Converting MP4 to DCP: the basics
You have an MP4 and the festival wants a DCP. Here is what changes, a real DCP to look at, and the quickest way to have yours.
What changes when an MP4 becomes a DCP
- One file becomes a folder. A DCP is a folder your cinema's server plays, and it reaches you as a zip file.
- It gets much bigger. Every DCP is built at 200 Mbit/s. Brotherly, 10:38, becomes a 16.2 GB zip.
- One house spec. 2K, 24 fps, unencrypted. We set the format, resolution, gamma and audio layout from your file.
- Audio. Stereo, 5.1 or 7.1.
Download a real one
Brotherly (10:38) is an award-winning short film. This is its complete DCP, made by shortfilmdcp.com from a ProRes 4K file.
- In the zip
- Interop, 2K, 24 fps
- 16.2 GB zip, with a .sha256 checksum file
- Brotherly2026_SHR-1_F_EN-XX_CA_20_2K_NULL_20261007_NUL_IOP_OV.zip
- Its validation report
- Clairmeta: Success, 101 checks
- dcpomatic_verify: 0 errors, 0 warnings
- All 15,562 frames checked
Open it in DCP-o-matic, or hand it to your cinema's projectionist to try on their system.
The shortcut
You can make a DCP free with DCP-o-matic, which is harder, or through a post-production house, which is expensive. Or you can have shortfilmdcp.com make it.
A DCP for your short film starting at $10 delivered in 24 hours or less. Every package is tested before your link is sent.
Send your MP4 as it is. We set everything else.
Can I convert an MP4 to a DCP?
Yes. A DCP (Digital Cinema Package) is the format cinema servers play. You upload your MP4; we send you a DCP in a zip file via download link. Choose your file on the home page and you see your price before you pay.
Which files can I send?
Video: ProRes, DNxHD, MOV or MP4. Audio: Stereo, 5.1 or 7.1. Shorts up to 30 minutes.
Why is the DCP so much bigger than my MP4?
Every DCP is built at 200 Mbit/s. Brotherly's is 16.2 GB for 10:38.
Will it play at my venue?
Every package is validated with Clairmeta (101 checks) before you get your link. Your package plays at any professional DCP-ready venue, or you get a full refund: forward the venue technician's e-mail to hello@shortfilmdcp.com within 30 days of delivery.