How to deliver video to The Source

Knowledge Base Articles > Digital Distribution
Note that this article only applies if you have a prior arrangement with us for the delivery of video and a suitable common delivery pipeline set-up with us.

The Source delivers music themed video (such as concert footage and music documentaries) to various portals and outlets.
 
Note: outlets require very high quality standards for source video and metadata and have stringent quality controls in place. Because of the advances in display technology in the homes of consumers, these standards - along with broadcast standards – are evolving and improving constantly. Therefore, you should always look to supply the best quality source available, as the technical quality of the source video directly affect user experience. Always keep this in mind when supplying video content. Materials received that do not pass basic quality control, because the video image quality is too low or damaged and/or because metadata and collateral files are incomplete, will delay delivery and possibly lead to extra costs for you as the provider.
 
Note: outlets may cherry-pick or refuse video titles.
 
Note: we refer to video content as "visuals".
 
A visual delivery consists of more than just the video. The requirements for each part of the delivery are listed below:
 
1. Video File requirements
 
You must supply the following video files:
  1. Main programme.
  2. A clip or trailer at exactly 1 minute length/playing time, representative of the main feature. This may be a montage of (an) excerpt(s) from the main footage or a purposely created trailer.
  3. Any other video materials pertaining to the main feature you wish to exploit or can be used as promotion, such as theatrical trailers, interviews, bonus features etc.
 
Video File guidelines
  • No compression artefacts (blocks, blurriness and colour banding).
  • No de-interlacing artefacts (horizontal stripes/combing or blended frames/ghosting). Preferred de-interlacers are QTGMC (Avisynth filter), Teranex and other high-quality motion compensated interpolating algorithms.
  • Video must be in its native format. Was the footage shot in SD, then deliver in SD. Same for HD or Ultra-HD. Keep frame rate, interlacing vs. progressive, NTSC vs. PAL, resolution and aspect ratio the same as the original footage. No pulldown or duplicate frames.
  • Before delivery, you should check the entire length of the programme for glitches and other damage and replace footage if necessary. Same for analogue (tape) artefacts, repair if necessary.
  • The programme must be a completely finalized and edited continuous programme, including all necessary leaders, trailers and rolling credits.
  • There must be at least one frame of 100% Black at the start and end of the programme.
  • Deliver the file in a high quality codec/container combination. Preferred formats include, but are not limited to: Apple Prores 422 HQ and Prores 444, Avid DNxHD and DNxHR, Cineform and other professional high quality intermediate codecs, lossless (HuffYUV, Lagarith, MSU etc.) or uncompressed video. Broadcast MXF and DCP (Digital Cinema Package) archives are acceptable as well.
  • Do not upgrade, encode or upsize from lesser quality formats to our preferred standard before delivering to us. This will do nothing to enhance the end result, and will possibly reveal as artefacts in quality control. Deliver the best you already have.
Lower quality source video limits the number of possibilities and prospective exploitation opportunities and might involve additional expense to prepare for distribution. Outlets can – and regularly do - reject programmes which fail their quality control, for which The Source cannot be held responsible.
 
2. Closed Captioning Script and Subtitles
 
You must supply the following with your video content:
  1. Closed Captioning (SCC script) in English which adheres to FCC guidelines. Singing and rapping must be included, as well as dialogue and every notable sound. See appendix 1.
  2. Subtitle scripts (Ebu STL) for any spoken dialogue and onscreen text in the following languages: English, German, French, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese.
Closed Captioning  guidelines
  • Captioning Specifications and English text in EIA 608 format.
  • SCC formatted files should be able to open in QuickTime Pro 7.
  • In a Scenarist SCC formatted file, using .SCC film extension.
  • Captions should display and synchronize to within one second of the initial, audible dialog to be represented in text.
  • The time codes of the captions are relative to the start of the programme.
Common issues witc CC
 
  • Line Positioning Data: Captions or subtitles should not appear over any on screen text throughout the episode/film. Any caption/subtitle file that appears over text should be moved to the Top Position or vice versa.
  • Timing: subtitle duration too short or too long. Subs must match their episode in length exactly.
  • Spelling and Grammar: Must be exact. Outlets will flag and reject for these issues frequently.
3. Artwork requirements
 
Mandatory elements:
  1. Front/booklet/poster artwork (rectangular, portrait at 2:3, at least 1600 x 2400 pixels); what you'd normally use for physical DVD packaging or a poster print, including the artist and/or festival name, the concert title and (if appropriate) the location and date of the performance. All must be clearly legible.  JPG in RGB colour.
  2. A square version (1:1, at least 1600 x 1600 pixels) of the above.
  3. A landscape version of the above (16:9) for use as a splash screen in video players, at least 1920 x 1080 pixels.
  4. A promotional banner version of the above at 2048 x 640 pixels.
  5. Versions of 1), 2) and 3) without any titling or textual elements (just the background image/design).
  6. The layered design file for 1), preferably in Photoshop (.psd) format, at least 3000 pixels wide.
Optional elements:
  1. If the artist has a logo or its name in a particular recognisable style, please deliver it separately, but at least incorporate it in the mandatory artwork.
  2. Promo shots, such as artist portraits, live performance pics etc.
4. Metadata requirements
  1. A completely filled-in Delivery Sheet (click to download).
  2. The Long and Short Synopses in six languages: English, German, French, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese.
  3. A Cue Sheet, i.e. chapter list, concert set list or song/track list, containing all chapters and/or song names, their respective attributions and any other points of interest at their corresponding time code (hh:mm:ss:ff) within the video stream.
  4. A text that describes possible deviations from rights granted in the overall agreement and/or contract, such as excluded territories and exploitation methods and channels.
Optional: any other marketing or production information, press kit or promotional material you have available for the title.
Article ID: 37, , Modified: 1/18/2021 at 4:50 PM

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