Commercial Film Festival Deliverables & Screener Checklist

A complete film festival submission requires a tested DCP, a full press kit, a working screener link, and organized exhibition rights documentation.

Filmmakers sometimes submit a DCP without fully testing it or overlook clearance documentation, creating technical or legal issues that surface at the worst possible time.

Why This Happens

Festival deadlines create pressure to submit quickly, and it's easy to prioritize the film itself over the supporting deliverables and documentation that actually determine whether the submission goes smoothly.

What's Inside

This checklist is interactive, click to check off items in your browser, plus printable if you'd rather keep it with your production files, and it covers DCP creation, press kits, and exhibition rights specific to film festival submissions, distinct from location scouting checklists.

Quick Tips

Test your DCP before submission, not at the festival.

Keep music and footage clearance documentation organized.

Confirm submission deadlines including time zone carefully.

Pairs well with: Indie Film Location Scouting Permit Checklist, Audio Mixing Master Track Qa Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a DCP and why does it need testing?

A DCP, or Digital Cinema Package, is the standard format for theatrical film exhibition, testing it before submission catches technical issues that would be much harder to fix at the festival.

What should be included in a festival press kit?

A director's statement, film synopsis, high-resolution stills, poster art, and cast and crew bios are common press kit components.

Why do music and footage clearances matter for festivals?

Unclear rights can jeopardize a screening or create legal issues, keeping clearance documentation organized is an important part of festival readiness.

Should I prepare a backup deliverable format?

Yes, having a backup format protects your submission against technical issues with the primary format at the actual festival.