SERVICES

Upload. Proof. Deliver.
Quality without compromise.

Technical Specs

Submission requirements based upon SMPTE ST 429-2 Digital Cinema Packaging

File Upload:
We recommend uploading your film master file via our FileMail portal—it's much faster than Google Drive and trusted by post-production houses across the world for its end-to-end encryption and data security.You may also deliver your film master file using any secure file upload service (e.g. Google Drive, Dropbox, Frame.io, WeTransfer, etc.) with a password-protected, non-public link. Please send your upload to [email protected]. You will receive a confirmation reply within 24 hours.File Formats:
We accept all major production formats. Apple ProRes (422, 422 HQ, 4444) is recommended for highest quality conversion to DCP.Color Space:
Most films are graded in Rec.709 Gamma 2.4 color space, but we verify the color space of every film we receive before creating the DCP. To learn more about color in DCP mastering, check out our color space guidebook.Frame Rates:
DCPs are most commonly presented in 24 fps to ensure maximum compatibility across the world. Modern DCPs can also be created in 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, and 60 fps in 2K or 24, 25, and 30 fps in 4K.23.976 fps projects are not natively compatible as DCPs. At no cost to you, we conform all 23.976 fps masters to 24 fps using industry-standard practices optimized for transparency and highest possible quality. Other frame rates (29.97, 59.98, etc.) can create issues with conversion. Please get in touch with us if your film is in one of these frame rates. To learn more about frame rates in DCP mastering, check out our frame rate guidebook.Aspect Ratio:
Depending on your shooting format, your film will be placed in one of two possible DCP containers: FLAT (1.85:1) or SCOPE (2.35:1). Typically 16x9 projects look best in a FLAT container, while anamorphic projects naturally fit within SCOPE containers. We will choose the best DCP container for your film based on established industry practices. We will never crop, scale or re-frame your film. To learn more about aspect ratios in DCP mastering, check out our aspect ratio guidebook.

Films in 1080p or 3840 x 2160 look best in a FLAT container, while wider formats fit best in SCOPE

Audio Formats:
Please submit audio in 48kHz .WAV format using SMPTE channel order (L, R, C, LFE, LS, RS). We recommend 5.1 surround mixes or greater for DCP creation. Stereo files are acceptable, but are not accepted in Academy Award Qualifying Screenings. If your soundtrack is in stereo, we recommend upmixing to LCR or 5.1. Need assistance? We can help! Email us at [email protected] with any questions. To learn more about audio in DCP mastering, check out our audio format guidebook.Physical Hard Drive Prep:
We prep all drives using high-quality 1TB external hard drives, built to handle theater-grade playback. Each drive is formatted in ext2, the industry-standard Linux file system required for digital cinema servers. We ship your drive anywhere in the continental US for free, ready to plug in and play at your festival. To learn more about physical hard drive prep in DCP mastering, check out our guidebook.Subtitles & Open Captions:
We support subtitles and open captions for both short and feature films. Just send us your subtitle file in .srt format, and we’ll take care of the rest. To learn more about subtitles and captions DCP mastering, check out our guidebook.KDM Encryption:
We offer KDM protection as an optional add-on, which keeps your film secure during festival screenings. Our standard package includes 5 KDM keys, each locked to the specific theater and playback server you request. Just send us the details of the screenings, and we’ll handle the rest.Pre-Delivery QC Proof:
All clients receive a high-quality Rec.709 proof link for approval before final DCP delivery. Please note this proof simulates final projection quality, but is not an exact match for theatrical DCP playback due to computer display limitations. Your final DCP will be fully compliant with SMPTE DCI standards and optimized for cinema exhibition.DCP Encoding:
We use Kakadu, the industry-standard commercial J2K encoder, for best-in-class conversions. This encoder is Netflix-approved and used by all major studios because of its extremely efficient wavelet compression, smooth gradients and minimal shadow banding, and highly optimized bit allocation for complex images (e.g. heavy film grain, soft fades, etc.). In short, our process is designed for the absolute cleanest image fidelity possible.If you have any questions at any time, please email us: [email protected]

About Us

The DCP Company is a precision-focused post-production boutique specializing in Digital Cinema Package mastering. Our team has over 16 years of post-production experience, with client work ranging from feature films, commercial and music videos, to indie short films and non-profit projects.Based in Los Angeles, we serve clients globally under one simple philosophy: every filmmaker deserves studio-quality DCPs at accessible rates. No upsells, no surprise fees. We pride ourselves on being the most affordable DCP service, while offering the highest quality conversion available.The DCP Company is registered in the InterSociety Digital Cinema Forum (ISDCF) with facility code DCO.

