Everything you need to prep for a distributor or streamer
You’ve finished your film. You’ve got a killer final cut. But before a streamer, network, or international buyer will sign on, you’ll need more than just the movie file.
In the industry, delivery means delivering everything — legal, creative, financial, and technical materials. Miss even one required item and you could delay (or lose) your deal entirely.
This checklist breaks down the essential film delivery requirements so you can stay ahead of the process and protect your distribution opportunities.
🎬 Must-Have Film Deliverables
Final Locked Picture (HD or 4K)
Why it matters: This is your completed film — color corrected, mixed, and fully finished.
Red flag: Distributors may also request alternate cuts (e.g., 90-min theatrical, 44-min broadcast, or TV edits).
M&E Tracks (Music & Effects)
Why it matters: Used for dubbing into foreign languages — must exclude English dialogue.
Red flag: Sloppy M&E mixes look amateur and hurt foreign sales.
Dialogue Continuity Script (CCSL)
Why it matters: Lists every line of dialogue with timecode for subtitling and dubbing.
Red flag: Auto-generated scripts often don’t match the final cut — must be exact.
Closed Caption File (SCC or SRT)
Why it matters: Required for ADA compliance and most streaming platforms.
Red flag: Captions ≠ subtitles — you must follow captioning standards.
Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance Certificate
Why it matters: Protects the distributor from lawsuits.
Red flag: No insurance if music, names, logos, or life rights aren’t cleared.
E&O Application (Long Form)
Why it matters: Shows your insurable risks.
Red flag: Omissions or false info can void your policy.
Chain of Title Documentation
Why it matters: Proves you own the rights to sell the film.
Red flag: Missing life rights, unclear option agreements, or expired assignments.
Music Licenses
Why it matters: Covers both sync (song rights) and master (recording rights).
Red flag: No screenshots or handshake deals — written licenses only.
Final Cue Sheet
Why it matters: Lists all music with timestamps, duration, and rights info.
Red flag: Many buyers won’t even review a film without it.
Cast & Crew Agreements
Why it matters: Proves everyone gave permission to use their work.
Red flag: Verbal agreements don’t count; SAG paperwork must match credits.
Location & Materials Releases
Why it matters: Grants legal permission to film at locations and show props/art.
Red flag: Missing releases = blurred logos, pulled scenes, or lawsuits.
Copyright Registration (U.S.)
Why it matters: Establishes formal ownership of your finished film.
Red flag: Filing late can forfeit statutory damages.
Title Report
Why it matters: Confirms your title doesn’t infringe on existing works.
Red flag: Skipping can result in a last-minute cease-and-desist.
Clearance Log
Why it matters: Lists all visible IP in your film and whether it’s cleared.
Red flag: Even background posters, T-shirts, or product labels can cause legal issues.
MPAA Rating or Exemption
Why it matters: Required for theatrical release and many streaming deals.
Red flag: “Unrated” films can face distribution restrictions.
Final Credits List
Why it matters: Accurate crediting avoids disputes and union issues.
Red flag: Credit errors can trigger legal action.
Graphic Assets
Why it matters: Posters, stills, social banners — buyers expect a full promotional kit.
Red flag: No high-res assets = weaker PR push.
Trailers (Multiple Durations)
Why it matters: Required separately in 15-sec, 30-sec, and 90-sec cuts.
Red flag: Trailer music also needs licensing — don’t forget.
💡 Real-World Delivery Tips
- Budget for delivery early — Legal clean-up after the fact is expensive.
- Keep your chain of title clean — One missing life rights release can kill a deal.
- Use a contract automation tool like Thoolie to store and tag your delivery documents — you’ll send them multiple times in multiple formats.
- Organize by delivery folder:
- Legal
- Music
- Credits
- E&O
- Picture & Sound
🧠 Final Tip from Lex Nova Lawyer
Delivery isn’t just a final step — it’s part of production. Plan for it from day one, and you’ll be the producer buyers want to work with again.
🔐 Need the contracts to back up your delivery?
Thoolie’s Production Legal Templates cover cast, crew, music, locations, life rights, and more — everything you need to clear before you export that final cut.
📚 Related Resources:
- Indie Film Budget Legal Checklist — the line items lawyers flag early.
