PRODUCERS' GUIDE

This is a guide for Producers and Rights Holders to ensure their content is properly prepared for delivery.

DELIVERABLES

It is excellent that you shot your movie, doc or series on 70mm film or an 8k camera, and edited it and output to 8k, however most platforms currently aren't ready for those larger formats, yet. While you are ready to deliver that bigger, better version of your film when bandwidth and resolutions allow for it, the current common standard is 1080p (1920x1080) aka FullHD.

These are the file formats being most commonly requested and accepted.


HD Master - File Format:
1) .MOV -- ProRes422HQ at 1920x1080p at >200mbps bitrate, with PCM Stereo Audio at 48kHz, preferably lossless 192kbps bitrate -- Required.*
2) .MP4 -- H.264 at 1920x1080p at >30mbps, with Audio in AC-3 or ACC Stereo Audio at 48kHz, with 192kbps bitrate, or 448kbps if 5.1 -- Required.**
3) .SRT - Closed Captions file, synced to the movie file, in the same framerate, preferably including "Descriptive Text"***
Accepted Framerates: 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97 -- Non Drop.
Note: Content shot in FullHD, UHD, and above, with native high framerates (eg. 50, 59.94 etc) may require downconversion.

Note: Create the output both of these HD Master versions of your title, from your highest quality master.

*For a Feature length movie, this will likely be a large file between 100GB and 180GB in size.

**.MP4 files are generally smaller in size than .MOVs, but can still be 50GB or more for Feature length content. Some people will save a low bitrate .MP4 file as a screener on video platforms like Vimeo or Youtube. These files are typically too low in quality to submit to professional streaming platforms and broadcasters. Create your Master Movie file from your highest quality Original Master. Downconvert if necessary. Never upconvert.

*** As of 2012, motion picture content must be accompanied by a Closed Caption file, synced to the dialogue and action. Many platforms are becoming more strict about the accuracy of Closed Captions, so either pay someone reputable, or create them yourself. We do not endose any particular program or software, but have had positive reports about Subtitle Edit, which is a free, open source editor for video subtitles.

Note: Upconversions from low quality copies, either low resolution, or low bitrate, may be rejected by platforms.
Note: Do not include any links or URLs in the end credits of the movie, and preferably not in the content.


Movie Trailer
1) Movie file. Same format(s) as movie files. Do not show weapons or nudity in the trailer, and do not include any links or URLs in the content or credits.
2) Trailer Link. Vimeo, Youtube, Website, etc., where the trailer can be viewed on any Internet connected device.


Documentation:
The following document must be made available upon demand.
If you are a new filmmaker, we recommend researching these elements, and consulting an entertainment lawyer, to ensure you have documented the following correctly.

1) Chain of Title:
      For filmmakers, a Chain of Title Summary -- a signed document stating the process from script to completed film, detailing all rights.
      For Producers and Rights Holders: Chain of Title Summary and Script Option Agreement and/or Copyright Transfer/Purchase Agreement.
2) Music Cue Sheet: A list of all music cue (composed or licensed songs) with timecode, and credits.
      Note: If you have not already created a Music Cue Sheet, an Excel template is available here: Download Cue Sheet
3) Music License Agreements: Composer's Agreement, and License Agreements from all artists (and/or labels/rights holders) for every song used in the motion picture.
       Note: These agreements must include right to use in all media formats, indemnification of the licensee, and with no injunctive relief.
4) Title Report, Clearance Report, QC Report, from reputable firms.
5) Performer Contracts, Release Forms, and Nudity Riders (if applicable).
6) Branding / Product Placement Contracts for any products placed in the content for financial consideration.
7) Errors and Omissions Insurance Certificate.
8) IMDb link, and links to any websites and/or other online content associated with the title
9) ATL (Above The Line) List: Director, Producer, Writer, Top Cast
10) Technical List: Runtime, Language(s), Available Formats, Release Status, Rating Information (if applicable)


11) Availability and Exclusions List: A list of any territories, channels, and platforms that are presold or previously licensed, with terms (exclusive, non-exclusive, period) and licensee contact information. Artwork
1) Movie Poster (tall) in High Resolution, layered file, with separate image and text elements. (Title and Credits on separate layers)
2) Movie Poster (tall) in High Resolution, as a .JPG / .JPEG or .PNG (Title Only, no Credits)
3) Poster Card (wide) in High Resolution, as a .JPG / .JPG or .PNG (Title Only, no Credits)
4) Promo Image 1920 x 1080 screen shot or movie still, textless (several options)

Note: Some platforms require different documentation, and some require special file formats in addition to the ones listed above. We will work with you to help facilitate delivery in the proper formats.



Submissions
For submissions to BRI for consideration, please include
1) Brief Synopsis and Logline
2) Trailer Link
3) Screening Link - Full Length Screener, with Password if required
3) Medium Resolution (emailable) Poster Image
4) IMDb link
5) ATL (Above The Line) List: Director, Producer, Writer, Top Cast
6) Technical List: Runtime, Language(s), Available Formats, Release Status, Rating Information (if applicable)


For more info please contact:
Aviva Howard Aviva@brivideo.com

Submission inquiries, please contact:
Marc Bruder bruder@brivideo.com