This document outlines only the technical specification requirements to film at First Run. There are additional non-technical requirements included in the submission process. Non-technical requirements can be found in the First Run Submission Requirements guide.
To screen at First Run, your film must meet the following required technical specifications, both basic and advanced:
Basic Technical Specifications
File Name: [ProjectTitle]_[FilmmakerName]_[MMDDYY]
- Ex. TheGodfather_FrancisFordCoppola_032472
- The file name may only contain letters (English alphabet only), numbers, and underscores.
- Do not abbreviate Project Title or Filmmaker Name.
Format/Wrapper: Quicktime .mov
- DCPs will not be accepted for First Run.
Codec: Apple ProRes 422 or Apple ProRes 422HQ
Frame Rate: 23.976 or 24.00
Resolution: 2k (2048x1080) or Full HD (1920x1080)
Audio Channel Format: Stereo (Left, Right)
- If a 5.1 mix is submitted, it will be converted to stereo. Mono will not be corrected.
Advanced Technical Specifications
Subtitles: Must be burned in, maximum two lines, center justified, placed at either the top or bottom of the frame within Title Safe Area. More information can be found on the Subtitle Guidelines sheet.
Audio: True Peak cannot equal or be greater than -4 dBTP, Levels cannot be equal or greater than -2 dBFS. More information can be found on the Audio Guidelines sheet.
Photo Sensitive Epilepsy: Films with PSE issues must either be corrected or permit a warning card to play ahead of the film. More information can be found on the Photo Sensitive Epilepsy sheet.
Leaders and Bars: Leaders and bars should not be included in a submission. Films submitted with leaders (i.e. a countdown) or bars will screen with those elements included.
Letterboxing and Pillar-boxing: All submissions will be screened in 2k. Films in 2k with letterboxing or pillar-boxing will screen exactly as submitted. Films in 1920 x 1080p will have their letterboxing or pillar-boxing altered slightly to conform to 2k resolution. The alteration will consist of narrower pillar-boxing and/or shorter letterboxing.
- To preview this alteration, open Premiere Pro and start a new 2k sequence. Place your film in the sequence. Once the film is in the sequence, you can use the fill frame tool to conform the film to the 2k resolution.
- Pillarboxing on FullHD image, exported at 2K:
- Letterboxing on FullHD image, exported at 2K:
Best Practices
While not required, it is recommended that prior to submitting, all filmmakers:
Review film on a color monitor in the PPC
Listen to film without headphones
Watch film in PPC Screening Room (1164 and 1076)
Ask PPC staff for guidance/assistance with technical issues