How to Make a DCP for Film Festivals
Getting Started with DCP Creation
Creating a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) can seem daunting, but our intuitive drag-and-drop platform makes it fast and simple. Upload your finished film file—free of bars, tone, countdown leaders, or slates. Our system generates your DCP exactly as per the uploaded content.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Upload Your Film: Only the final feature content. No tone, bars, slates, or black frames.
- Select Film Type: Short Film, Feature Film, Trailer, Advertisement, etc.
- Choose Resolution: 2K (Flat: 1998x1080, Scope: 2048x858) or 4K (Flat: 3996x2160, Scope: 4096x1716).
- Preview Aspect Ratio: Our preview tool shows how your film will be cropped or padded.
- Select Language: Used in DCP metadata and naming convention.
- Choose SMPTE or Interop: See details below.
How Our Service Works
- Upload Your Film: Through our secure upload portal.
- We Process and Render Your Film: In the cloud using AWS cloud rendering.
- You Download or Share Link: Once your render is complete, you can download or select the share button to send a download link to festivals.
Our whole system is automated and secure, for your eyes only.
Interop vs SMPTE DCP
Interop DCP: The legacy standard. Most universally compatible with older servers and projectors. Supports 24 fps (2K/4K).
SMPTE DCP: Modern standard. Allows higher frame rates (24, 25, 30, 48, 50, 60), better subtitle handling, and improved compatibility with new systems.
While SMPTE is preferred for modern theaters, some festivals still require Interop for legacy compatibility. Always confirm with your venue.
DCP Naming Convention
Example: MyFilm_FTR_F_EN-XX_US_51_2K_20250526_SMPTE_OV
- MyFilm: Film title (14 characters max)
- FTR: Content type (FTR = Feature, SHF = Short, TLR = Trailer)
- F: Aspect ratio (F = Flat, S = Scope, C = Full Container)
- EN-XX: Language/subtitle code
- US: Territory
- 51: Audio channel setup (20 = 2.0 Stereo, 51 = 5.1 Surround, 71 = 7.1 Surround)
- 2K: Resolution (2K or 4K)
- 20250526: Date (YYYYMMDD)
- SMPTE: Format type
- OV: Version type (OV = Original Version, VF = Version File)
Use Kinofreund DCP Naming Tool to generate compliant names.
What’s Inside a DCP?
- MXF Files: Wrapped video and audio files.
- JPEG 2000: Video codec using XYZ color space for projection consistency.
- WAV Audio: Uncompressed 24-bit PCM audio files.
- XML Metadata: Asset Map, Packing List (PKL), Composition Playlist (CPL), and Volume Index.
Color and Audio Standards
- Color must be converted from sRGB/Rec.709 to XYZ (DCI-P3 primaries).
- Recommended gamma: 2.6
- Bit depth: 12-bit JPEG 2000
- Audio sync must match video precisely—24-bit, 48kHz WAV format.
Delivery and Testing
DCPs are commonly delivered via CRU drives formatted to EXT2/3 Linux file systems. Festivals may accept USB 3.0 or FTP uploads depending on policy.
Always test your DCP in a cinema environment or use a local DCP player (e.g., EasyDCP Player, DCP-o-matic Player) before submission.
More DCP Tips
- Stick to 24 fps unless the festival specifically supports higher frame rates.
- Avoid watermarks or timecode burns unless requested.
- Use DCP-o-matic for free DCP creation, or premium services like EasyDCP or Clipster for more control.
- Don't add intro logos, bars, or slate—unless part of your artistic intent.