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TECHNICAL SIDE OF THE FILM DISTRIBUTION AND BROADCASTING PROCESS

TECHNICAL SIDE OF THE FILM DISTRIBUTION AND BROADCASTING PROCESS

It is important for Latvian and foreign film producers, film distributors and cinemas, as well as television channels to bring the desired content to the viewers. Collaboration with professionals who provide adaptation and localization of films or programs – converting to a suitable movie, TV or VOD format, translating and subtitling, dubbing or recording is essential in this process.

How does the process of distributing a movie for television and cinema differ?

The latest films appear in cinemas, later on smart TV and streaming services, and only then on television. Please note that if the film is intended for screening in cinemas and festivals, it will take less time to process. There are also different formats in which to make a movie – the same material cannot be used everywhere because technology differs. In cinemas, movies are shown at 24 fps, and on TV, smart TV and streaming services at 25 fps.

What is the DCP format and when is it needed?

Today’s motion picture format is DCP and it is handled by professionals, both film producers, processors and cinemas. Cinemas and film festivals accept the DCP format as a standard because it provides both film quality and protection. Protection is a very important factor for manufacturers in particular – they must be sure that no illegal propagation will occur during distribution.

The DCP format has several advantages over other variants:

• modern and affordable;
• maintains the quality of the content;
• protects content from unauthorized duplication in the public domain.

What is movie localization and why is it important?

Localization is the process of adapting content to make it better and more easily perceived by the target market. Localization or adaptation is not just translation, but a combination of several steps:

• translation;
• creation of subtitles;
• dubbed, also known as dubbing, recording or speaking.

When exporting or importing films, they must be made understandable to the public, and in this case subtitles are very useful. On the other hand, if a movie is intended for young audiences who are not yet able to read, such as a cartoon, then it is important that it is adapted and spoken in a language that children can understand.

What formats does Digi Media accept for movie conversion and localization?

Professional film studios and distributors provide the original film in DCP (digital cinema package), which contains everything needed for film adaptation or localization. Other formats are sometimes accepted to create the required DCP format, but it is more expensive and time consuming.

Domestic producers of film for distribution can submit the assembled material in MOV format, audio in WAV tracks, and then Digi Media specialists will convert it to the required DCP format and send it to the customer electronically or on a hard disk.

In the case of television, poor quality video is sufficient for translation, subtitling and subtitling. But smart TV requires high quality video. Digi Media specialists know the nuances of the industry and will help you to understand your tasks, as well as to perform the tasks entrusted to you in good quality!