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A distributor cannot release a film without its deliverables: a spec-compliant master, closed captions and subtitles, M&E and stems, chain of title, E&O insurance, artwork and metadata. This ten-step assessment walks each requirement, scores your readiness and hard-stops on the items that will block a release outright. Export the report as a PDF checklist for your post supervisor and sales agent.

Distribution Readiness Assessment

Evaluate your project's readiness for distribution and generate deliverables checklists.

Smart Tool
Step 1 of 1010% Complete

Project Setup

Tell us about your film project.

Live Readiness Score

5
Not Ready
Business0%
Legal15%
Technical0%

Distribution Models

AVOD
Advertising Video on Demand - Free content supported by advertisements (e.g., Tubi, Pluto TV free tiers).
FAST
Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV - Linear streaming channels with scheduled programming, supported by ads (e.g., Pluto TV channels, Roku Channel).
SVOD
Subscription Video on Demand - Viewers pay a recurring fee for unlimited access to a library of content (e.g., Netflix, Hulu, Disney+).
Theatrical
Traditional cinema/movie theater distribution where films are shown on the big screen before other release windows.
TVOD
Transactional Video on Demand - Viewers pay per title to rent or buy content (e.g., iTunes, Amazon Prime Video rentals).
VOD
Video on Demand - Content available for viewers to watch whenever they choose, rather than at a scheduled broadcast time.

Technical

5.1 Surround
Six-channel surround sound: front left, center, front right, rear left, rear right, and subwoofer (LFE). Standard for theatrical and premium streaming.
7.1 Surround
Eight-channel surround sound adding two additional side channels. Used for premium theatrical and home theater experiences.
Audio Stems
Separate audio tracks for dialogue, music, and effects that can be mixed independently. Useful for re-versioning and international releases.
Captions/CC
Closed Captions - Text overlay of dialogue and sound descriptions that can be turned on/off. Required for accessibility compliance.
DNxHR
Avid's professional video codec, similar to ProRes. Used widely in post-production for high-quality intermediate files.
Frame Rate
The number of individual frames displayed per second. Common rates: 23.976fps (film), 24fps, 25fps (PAL), 29.97fps (NTSC), 30fps.
IMF
Interoperable Master Format - A standardized file format for delivering master content to multiple platforms. Preferred by Netflix and other major streamers.
M&E Track
Music & Effects Track - An audio mix containing only music and sound effects, without dialogue. Essential for international dubbing.
Master
The final, highest-quality version of your film from which all distribution copies are made. Also called the 'delivery master.'
Mezzanine
A high-quality intermediate file format used for transcoding to various delivery formats. Lower than master quality but still broadcast-grade.
ProRes
Apple's professional video codec known for high quality and efficient editing. Common formats include ProRes 422, ProRes 422 HQ, and ProRes 4444.
QC
Quality Control - Technical review process to ensure video and audio meet platform specifications. Checks for issues like audio sync, color, and encoding errors.
Resolution
The dimensions of the video image. HD (1920x1080), 4K/UHD (3840x2160), 2K (2048x1080).
SDH
Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing - Similar to closed captions but formatted as subtitles. Includes speaker identification and sound descriptions.
Stereo 2.0
Standard two-channel audio (left and right). The minimum audio format required by most platforms.
Textless Elements
Clean versions of shots containing on-screen text (titles, credits, graphics) without the text. Needed for foreign language versions.

Legal

Chain of Title
Legal documentation proving ownership of all rights in a film, from original creation through current ownership. A deal-killer if incomplete.
Cue Sheet
A detailed log of all music used in a film, including title, composer, publisher, timing, and usage type. Required for royalty payments.
E&O Insurance
Errors & Omissions Insurance - Protects against claims of copyright infringement, defamation, or rights violations. Required by most distributors.
Exclusive Rights
Granting a single distributor/platform the sole right to distribute your film in specified territories for a set period.
Location Releases
Legal agreements granting permission to film at and depict a specific location in your finished film.
Music Clearances
Legal permissions to use copyrighted music in your film. Includes sync rights (to use with picture) and master rights (to use specific recording).
Non-Exclusive Rights
Allowing multiple distributors/platforms to distribute your film simultaneously. Offers flexibility but often lower advances.
Talent Releases
Legal agreements granting permission to use a person's likeness in your film. Essential for all on-screen performers.

Business

Aggregator
A company that delivers content to multiple platforms on behalf of filmmakers. They handle encoding, metadata, and platform relationships for a fee.
Comps
Comparable Titles - Successful films similar to yours in genre, tone, or audience. Used to demonstrate market potential (e.g., 'Jaws meets Alien').
Distributor
A company that acquires rights to your film and handles marketing, sales, and delivery to platforms/theaters. May pay advances or work on revenue share.
Key Art
The primary marketing image for your film, typically the poster design. Used across all promotional materials and platforms.
Logline
A one or two-sentence summary of your film that captures the central conflict and hooks the reader. Essential for pitching.
MG / Advance
Minimum Guarantee - An upfront payment from a distributor against future earnings. Recouped before you see additional revenue.
Press Kit
A collection of promotional materials including synopsis, bios, stills, poster, trailer link, and press coverage. Also called EPK (Electronic Press Kit).
Revenue Share
A distribution model where earnings are split between filmmaker and distributor/platform, often after expenses are recouped.
Sales Agent
Represents your film to distributors and buyers worldwide. Takes a commission on sales. Often works festivals and markets.
Synopsis
A summary of your film's plot. Short synopsis (1-2 paragraphs) for marketing; long synopsis (1-3 pages) for buyers.
Term
The length of time a distribution agreement is in effect, typically measured in years (e.g., 7-year term, 10-year term).
Territories
Geographic regions where distribution rights are granted (e.g., North America, UK, Worldwide). Rights are often sold territory by territory.

Roles

DP
Director of Photography (also Cinematographer) - The head of the camera and lighting departments, responsible for the visual look of the film.