When a distributor agrees to take on your film, one of the first things they will ask for is your deliverables package. This collection of technical, legal, and marketing materials is what allows your film to be placed on platforms and sold to buyers worldwide. Having a complete film deliverables checklist prepared in advance can prevent costly delays and demonstrate your professionalism to distribution partners.
Technical Deliverables
The technical deliverables are the foundation of your distribution package. These are the files that platforms and broadcasters use to make your film available to audiences.
Master File
Your final master should be delivered in the highest quality format available. Most distributors and platforms now require a minimum of 1920x1080 HD resolution, with 4K UHD increasingly becoming the standard. Common accepted codecs include Apple ProRes 422 HQ or higher, and DNxHR. Your master should be the final, color-corrected, fully mixed version of your film with no watermarks, timecodes, or other overlays.
Music and Effects Track
An M&E track is a complete audio mix of your film that includes all sound effects, ambient audio, Foley, and music, but excludes all dialogue. This track is essential for creating foreign-language dubbed versions and is required for international sales. Your M&E track should be fully filled, meaning there should be no gaps or silent spots where dialogue was removed. Background ambience and sound effects should continue naturally through scenes.
Audio Specifications
Your dialogue mix and M&E track should be delivered in both stereo and 5.1 surround sound formats where available. Audio should be delivered at 48kHz sample rate and 24-bit depth. Loudness levels should comply with industry standards, typically targeting -24 LKFS for broadcast and -27 LKFS for streaming platforms.
Closed Captions and Subtitles
English closed captions are required for all domestic distribution. These should be timed, formatted, and compliant with FCC accessibility guidelines. For international markets, subtitle files in additional languages add significant value. Subtitles should be delivered in standard formats such as SRT, VTT, or STL.
Textless Elements
Textless versions of your opening titles, end credits, and any on-screen text inserts allow international distributors to replace them with localized versions. Deliver these as separate clips matching the resolution and codec of your master file.
Legal Deliverables
Legal documentation protects both you and your distributor from liability and ensures the rights to distribute your film are clearly established.
Chain of Title
This is the complete paper trail documenting your ownership of the film. It includes your screenplay option or purchase agreement, all rights assignments, work-for-hire agreements with key cast and crew, and any underlying rights agreements if your film is based on existing material. Every transfer of rights should be documented from the original source material to your final film.
Errors and Omissions Insurance
E&O insurance is a mandatory requirement for virtually all distributors and platforms. This policy covers claims related to copyright infringement, defamation, invasion of privacy, and other legal actions. Your policy should name the distributor as an additional insured and provide coverage for the distribution term.
Music Cue Sheet
A detailed music cue sheet lists every piece of music used in your film, including the title, composer, publisher, performing rights organization, duration, and how it is used. This document is essential for proper royalty tracking and legal compliance across all distribution territories.
Talent and Location Agreements
Signed agreements from all on-screen talent, including SAG-AFTRA contracts if applicable, as well as location releases for any privately owned properties featured in your film. These agreements should cover all intended distribution territories and media formats.
Marketing Deliverables
Strong marketing materials help your distributor sell your film to platforms and audiences effectively.
Key Art and Poster
At least one professionally designed poster image in high resolution, typically 300 DPI at a minimum of 27x40 inches for print use, plus web-optimized versions in various aspect ratios for platform storefronts. Many platforms require specific image dimensions and formats, so having multiple versions ready is ideal.
Trailer
A broadcast-quality trailer in the same resolution and codec specifications as your master file. Having both a full trailer and a shorter 30 to 60 second spot increases your marketing flexibility.
Production Stills
A minimum of 15 to 20 high-resolution behind-the-scenes and in-scene photographs. These are used for press, platform storefronts, and social media promotion.
Synopsis and Metadata
Written materials including a one-line logline, a short synopsis of 100 words, a medium synopsis of 250 words, and a detailed synopsis of 500 words or more. Complete cast and crew credits, technical specifications, genre classifications, and content ratings round out your metadata package.
Bringing It All Together
Assembling a complete deliverables package takes time and attention to detail, but it is one of the most important steps in getting your film to market. Distributors like Octane Multimedia, which places films on Netflix, Hulu, Disney Channel, DirecTV, Redbox, and other major platforms, rely on complete and properly formatted deliverables to move projects through their pipeline efficiently.
Starting your deliverables preparation during post-production rather than after you sign a deal can save weeks or even months in the distribution timeline.
Ready to get your film in front of audiences worldwide? Submit your film to Octane Multimedia today and let our team help you navigate distribution, sales, and beyond.