Film Deliverables Explained: What Distributors Actually Require in 2026

You've finished your film. The creative work is complete. Now comes the often-overlooked challenge that trips up countless independent filmmakers: preparing deliverables for distribution.

Distribution deliverables are the technical assets platforms and distributors require to actually release your film. Missing or improperly formatted deliverables can delay your release by months—or disqualify your film entirely.

This comprehensive guide covers every deliverable you'll need for modern film distribution.

Why Deliverables Matter

Streaming platforms and distributors operate automated pipelines that process thousands of titles. Your deliverables must meet exact specifications to flow through these systems without manual intervention.

Common consequences of improper deliverables:

• 4-8 week delays while you fix and resubmit
• Additional encoding and quality control fees
• Rejection from platforms with strict requirements
• Compromised quality on viewer devices

Investing time upfront in proper deliverables saves tremendous headaches later.

Video Deliverables

Master File Requirements

Your master video file serves as the source for all platform encodes. Specifications have standardized around these requirements:

Resolution:

• Minimum: 1920x1080 (Full HD)
• Preferred: 3840x2160 (4K UHD)
• Maximum: 4096x2160 (DCI 4K)

Codec:

• ProRes 422 HQ (Apple/Mac workflows)
• DNxHD/DNxHR (Avid workflows)
• XAVC (Sony workflows)
• Uncompressed (archival only)

Frame rate:

• 23.976 fps (most common for film)
• 24 fps (DCI standard)
• 25 fps (PAL territories)
• 29.97 fps (NTSC broadcast)

Aspect ratio:

• 16:9 container with letterboxing for wider ratios
• Pillarboxing for 4:3 content
• No windowboxing (black bars on all sides)

Color space:

• Rec. 709 for HD deliverables
• Rec. 2020 with HDR10 or Dolby Vision for 4K/HDR

Bit depth:

• 10-bit minimum for HDR content
• 8-bit acceptable for SDR only

File Naming Convention

Platforms require specific naming conventions. Standard format:

[Title]_[Version]_[Resolution]_[FrameRate]_[AudioConfig]_[Language].[extension]

Example: MyFilm_Theatrical_1080p_2398_51_EN.mov

Quality Control Checkpoints

Before submission, verify:

• No visible compression artifacts
• Correct aspect ratio throughout
• No flash frames at edit points
• Color consistency across scenes
• No unintended black frames
• Proper head and tail formatting
• Textless version matches texted version frame-for-frame

Audio Deliverables

Primary Audio Requirements

5.1 Surround Mix:

• Channel configuration: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs
• Sample rate: 48kHz
• Bit depth: 24-bit
• Peak level: -3dB maximum
• Dialogue normalization: -24 LKFS (±2)

Stereo Mix:

• Proper downmix from 5.1 or independent stereo mix
• Same technical specifications as 5.1
• Required by all platforms as fallback

Music & Effects (M&E) Track

The M&E track contains all audio except dialogue, enabling international dubbing.

Requirements:

• Complete coverage of all sound effects
• Full music score
• Ambient sound and Foley
• No dialogue or dialogue-derived effects
• Matching timecode to primary mix

Common M&E mistakes:

• Missing sound effects in dialogue-heavy scenes
• Music cues that don't match picture edits
• Incomplete Foley coverage

Audio Description (AD)

Required for accessibility compliance on many platforms:

• Narrated descriptions of visual elements
• Mixed with primary audio track
• Delivered as separate audio file
• Typically created by specialized vendors

Dolby Atmos (Premium Tier)

For premium platforms and theatrical:

• Dolby Atmos ADM BWF master file
• Object-based audio mix
• Requires certified mixing stage
• Increasingly requested for 4K/HDR content

Caption and Subtitle Deliverables

Closed Captions (CC)

English SDH (Subtitles for Deaf/Hard of Hearing):

• Include dialogue and sound descriptions
• Speaker identification for off-screen voices
• Music and sound effect notation
• Required for ADA compliance

Technical specifications:

• Format: .srt, .vtt, .dfxp, or .stl
• Frame-accurate timing
• Maximum 2 lines, 42 characters per line
• Minimum 1 second display duration

Subtitle Files

For non-English language versions:

• Translation of dialogue only
• Culturally appropriate localization
• Same technical specifications as CC
• Often required for international release

Quality Standards

• 99.5% accuracy minimum
• Proper grammar and punctuation
• Appropriate reading speed (15-20 characters/second)
• No overlap with on-screen text

Artwork and Marketing Assets

Key Art (Poster)

Specifications:

