Mastering Delivery Formats: Festival-Ready, Theatrical, and Streaming (Filmhub Included)

When preparing your film for release, it’s essential to understand the differences—and overlaps—between festival, theatrical, and streaming-ready formats. While they often share a foundation, each platform has specific technical requirements. This guide breaks it all down for you.

📽️ Festival-Ready Format vs. Theatrical Format

Are they the same?
In most modern workflows, yes, particularly when festivals screen films digitally (which is now the norm). Both formats typically use a high-quality master file and adhere to similar standards.

✅ Common Specs for Festival & Theater Use:

• Video Codec: Apple ProRes 422 HQ, DNxHR HQX, or Uncompressed
• Resolution: Typically 3840 x 1604 (DCI-compliant or custom, depending on aspect ratio)
• Frame Rate: 30fps (unless the festival requires 24fps for cinematic playback)
• Audio: Stereo or 5.1 surround, mixed to industry specs
• Container: .mov

💡 If the festival requires a DCP (Digital Cinema Package), that’s a separate format we can prepare for you (see below).

🎞️ What is a DCP?

A Digital Cinema Package (DCP) is the industry-standard format for professional theatrical screenings. It ensures your film plays back flawlessly on cinema-grade projectors.

DCP Specs:

• Video: JPEG2000, 2K or 4K resolution (DCI-compliant)
• Audio: Uncompressed 24-bit, 48kHz or 96kHz (Stereo, 5.1, or 7.1)
• Format: MXF containers + XML metadata (for playback, subs, and encryption)

🎯 A DCP is not interchangeable with your ProRes or DNxHR master — it’s a separate export with its own technical requirements.

📡 Streaming Platform Format (e.g., Filmhub, Amazon, Vimeo)

Your festival or theatrical master can serve as the base, but streaming platforms often require additional versions for upload, preview, and promo.

Streaming/Distribution Master Specs:

• Format: H.264 or H.265 (.mp4)
• Resolution: 3840 x 1604 (or letterboxed to 3840 x 2160)
• Frame Rate: Matches original master (30fps or 24fps)
• Audio: Stereo AAC (320kbps)

Some distributors, including Filmhub, may also request:

• A ProRes or DNxHR master
• Separate audio stems (Dialogue, Music, FX)

We can prepare everything you need from a single master to minimize time and file handling.

📁File Delivery Structure

To keep things organized, if using AVAir, your deliverables will be structured as follows:

/Final_Deliverables

├── Theatrical_Master

│   └── FilmTitle_ProRes_3840x1604_Stereo.mov

├── Streaming_Master

│   └── FilmTitle_H264_3840x1604_Stereo.mp4

If required, we’ll also provide a technical spec sheet with codec details, file sizes, and timestamps.

🎛️ One Export, Many Outputs

Once we finalize your high-quality festival/theatrical master, we can efficiently generate:

• DCP (for theatrical projection)
• Streaming versions (Filmhub, Amazon, Vimeo, etc.)
• Promo versions (trailers, social clips)
• Stems and captions (for aggregators and international delivery)

✨ We also offer combined delivery packages tailored for festival, theatrical, and streaming use, saving you time and ensuring seamless compatibility.