DCP Creation

Digital Cinema Packages For Film Festivals, Distributors & Theaters

Professional DCP Mastering: Your Film Deserves the Big Screen

You’ve poured everything into your film. Now it’s time for audiences to experience it the way you intended: on a massive screen with pristine picture and immersive sound. However, there’s one technical hurdle standing between your final cut and that magical first screening: you need professional DCP mastering.

That’s where we come in. As a result, we’re the audio alchemists who provide expert Digital Cinema Package creation to make sure your film doesn’t just play, it shines.

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What is a Digital Cinema Package (DCP)?

A Digital Cinema Package is the digital projection format used by virtually every movie theater and film festival worldwide. Think of it as the DNA of your film translated into a language that cinema projectors understand: a collection of encrypted files containing your video, multichannel audio, subtitles, and metadata, all packaged to industry specifications.

Key Points About DCPs:

• First, DCPs contain all the video, audio, subtitles, and metadata needed to project your film
• They replaced 35mm film reels in movie theater projection booths over a decade ago
• Additionally, DCPs use encrypted, standardized file formats readable by digital cinema servers
• Most importantly, the DCP format ensures maximum quality and compatibility across theaters worldwide following DCI specifications

The bottom line: No DCP, no theatrical screening.

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Why You Need a DCP for Your Film

If you want your movie shown in theaters, you must provide a DCP. Traditional 35mm film prints are no longer used or accepted by the vast majority of modern movie theaters with digital projection systems. Whether you’re screening at Sundance, your local arthouse cinema, or a multiplex chain, creating a professional DCP is the only way to get your film properly projected. In other words, high quality digital video and audio requires a properly mastered DCP.

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Why Professional DCP Mastering Matters for Your Film

Modern editing programs like Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve offer DCP export options. However, theater ready DCPs require specialized encoding, encryption, and quality control that consumer level tools simply can’t guarantee.

Common issues with DIY DCPs:

• Incompatible frame rates or aspect ratios causing projection failures
• Incorrect color space conversions that make your film look wrong
• Audio channel mapping errors (dialogue in the wrong speaker)
• Missing or improperly formatted subtitles
• Non compliant file structures rejected by cinema servers
• Improper encryption protocols

When a DCP fails at a festival or theater, it’s not just embarrassing. It can cost you that crucial screening slot you fought so hard to get. On the other hand, professional DCP mastering ensures your film plays perfectly, everywhere, every time. No do overs, no apologies, no panic.

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NoiseFloor’s Professional DCP Mastering Process

We’ve created DCPs for films screening at major festivals and theatrical releases across the country. Here’s how our DCP mastering services ensure flawless projection (no magic required, just good old fashioned expertise):

1. Quality Check & Consultation
First, we review your source files (typically ProRes or DPX sequences) and discuss your specific requirements: festival standards, subtitle needs, aspect ratio considerations, and screening venues.

2. Professional Encoding
Using cinema grade DCP mastering software, we convert your picture and sound into the industry standard formats: JPEG 2000 video and uncompressed PCM audio, properly color managed for DCI P3 projection.

3. Audio Mapping & Mixing
Your multichannel audio (stereo, 5.1, or 7.1) gets correctly mapped for theater playback, with proper channel assignment and levels calibrated for cinema speakers.

4. Subtitle & Closed Caption Integration
If your film requires subtitles or closed captions, we create and integrate them according to DCI standards, with proper positioning, timing, and formatting. Additionally, closed captions are increasingly required by major film festivals for accessibility compliance and ADA requirements.

5. Encryption
Next, we encrypt your DCP to industry standards, ensuring your content is protected during delivery and playback.

6. Quality Control Testing
Every DCP we create is tested on professional cinema servers to verify playback, audio sync, subtitle accuracy, and overall presentation quality.

7. Delivery
Finally, we deliver your DCP via digital download, USB 3.0 thumbdrive, or professional CRU drive package, whatever works best for your screening venues.

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DCP Types We Create

Festival DCPs
Optimized for film festival requirements and specifications for multiple screening venues and dates.

Theatrical DCPs
Fully compliant DCPs for commercial theatrical distribution, including 2K and 4K masters with proper certification.

Archival DCPs
Long term preservation masters created to archival specifications for future re-releases or restoration projects.

Test DCPs
Preview versions for internal review or early festival submissions before creating final encrypted masters.

Scroll down to see our transparent pricing and delivery options. No hidden fees, no surprises. Simply put, just straightforward rates that respect independent filmmakers’ budgets.

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Technical Specifications

We master DCPs to full DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives) compliance. Specifically, this includes:

Video:

• 2K (2048×1080) or 4K (4096×2160) resolution
• 24fps, 25fps, or 48fps frame rates
• JPEG 2000 compression
• DCI-P3 color space
• Flat (1.85:1), Scope (2.39:1), or Full Container aspect ratios
• 3D stereoscopic support

Audio:

• 48kHz, 24-bit uncompressed PCM
• Up to 16 channels (stereo, 5.1, 7.1, or Dolby Atmos)
• Proper cinema calibration
• Additional language tracks and audio description available

Encryption:

• Interop or SMPTE DCP standards
• Industry-standard encryption protocols
• Secure content protection

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DCP Mastering Turnaround Times

Standard turnaround: 3 to 5 business days
2 Day Rush: 2 business days
Next Day Rush: 1 business day
Same Day Rush: Same business day

Festival deadline sneaking up on you? Don’t panic. We’ve pulled off plenty of last minute DCP miracles. First, check out our rush pricing options below. Then, if you’re really in a bind, give us a call. We’ll figure it out together.

