Build Your Own DCP

As we continue to mourn the ousting of celluloid from our cinemas, we must also embrace the introduction of digital and celebrate the freedom it gives filmmakers and exhibitors. And so, in our bid to help build a more thriving, connected film community in the region we’re offering a one-day workshop for exhibitors and filmmakers to learn how to create their own DCPs.

DCP (Digital Cinema Package) is now the standard format for delivery of films to cinemas. But with post houses charging up to £1,000 to create a DCP, it’s out of reach for many. This workshop will teach you how to do it yourself - not only a terrific opportunity to gain a very useful skill, but could also save a significant amount of money in the future. You don't need to be technically-minded to benefit from this course, as the process is surprisingly simple. We'll be using a program called DCP-o-matic, and other open source software to make the DCPs. It's all free to download and we'll send you the links when you sign up. It’s ideal if you can bring your own laptop, but there will be iMacs at the space on the day if that’s not possible.

• Your film exported as a file (preferably Quicktime) on a hard drive (please make sure it is a short film i.e. under 15 minutes) – we will supply a short film if you’re unable to bring one;
• Laptop and charger (if you can);
• USB stick (to put the final DCP on);
• Your original footage and edit files if you’re bringing your own file. Bringing your original footage and Final Cut Pro/Avid/Premiere Pro project file is not necessary, but could be useful if we find any problems with your exported film file.

Jim Dummett runs Cinebox, who specialise in technical delivery of film festivals and events. They manage all the DCP creation for London Short Film Festival (567 films in the 2016 edition!)

Jim has been producing film events since 2009, from the mud-splattered fields of Glastonbury, pop-ups in London, film festivals such as Open City Doc Fest and Branchage Jersey, and delivering touring programmes to major venues including BFI Southbank, Watershed Bristol and FACT Liverpool. Prior to his work in cinema, Jim was an online editor and broadcast technician working on documentaries for BBC, ITV and Discovery.

cinebox.co