SCENE 01 / DIGITAL CINEMA PACKAGE DCP
Digital Cinema Package (DCP) in Saudi Arabia
Professional DCP creation ensuring flawless theatrical presentation and worldwide cinema distribution.
Here is how this works in practice. A Digital Cinema Package is the standardized format for theatrical film distribution, containing encrypted video, audio, and subtitle data that cinema projectors read and display. DCP mastering needs precise tech specs for resolution, frame rate, color space, and audio channel setup to make sure proper playback.
Here is the short of it. We set up DCP creation with mastering facilities certified for digital cinema distribution. Our team manages the tech specs, encryption, and quality verification process to make sure your Digital Cinema Package plays flawlessly in theaters and meets the delivery standards needed by your distribution partners.
Capabilities
DCP Creation Excellence
We deliver the industry-standard format for theatrical exhibition, ensuring your film is presented with the highest quality in cinemas worldwide.
01
Cinema Quality
DCI-compliant packages for perfect projection in theaters worldwide.
Excellence
02
Secure Encryption
Content protection with professional KDM management.
Security
03
Global Standards
Compatible with all DCI-compliant cinema systems worldwide.
Universal
04
Verified Quality
Comprehensive testing and validation on cinema servers.
Reliability
DCP Services
Technical Specifications
Why Us
Why Choose Our DCP Services
01.
100% Reliability
Guaranteed playback in all DCI theaters.
02.
Fast Turnaround
Quick delivery for urgent deadlines.
03.
Secure Handling
Covered workflow and delivery.
04.
Festival Ready
Experience with major festival needs.
On Location
SMPTE DCP creation across Riyadh and Jeddah for AMC Saudi Arabia, VOX, Muvi, Empire Cinemas, Red Sea International Film Festival at Ritz-Carlton Jeddah and Al-Balad, and Saudi Film Festival Dhahran at Ithra King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture.
We build DCPs at MBC Studios Riyadh, Telfaz11, and Pixomondo Riyadh finishing rooms. Tools have Doremi DCP, Qube Master, Sony DCP creation tools, and easyDCP. Picture wraps as JPEG 2000 at 250 Mbps for 2K and 500 Mbps for 4K. Audio wraps as PCM 24-bit 48 kHz, in 5.1, 7.1, or Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 configurations.
SMPTE DCP is the standard format, replacing the legacy Interop DCP for theatrical release in Saudi Arabia. Color works in DCI-P3 in XYZ space. Rec.2020 gamut metadata applies for HDR-capable auditoriums.
Here is how this works in practice. KDM (Key Delivery Message) generation handles per-cinema, per-server encryption. Recipients have AMC Saudi Arabia (the first chain after the 2018 reopening — and exclusive launch operator), VOX Cinemas (Majid Al Futtaim group), Muvi Cinemas, and Empire Cinemas. TMS integration covers chain-wide deployment.
Here is the short of it. We package several supplemental DCPs. The list has shot-replacement DCPs for VFX, trailer DCPs at 2K resolution, and accessibility DCPs. Accessibility DCPs carry Saudi Sign Language interpretation tracks for inclusive screenings at major festival venues.
Here is the breakdown. Saudi Arabia's DCP delivery landscape opened with the 2018 cinema reopening. Several major DCP destinations have emerged since. The Red Sea Global Film Festival (RSIFF, since 2021, chaired by Mohammed Al Turki) runs at the Ritz-Carlton Jeddah and Al-Balad UNESCO heritage screens. The Saudi Film Festival Dhahran (since 2008) runs at Ithra (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture). The AlUla Film Awards and Joy Forum Riyadh round out the festival circuit. The commercial cinema circuit runs alongside.
We deliver SMPTE DCP for theatrical features. Recent examples have Telfaz11's Sattar (2022), Haifaa al-Mansour's The Perfect Candidate (2019), and Shahad Ameen's Scales. We also deliver short-form selections for RSIFF showcases.
Global features that wrapped at AlUla also need Saudi-festival prints. Examples have Kandahar (2023, Gerard Butler) and Desert Warrior (2024, Anthony Mackie).
GCAM type (G, PG, PG12, PG15, R15, R18) is required before commercial theatrical release. We set up alternate cuts when GCAM trims are needed. Global festival deliveries route via FTP, Aspera, or LTO-7 or 8 physical drives. Pricing is in SAR at 3.75:1 USD, with 15% VAT and a Sunday-Thursday workweek.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DCP and why do I need one?
Here is the breakdown. A Digital Cinema Package (DCP) is the industry-standard format for theatrical exhibition. If you want to show your film in commercial cinemas or submit to major film festivals, you need a DCP. It makes sure your content displays correctly on pro digital projection systems with proper image and sound quality.
What's the difference between encrypted and unencrypted DCPs?
Here is what that looks like on the ground. Encrypted DCPs need a KDM (Key Delivery Message) for each specific projector and time window, giving content protection for commercial releases. Unencrypted DCPs are mostly used for film festival submissions where security is less key and simplicity is preferred.
How long does DCP creation take?
Standard DCP creation mostly takes 1-3 business days based on the length and complexity of your project. We give rush services for urgent deadlines. Feature films need longer encoding times than shorts, and 4K DCPs take longer than 2K versions.
Can you create multiple versions of my DCP?
Yes, we often create many DCP versions including different audio configurations (5.1, 7.1, Atmos), subtitle options, language versions, and aspect ratios. We'll work with you to determine which versions you need for your distribution strategy.
Related Services
Productions in Saudi Arabia that need this often pair it with Archival & Preservation Services, Format Conversion & Encoding Services, and Broadcast Delivery Services for full coverage. Most projects also draw on Audio Mixing & Mastering and Video Editing Services.
On Set
Ready for Cinema Distribution?
Let's create perfect DCPs for your theatrical release.