Aggregator Delivery Workflow

Master the complete workflow for delivering films to distribution aggregators. Streamline your delivery process with professional standards and technical precision.

Major Aggregator Specifications

PlatformVideo CodecResolutionAudio FormatTypical Size
FilmhubProRes 422 HQ1920x1080 minimumSeparate stems required50-200GB typical
DistribberH.264 High Profile1920x1080 or 4KStereo + 5.1 stems10-50GB typical
FilmTrackProRes 422 or 44442K/4K DCI or UHDBWF audio files100-500GB typical

Universal Requirements

  • • Separate audio stems (dialogue, music, effects)
  • • Textless/clean master version
  • • Closed captions and subtitle files
  • • Extensive metadata (cast, crew, synopsis, keywords)
  • • Artwork in multiple formats and resolutions
  • • Trailer and promotional materials

Complete Delivery Workflow

1

Technical Preparation

Prepare master files according to aggregator specifications

Export master video file in required codec
Create separate audio stems (dialogue, music, effects)
Generate textless/clean master version
Prepare closed captions and subtitle files
Calculations

File size: ProRes 422 HQ varies by resolution, Audio stems: 24-bit Linear PCM WAV @ 48kHz

2

Metadata Collection

Gather comprehensive film information and assets

Complete cast and crew information
Write synopsis in multiple lengths
Collect high-resolution artwork
Prepare trailer and promotional materials
Calculations

Artwork: 50-100MB total, Trailer: 10-50MB depending on length

3

Quality Control

Review all deliverables for technical compliance

Review video quality on professional monitors
Check audio sync and levels throughout
Verify subtitle timing and formatting
Generate and verify file checksums
Calculations

Checksum verification: MD5/SHA-256 for file integrity

4

Upload & Submission

Deliver files and metadata to aggregator platform

Upload master files via secure transfer
Submit metadata through platform interface
Provide artwork in required formats
Complete platform-specific forms
Calculations

Upload time: File size ÷ bandwidth (e.g., 100GB ÷ 100Mbps = ~2 hours)

Technical Requirements

Video Requirements

  • ProRes 422 HQ or H.264 high bitrate
  • 1920x1080 minimum, 4K preferred
  • Progressive scan, not interlaced
  • Consistent frame rate throughout

Audio Requirements

  • Separate dialogue, music, effects stems
  • 48kHz/24-bit uncompressed audio
  • Stereo mix plus 5.1 surround if available
  • Audio levels within broadcast standards

Subtitle Requirements

  • SRT or VTT format subtitle files
  • Closed captions for accessibility
  • Multiple language versions if applicable
  • Proper timing and formatting

File Size Planning

Storage Requirements

  • • ProRes 422 HQ: Bitrate scales with resolution
  • • H.264 delivery: Target ~10GB for HD feature
  • • Audio stems: 24-bit Linear PCM WAV @ 48kHz
  • • Subtitle files: ~1-5MB per language
  • • Artwork and assets: ~50-100MB
  • • Total for 90min film: 20-200GB

Upload Time Calculations

  • • 50GB @ 100 Mbps: ~1 hour
  • • 100GB @ 100 Mbps: ~2 hours
  • • 200GB @ 100 Mbps: ~4 hours
  • • 50GB @ 50 Mbps: ~2 hours
  • • 100GB @ 50 Mbps: ~4 hours
  • • Consider overnight uploads for large files

Aggregator Delivery Best Practices

Before Delivery

  • Review aggregator specifications thoroughly
  • Create test deliveries for approval
  • Prepare all metadata and assets in advance
  • Plan sufficient time for the complete process

Quality Assurance

  • Review all files on professional equipment
  • Verify audio sync throughout entire program
  • Test subtitle timing and readability
  • Generate checksums for file integrity

Streamline Your Aggregator Delivery

Get instant delivery calculations with CineMath. Calculate file sizes, upload times, and storage requirements for professional aggregator delivery.