Film Distribution Checklist
A comprehensive guide to preparing your film for distribution across streaming platforms and film festivals.
1. Technical Specifications
- Verify resolution meets platform requirements (typically 1920x1080 or 3840x2160)
- Confirm frame rate matches deliverable requirements
- Check audio specifications (stereo, 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus)
- Ensure correct codec for delivery (ProRes, DNxHD, H.264, H.265)
- Verify bitrate meets platform minimums
- Check subtitle and closed caption file formats
- Confirm color space and gamma
2. Legal Clearances
- Obtain chain of title documentation
- Secure music rights and sync licenses
- Clear all footage and images used
- Ensure talent release forms are signed
- Verify location permits and release forms
- Confirm E&O insurance is in place
- Register copyright for your film
3. Marketing Materials
- Create poster artwork in required dimensions
- Prepare trailer versions (30 sec, 60 sec, 2 min)
- Write logline and synopsis
- Compile cast & crew list
- Prepare director's statement and biography
- Create production stills
4. Platform Requirements
- Research specific requirements for each target platform
- Complete platform application forms
- Prepare territory restrictions list
- Set pricing strategy
- Create platform-specific metadata
5. Metadata & Assets
- Write keyword-rich descriptions
- Prepare genre tags and category selections
- Create multiple language metadata versions
- Prepare dubbed and subtitle versions
6. Quality Control
- Run technical QC on all video files
- Check audio levels and loudness normalization
- Verify subtitle timing and accuracy
- Test on multiple playback devices