• Resolution: 2000x3000 pixels minimum
• Format: JPEG or TIFF
• Color space: sRGB
• File size: Under 10MB

Requirements:

• Title treatment clearly visible
• No laurels or review quotes (clean version)
• Version with laurels/quotes (promotional version)
• Safe zone awareness for platform cropping

Wide Banner Art

Specifications:

• Resolution: 1920x1080 pixels minimum
• 16:9 aspect ratio
• Title readable at small sizes
• Works on both light and dark backgrounds

Square Artwork

Specifications:

• Resolution: 1400x1400 pixels minimum
• Title prominently featured
• Used for music platforms and social media

Production Stills

Requirements:

• Minimum 10 high-resolution stills
• 1920x1080 pixels minimum
• Mix of scenes, characters, and behind-the-scenes
• Properly credited photographer
• Model releases for identifiable individuals

Trailer(s)

Specifications:

• Same resolution as feature
• 90 seconds to 2.5 minutes
• Proper MPAA/rating card if applicable
• Red band (restricted) and green band (all audiences) versions

Documentation and Metadata

Chain of Title

Legal documentation proving ownership:

• Copyright registration certificate
• Writer agreements (if applicable)
• Director agreement
• Music licenses and cue sheets
• Talent agreements with distribution rights

Music Cue Sheet

Detailed log of all music:

Cast and Crew Credits

Complete credit list including:

• Full legal names
• Specific roles/positions
• Billing order
• Company credits

Content Advisory

Detailed content information:

• Violence intensity and frequency
• Sexual content description
• Language specifics
• Drug/alcohol use
• Other potentially sensitive content

Synopsis Versions

Short synopsis (100 words): Used for platform listings and search results.

Medium synopsis (250 words): Used for detail pages and press materials.

Long synopsis (500+ words): Complete plot description for internal platform use.

Platform-Specific Requirements

Netflix

• 4K/HDR required for most acquisitions
• Dolby Vision or HDR10 color grading
• Dolby Atmos or 5.1 surround
• Specific IMF (Interoperable Master Format) delivery

Amazon Prime Video

• Accepts ProRes or H.264 masters
• 5.1 or stereo audio
• SDH captions required
• Detailed content advisory required

Apple TV

• ProRes 422 HQ minimum
• HDR10 or Dolby Vision for 4K
• Specific iTunes Store metadata requirements
• Preview clip required

Tubi/AVOD Platforms

• Generally more flexible specifications
• 1080p minimum, 4K preferred
• Stereo audio acceptable
• Standard caption requirements

Creating Your Deliverables Package

Pre-Production Planning

Budget for deliverables during production:

• Archival master creation
• Multiple audio mixes
• Caption/subtitle creation
• Artwork design
• Legal documentation

Post-Production Workflow

1. Complete picture lock
2. Create color-graded master
3. Mix audio to specifications
4. Export master video file
5. Quality control review
6. Create caption files
7. Compile documentation
8. Package and backup deliverables

Quality Control Process

Before submission:

• Technical QC of video file
• Audio sync verification
• Caption timing review
• Artwork specification check
• Documentation completeness audit

Cost Expectations

Budgeting for professional deliverables:

Tracking Your Film After Delivery

Once deliverables are submitted and your film goes live, tracking performance becomes critical. How do you know which platforms are performing? Where is your audience located? Which marketing efforts drive results?

Filmcane provides the analytics layer that distribution platforms lack. Create a single smart link for your film that tracks clicks and conversions across every platform, showing you exactly where your audience engages.

Deliverables Checklist

Use this checklist before submission:

Video:

• Master file meets resolution requirements
• Correct codec and color space
• Proper frame rate and aspect ratio
• Passed quality control review

Audio:

• 5.1 surround mix
• Stereo downmix
• M&E track complete
• Audio description (if required)

Captions:

• English SDH captions
• Additional language subtitles
• Frame-accurate timing verified

Artwork:

• Key art (2000x3000)
• Wide banner (1920x1080)
• Square artwork (1400x1400)
• Production stills (10+ images)
• Trailer file

Documentation:

• Chain of title complete
• Music cue sheet
• Cast and crew credits
• Content advisory
• Synopses (short, medium, long)

Start Your Distribution Journey

Proper deliverables represent the bridge between your creative vision and audience accessibility. Invest the time and resources to get them right, and your film will flow smoothly through distribution pipelines worldwide.

Once your film is live, create your Filmcane smart link to track performance across every platform. Know exactly where your audience finds you—and optimize your distribution strategy with real data.

Your film is ready. Now let the world see it.