Missing asset cards
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Typos in credits / missing credits
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Color shifts
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In the almost 20 years we've been doing this, any problem we've found during QC has existed in the source.
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You and your team know your film best, so we recommend a final review of your export before forwarding it to our lab. This proactive approach ensures a smooth workflow and maintains the integrity of your project.​
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.
The CRU is the industry standard for feature film distribution.
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]
DCI compliant USB HHD/SSD are typically used for short-form content,
screeners, or festival submissions where CRU isn't necessary.
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DIGITAL DELIVERY
We utilize Filemail to digitally deploy your DCP, securely, 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.
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In this day and age, most (not all) venues will accept a digital deployment of your DCP
if it is a short form project. It's about 50/50 when it comes to feature length.
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Let us know your preferred delivery method, and we’ll take care of the rest.
WHAT IF I NEED MORE THAN ONE DCP FOR 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.​​
If you can't find the answer to your question, just get in touch via our contact form.
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We're here to help!