Do you need to create a DCP for your short film?
When I worked with the Fredrikstad Animation Festival, every year there was a lot of hassle with converting films to DCP format so they could be screened in high quality at the cinema. It was both expensive and difficult – and especially time-critical.
If your film is going to be shown on a cinema screen, it generally needs to be in DCP format. A DCP – Digital Cinema Package – is a collection of digital files (video, audio, and subtitles) for the digital screening of films. All Norwegian cinemas adhere to the international DCI standard for DCP. This is a standard developed by the major Hollywood studios to ensure uniform and high-quality digital film screenings. The DCI standards include requirements for file format, image resolution, frame rate, color space, and audio formats. You can read more about the DCI standard here.
Find the right provider
Many post-production companies and DCP providers offer DCP services for short films, and it’s important to find a reliable and experienced provider who can ensure your DCP is of high quality.
Once you’ve found a provider, you’ll need to send them a ProRes file of your film and make sure you provide them with all the necessary information. This should include the film’s title, length, credits, and any special instructions.
Make sure to order the DCP well in advance of the festival. Your provider will likely need some time to create and deliver the DCP, so it’s important to plan ahead to avoid any delays. Once you’ve received the DCP, you should test it in a cinema to ensure it works as expected.
Overall, ordering a DCP for short film festivals is an important part of the festival preparations. By ensuring that you work with a reliable provider and provide all necessary information, you can ensure that your short film will be projected in high quality at the festival.
Do you have questions, or would you like to order a DCP? Send an email to dcp@netron.no