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The DCP Company vs Others

Quality and affordability are paramount, but we are also the most secure DCP option currently on the market. Our studios operate under SOC 2 trust principles for data handling and security, and we are fully aligned with MPAA data security guidelines. To learn more about our Trust Service Principles, see our Data & Security Policy.Questions? Contact us for specs, delivery guidelines, custom quotes or just to say hi at [email protected].Your film. Your vision. Our expertise.

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TERMS
& CONDITIONS

The DCP Company – Terms & ConditionsLast Updated: May 17, 2025By submitting payment or initiating a project with The DCP Company, you agree to the following terms:• All services are custom and non-refundable once work has begun.
• The Client is responsible for providing final, approved source files.
• The DCP Company delivers DCPs according to industry-standard specifications; the Client is responsible for venue-specific testing.
• Project files are retained for 1 year after delivery, unless otherwise arranged.
• All materials are handled in accordance with The DCP Company’s Data Handling Policy and under the terms of our NDA.
• Payment must be made in full prior to delivery.
• The DCP Company retains the right to decline projects that are incomplete, offensive, or do not meet technical requirements.
• Any issues or disputes will be resolved under the laws of the State of California.For full details, please review our:
Service Agreement & NDA
Privacy Policy
Data Handling & Security PolicyQuestions? Contact us anytime at [email protected].

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PRIVACY POLICY

The DCP Company – Terms & ConditionsLast updated: May 17, 2025This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you purchase services through our checkout.1. What We Collect
When you place an order, we collect:
• Your name and email address
• Project information (via follow-up intake form)We do not collect or store full credit card numbers. All payment processing is handled securely by Stripe, which is PCI-DSS and SOC 2 compliant.2. How We Use Your Info
We use your information to:
• Process your payment
• Deliver the services you requested
• Communicate with you about your project
• Improve our services
• We never sell or share your information with third parties.3. File & Project Data
If you submit files as part of your project:
• They are handled securely and stored on encrypted drives or end-to-end encrypted platforms (e.g. FileMail, Frame.io, etc.)
• Files are deleted 1 year after delivery unless otherwise requested
Click here to read our full data and security policy.4. Cookies
Stripe and our website provider may use cookies to support checkout functionality and analytics. We do not use cookies for advertising or retargeting.5. Contact
For questions or data deletion requests, contact us at [email protected]

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DATA & SECURITY POLICY

The DCP Company – Data Handling & Security PolicyEffective Date: May 17, 2025Applies to: All projects managed by The DCP Company, including Digital Cinema Package (DCP) creation and related post-production services.1. Core Principles
The DCP Company is committed to handling all client content with the highest levels of care, discretion, and professionalism. Our data policies align with industry-standard best practices, MPAA guidelines, and core SOC 2 Trust Principles, including:
- Security
- Confidentiality
- Integrity
- Availability
- PrivacyWe believe trust is built through consistency, transparency, and respect for our clients’ creative work.2. File Transfer & Uploads
Clients may submit master files using any of the following secure services:
FileMail (preferred)
Frame.io (private links only)
Dropbox (private links only)
Google Drive (private links only)
WeTransfer (Pro or password-protected)All incoming files are reviewed for integrity upon receipt. Public or unsecured links will not be accepted for clients' protection.3. Storage & Encryption
All active project files are stored on encrypted external drives using XTS-AES encryption via FileVault2. Drives are:
• Password protected
• Only mounted during active project work
• Disconnected and stored securely when not in use
• No client files are stored on unencrypted personal or cloud devices.4. Access Control
Only The DCP Company personnel directly involved with the project have access to client files. We do not outsource labor, technical or otherwise. If additional collaborators (e.g. sound mixer, subtitle formatter) are engaged, the client is notified and must approve in writing.5. Project Approvals & Delivery
Clients review all materials via Frame.io, which offers:
• Secure, timecode-linked comments
• Password-protected project access
• SOC Type II ComplianceFinal DCPs or master deliverables are sent via Secure File Transfer.6. File Retention & Deletion Policy
By default, The DCP Company retains project files for 1 year after final delivery. After that, files are securely deleted. Clients may request immediate deletion or longer storage at any time.7. Confidentiality
All projects are handled under our Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). We do not publicly share client materials, credits, or screenshots without written permission.8. Compliance & Platform Choices
The DCP Company works exclusively with tools and partners that align with modern data handling standards, including:
• FileMail: GDPR compliant
• Frame.io: SOC 2 Type II compliant
• Stripe: PCI-DSS and SOC 2 certified
• Password management: Encrypted via BitWarden (SOC 2 Type II & SOC 3 compliant)
• Secure email with 2FA on all studio accounts9. Questions or Concerns
We welcome client questions about data handling and can provide additional documentation upon request. To request file deletion or custom handling terms, email: [email protected]