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What We Need From You

To create your DCP, simply send us:

• Master video file (ProRes 422 HQ or higher, DPX sequence)
• Multichannel audio files (WAV or AIFF, discrete channels preferred)
• Subtitle and/or closed caption files if applicable (SRT or XML)
• Aspect ratio and framing specifications
• Any specific festival or theater technical requirements (including accessibility requirements)

Not sure what format you need? Don’t stress. In fact, we’ll walk you through it. Just reach out and we’ll get you sorted.

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Festival Accessibility & Closed Captions

Major film festivals are increasingly requiring closed captions as part of their submission requirements. For instance, Sundance Film Festival, SXSW, Tribeca Festival, and many other top tier festivals now mandate accessible versions of films to comply with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards.

Why This Matters for Your Film

Accessibility Compliance Many festivals require closed captions for all screening films

Audience Reach Approximately 15% of American adults report some trouble hearing. Moreover, captions help non native English speakers and viewers in noisy festival environments.

Professional Standards In addition to meeting requirements, closed captions demonstrate production quality and inclusivity

Distribution Requirements Furthermore, theatrical and streaming distributors increasingly require captioned versions

What Professional Closed Captions Include

• Complete dialogue transcription
• Speaker identification when multiple people talk
• Sound effect descriptions [door slams], [thunder rumbles]
• Music cues ♪ jazz music playing ♪
• Proper timing and positioning for readability
• DCI compliant formatting for cinema projection

Our Caption Services

• Professional caption creation from your script or audio
• Translation and integration of existing caption files
• Multi language subtitle tracks
• Separate caption files for festival submissions
• Quality control testing on cinema servers

Even if your target festival doesn’t currently require closed captions, including them demonstrates professionalism. Additionally, it prepares your film for broader distribution opportunities down the road.

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Frequently Asked Questions About DCP Mastering

Understanding DCP Standards & Mastering Options

What’s the difference between Interop and SMPTE DCPs?
These are two DCP standards. Interop is older but nearly universally compatible. It’s the safe choice for festivals and independent theatrical. In contrast, SMPTE is newer with additional features and is preferred by some major distributors. Generally, we recommend Interop for maximum compatibility unless you have specific SMPTE requirements. Not sure which you need? We’ll help you figure it out.

Can I make changes after the DCP is created?
Yes, but it requires creating a new DCP. That’s why thorough quality checks happen on your source files before beginning the mastering process. Minor changes like subtitle corrections can sometimes be handled without a full re-master. Bottom line: let’s get it right the first time.

Technical Support & Troubleshooting

What if a theater can’t play my DCP?
In our years of creating DCPs, we’ve never had a properly mastered package fail due to technical issues. If a venue reports problems, our team provides immediate technical support to troubleshoot. Often it’s a theater server configuration issue that can be resolved quickly. Furthermore, we’ll get on the phone with their projectionist if needed.

Do you create DCPs for international festivals?
Absolutely. DCPs for festivals and theatrical venues worldwide are part of our regular workflow. International shipping of hard drives or secure digital transfer are both available options. Additionally, our team is experienced with the technical requirements of major international festivals. From Rotterdam to Berlin to Hong Kong, we’ve got you covered.

File Formats & Delivery

What format should my audio be in?
Discrete channel WAV or AIFF files (24 bit, 48kHz) work best for our process. For a 5.1 mix, that means 6 separate mono files: Left, Center, Right, Left Surround, Right Surround, and LFE (subwoofer). However, if you only have a stereo mixdown or embedded audio, that works too. Just let us know what you’ve got.

Can you add subtitles and closed captions to my DCP?
Yes. Subtitle tracks in multiple languages can be created and integrated, as well as closed captions for accessibility compliance. Your files should be in SRT or XML format.

What’s the difference between subtitles and closed captions? While they look similar, closed captions include more than just dialogue. They also describe sound effects, music cues, and speaker identification for deaf and hard of hearing audiences. In fact, many major film festivals now require closed captions as part of their accessibility standards. Consequently, both subtitle only DCPs and versions with full closed captioning can be created to meet festival requirements.

What’s a CRU drive vs. USB drive?
CRU (Cinema Removable Unit) drives are professional hard drive packages specifically designed for cinema servers. They’re the industry standard for larger theaters and distributors. On the other hand, USB 3.0 thumbdrives work for most theaters and are more portable. Generally, CRU drives work best for theatrical distribution and USB drives for festival circuits.

Do you offer Dolby Atmos DCP mastering?
Yes! If your film has a Dolby Atmos mix, Atmos capable DCPs can be created with the required metadata and proper channel mapping for object based audio. Contact us to discuss your specific Atmos requirements.

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The NoiseFloor Difference

We’re not just a button pushing service. Instead, we’re filmmakers and sound specialists who understand the importance of that first theatrical screening. We’ve been in the projection booth when a DCP fails, and we’ve seen the relief on a director’s face when everything works perfectly.

Everything must harmonize. That’s not just our tagline, it’s how we work.

Our commitment:

• First and foremost, every DCP is personally quality controlled by experienced technicians (real humans who care about your film)
• Direct communication with the person actually creating your DCP (no ticket systems, no runaround)
• Moreover, festival rush services when deadlines loom (we’ve mastered the art of the miracle turnaround)
• Technical support if any venue has playback questions (we’ll talk to their projectionist if needed)
• Finally, transparent pricing with no hidden fees (see below for our straightforward rates)

Your film is ready for the world. Let’s make sure the world can see it.

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Ready to Get Your Film on the Big Screen?

Check out our pricing and delivery options below. After that, request a quote using the form or contact us directly. Ultimately, we’ll guide you through the entire process and ensure your film looks and sounds exactly as you intended.

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