How to Properly Supply a DCP:
A Filmmaker's Guide to Trouble Free Delivery

We can't wait to showcase your film at Dead Northern, but now it's time to get technical. To screen your movie at the festival, it must be submitted as a DCP (Digital Cinema Package). This is an explicit requirement of the cinema, and it's your responsibility to ensure your film is submitted by the required deadline. Films not provided in DCP format within the deadline will not be screened.

  • Dead Northern takes no responsibility for the quality, formatting, or performance of your DCP. Please ensure your file is tested, compliant, and ready for playback.

What Is a DCP?

Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs) are the industry standard for theatrical screenings, but every year, festivals spend hours fixing broken folder structures, misnamed files, and corrupted assets. This guide will help you deliver your DCP correctly the first time, saving everyone time, stress, and last-minute panic.

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Mistake

Fix

Zipping the DCP

Send unzipped via a reliable transfer service

Using Google Drive

Google Drive it notorious for changing file names during the zipping process. Use a service that preserves file name & folder structure.

DCP buried in folders

Move all six key files to the root directory

Subtitles or fonts missing

Confirm all referenced assets are present and correctly named

DCP not tested

Watch the full DCP before submission. What's in the folder is what plays!

Correct DCP Files Structure

A Digital Cinema Package (DCP) is made up of six essential files that work together to ensure your film plays correctly on cinema servers. These include the MXF video and audio files, which contain the actual image and sound; the Composition Playlist (CPL), which tells the server how to play the content; the Packing List (PKL), which verifies the assets; and two structural files, ASSETMAP and VOLINDEX that define how everything is organized.

__________

All six files must be placed in the root directory of your DCP folder, correctly named and uncompressed.

__________

If even one is missing or misplaced, your film may fail to play.
The table below shows what your files should look like use it to double-check your structure before submitting

File Type

Example Filename

PKL (Packing List)

pkl_xxxxx.xml

CPL (Composition Playlist)

cpl_xxxxx.xml

MXF Video

j2c_xxxxx.mxf

MXF Audio

pcm_xxxxx.mxf

AssetMap

ASSETMAP.xml

VOLINDEX

VOLINDEX.xml

Correct DCP Folder Structure

Your DCP folder structure is just as important as the files themselves. All six key files must be placed directly in the root directory, not buried inside subfolders like "Final" or "Export." Cinema servers rely on precise path references defined in the AssetMap and CPL, and any deviation can cause ingestion errors or playback failure.

__________

The example below shows a correct folder layout, use it to ensure your DCP is structured exactly as required.

CORRECT

AVOID

/MyFilm_DCP/[DCP files]

/MyFilm_DCP/DCP//Final/Export/[DCP files]

Zipping DCPs Causes Problems

Many filmmakers use Google Drive, Dropbox, or WeTransfer and zip their DCP folder.

This often leads to:

  • File name corruption (especially with long UUIDs)
  • Folder nesting that breaks the AssetMap path references
  • Invisible metadata changes that corrupt MXF files
  • Playback failure on cinema servers


Never zip your DCP folder!
Always send it uncompressed with the correct structure.

Watch Your DCP Before Submission

It may seem obvious, but you must watch your DCP all the way through before sending it. This isn't just a technical check, it's a creative responsibility. The DCP is your final output, and it's exactly what the audience will see on screen. As the filmmaker, only you can confirm that this version reflects your intended vision.

Watching the full DCP allows you to catch:

  • Visual glitches or encoding errors
  • Audio syncing issues
  • Missing subtitles or font problems
  • Incorrect edits or unexpected transitions

While the cinema will perform a basic test to ensure the file plays, they won't assess the quality or creative integrity of your film. That's your job, and it's critical. What's in the folder is what plays.

Use trusted tools like:

  • DCP-o-matic Player
  • EasyDCP Player
  • NeoDCP Player

These allow you to preview your DCP exactly as it will appear in the cinema. Don't skip this step—it's the last line of defence between your film and the big screen.

Ideal Delivery: NTFS-Formatted Drive

In a perfect world, your DCP would arrive on a physical drive formatted for cinema servers:

Recommended Specs

  • Drive Type: USB 3.0 external hard drive (not SSD or flash stick)
  • Format: NTFS (Windows) or EXT3 (Linux)
  • Partition Table: MBR (not GPT for older servers)
  • Label: Clearly marked with film title and CPL name

Packaging

  • Use a padded case or CRU DX115 caddy for safe transit

Address:

  • If you are planning on sending via a physical Drive, please let us know, and we will provide you with a shipping address

Physical Drive Disclaimer

  • If you choose to send your DCP on a physical drive, please note that Dead Northern accepts no responsibility for loss, damage, or failure of the drive during transit or handling. We cannot guarantee the return of any physical media, and we do not take financial responsibility for drives, packaging, or courier costs.
  • We recommend using a returnable courier service, clearly labelling your drive, and packaging it securely in a padded case or CRU DX115 caddy. Include a readme.txt with your contact details and delivery notes to help us identify your submission.

Best File Transfer Services
(No Zipping Required)

  • MASV - Designed for large media files, preserves folder structure
  • Aspera - Industry-grade, used by studios and festivals
  • WeTransfer Pro -Allows folder uploads without zipping
  • Dropbox - (direct folder share) - Works if zipped folders are avoided
  • Filemail - Fast, supports large files, no app required

*Avoid services that require downloading third-party apps or auto-zip folders.

Data Integrity Is Crucial

  • Always verify file sizes and checksums before sending
  • Avoid uploading via browsers that auto-compress or rename files
  • Use a returnable courier service for physical drives
  • Include a readme.txt with contact info and delivery notes

Submitting Subtitles with Your DCP

If your film includes subtitles, they must be properly embedded or referenced within your DCP. Cinema servers rely on the Composition Playlist (CPL) to locate and display subtitle files, so if the file is missing, misnamed, or incorrectly formatted, your subtitles won't appear on screen.

You have two options:

  • Embedded subtitles: Burned directly into the video file. No separate asset needed.
  • External subtitle file: Provided as a separate XML file (e.g. .xml or .smpte) and referenced in the CPL.

Make sure:

  • The subtitle file is placed in the root directory of your DCP
  • The filename matches what's listed in the CPL
  • Any fonts used are included and correctly referenced
  • You've watched the full DCP to confirm subtitle timing and formatting

Dead Northern cannot guarantee subtitle playback unless the DCP is correctly structured and tested. As the filmmaker, it's your responsibility to ensure subtitles are present, legible, and synced.

Include a Promo Assets Folder

Please include a separate folder with:

  • High-res posters (300 DPI)
  • Press release (PDF or DOCX)
  • Trailer (MP4 or MOV)
  • Social media assets (square, vertical, landscape)

Filmmaker Checklist

  • Six key files in root folder
  • No zipping or nested folders
  • Subtitles and fonts correctly named
  • DCP watched in full
  • Promo assets included
  • Drive formatted NTFS or EXT3
  • Folder labelled clearly
  • Sent via trusted service or physical courier

DCP & Technical Delivery FAQs

Still have questions or need help?
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