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NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT

The DCP Company – Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)Effective Date: May 21, 2025This agreement is between The DCP Company (“Service Provider”) and you, the Client, and is intended to ensure that both parties protect the confidentiality of all materials and communications exchanged during post-production.1. Purpose
This NDA applies to all files, communications, and assets related to your project that are shared with The DCP Company for the purpose of DCP creation and related post-production services.Both parties agree to maintain confidentiality and to use all shared materials only for the intended purpose.2. Definition of Confidential Information
For the purpose of this agreement, “Confidential Information” includes, but is not limited to:
• Video or audio files (e.g., master exports, DCPs)
• Scripts, captions, or subtitles
• Dialogue and production materials
• Any unreleased visual, audio, or editorial content
• Project titles, synopses, and credits
• Project communications between The DCP Company and the ClientThis also applies to any internal tools or workflows shared by The DCP Company.3. Obligations of The DCP Company
The DCP Company agrees to:
• Keep all project materials confidential
• Not share or display any portion of the Client’s project without written consent
• Use encrypted storage and secure transfer platforms (e.g. Frame.io, FileMail)
• Only access files for the purpose of delivering the requested servicesSee our Full Data & Security Policy for more details.4. Obligations of the Client
The Client agrees not to share or disclose any proprietary tools, pricing structures, workflows, or private communications from The DCP Company to third parties without consent.5. Exceptions
This agreement does not apply to information that:
• Is publicly available through no fault of either party
• Is independently developed by one party without use of the other’s confidential materials
• Is required to be disclosed by law, court order, or subpoena6. File Retention & Deletion
Unless otherwise arranged, The DCP Company will securely delete all client project files 1 year after final delivery. Clients may request earlier deletion at any time.7. Duration
This NDA remains in effect:
• For a period of two (2) years from the project start date
• Or until the Client’s project has been publicly released (whichever comes first)8. Acceptance
By submitting your project and files to The DCP Company, you acknowledge and accept the terms of this NDA. This agreement applies automatically to all services provided.

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SERVICE AGREEMENT

The DCP Company – Service AgreementEffective Date: May 21, 2025This agreement outlines the terms of service between The DCP Company (“Service Provider”) and the Client (“you”) for all post-production services provided, including but not limited to Digital Cinema Package (DCP) creation, asset preparation, and related deliverables.1. Scope of Services
The DCP Company agrees to provide the services selected by the Client at checkout and confirmed via intake form. This may include:
• DCP mastering
• Screener creation
• Subtitle packaging
• 5.1 audio mapping
• Drive prep for festival delivery
• Rush services (when available)Deliverables and turnaround times are defined per project and confirmed upon submission of all required materials.2. Project Start & Refund Policy
Your project officially begins once you have submitted your master file (e.g., ProRes or image sequence). Refunds are available up until file submission. Once your file is submitted and work has begun, we cannot offer a refund, as services are customized and labor-intensive.If you accidentally submitted an incorrect version of your film or need to cancel before work begins, please contact us immediately at [email protected].3. Revisions & Redelivery
The DCP Company includes:
• One (1) round of minor revisions to the DCP to correct technical issues during the DCP creation process (e.g., framing issues, sync, format mismatches). This does not include technical errors or defects caused by improperly prepared source materials.If you make updates to your film after delivery (e.g., picture changes, credit updates), we can reprocess the DCP at a discounted revision rate, depending on scope.4. Client Responsibilities
You agree to:
• Provide locked, final materials for mastering
• Deliver assets in the specifications requested (ProRes format, correct frame rate, audio config, etc.)
• Confirm framing/container format where needed
• Review screener files within 5 business daysWe are not responsible for technical errors or defects caused by improperly prepared source materials.5. Delivery & File Handling
Proof screeners will be delivered via Frame.io. All client files are stored on encrypted drives and handled according to our Data Handling Policy. By default, we retain project files for 1 year after delivery, after which they are securely deleted unless otherwise arranged.6. Confidentiality
We operate under the terms of a mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with all clients. We will not share, display, or reference your project without written permission. See full NDA for details.7. Payment Terms
Payment is due in full at the time of order. Work will not begin until payment has been received.
The DCP Company reserves the right to pause or cancel a project if communication or deliverables are incomplete.8. Limitations of Liability
We make every effort to ensure your DCP is compliant with standard exhibition practices.
However, projection environments vary. It is the Client’s responsibility to test the DCP with their venue or festival in advance. The DCP Company is not liable for screening issues beyond our control.9. Jurisdiction
This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California. Any disputes will be resolved through informal mediation before formal legal proceedings.10. Acceptance
By submitting payment and providing your materials, you acknowledge and accept these terms.

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