Branded production guidelines

Version 3.0 - August 2024

1. General Overview

Roku pioneered streaming to the TV. The company operates the No. 1 TV streaming platform in the U.S. as measured by hours streamed (Hypothesis Group 2021). The Roku Channel is a top streaming channel on the Roku platform, owned and operated by Roku. It is available to consumers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the UK for free on Roku streaming devices, the Web, Amazon Fire TV and select Samsung TVs, and iOS and Android devices. 

The Roku Channel is committed to providing the highest quality content and values its Partners for helping to achieve this goal. The Roku Production Guidelines outline the best practices for the Partner at this time. This document and the requirements are subject to change at Roku’s sole discretion.

2. Welcome to Roku production

We look forward to working with you! You should have received a “Welcome to Roku Production” email along with the Production Kick-Off documents outlined below. Please review the documents in their entirety, upon series pick-up Roku Production will reach out to schedule a kick-off call. During the call we can address any questions you may have.

2.1 Production kick-off documents

2.1.1 Branded Production Guidelines

  • Roku production document for branded content & branded series – document you are currently reading

2.1.2 Branded media delivery specifications

  • Roku post specifications for branded content & branded series
  • Roku Production Legal guidelines when creating content for exhibition on Roku

3. Roku communication

3.1 Roku emails

For email correspondence, Roku asks that the full name of the project be included in the subject line. Please do not use acronyms for the title.

3.2 Roku branded content contact sheet

The Roku Branded Content Contact Sheet is for Partner use only. Please do not distribute.

3.3 Roku distribution list

Roku Production will send you a distribution list. The distro list will include the name, title, email, and required documents / media for each Roku recipient. There are a handful of documents we request be emailed directly to Roku that include, but are not limited to:

  • Budgets
  • Call Sheets
  • Scripts / Episode Outlines
  • Prep Schedules
  • Production Calendars
  • Cast & Crew Lists
  • Wrap Reports
  • Daily Production Reports (Prelim & Approved)
  • Cost Reports

Do not include the Roku name or logo on any documents (including contact sheets, call sheets, production reports, casting notices etc.) without written approval from Roku Production Legal.

3.4 Roku calls

Upon the below milestones, calls will be set with Roku Production:

  • Production Kick-Off Call
  • Weekly Prep calls before commencement of Principal Photography
  • Weekly Production Call throughout Principal Photography
  • Wrap of Principal Photography
  • Any major production or overall schedule changes
  • 1 week before Delivery of the Final Episode

Upon completion of Principal Photography or one week prior to delivery of RC 1, Roku Post will initiate weekly post calls.

3.5 Roku notifications

Please inform Roku Production, at least 2 weeks prior to any of the following activities or events:

  • Applying for tax incentives
  • Traveling and filming outside the domestic United States
  • Filming in aircraft/watercraft, including private planes and yachts
  • Filming physically challenging or hazardous activities (including filming with firearms)
  • Filming with minors or animals
  • Filming a ride-along with law enforcement
  • Filming nudity and/or sexual activities
  • Filming hoaxes, using hidden cameras, and/or private investigators
  • Filming any potential illegal activities
  • Filming any on-camera or behind-the-scenes involving medical personnel, procedures, patients, facilities; psychological/psychiatric counseling; life coaching or other forms of therapy
  • Filming with government officials, employees, and candidates, including any of the following:
  • Faculty and teachers at government owned or controlled businesses or institutions (e.g., public universities, hospitals, national telecom companies)
  • Employees of public international organizations, like the United Nations or World Bank
  • An elected or appointed official, candidate for public office, or their family or staff
  • Members of Royal Families
  • Public school employees, firemen, law enforcement, military, etc.
  • An elected or appointed official, candidate for public office, or their family or staff

3.6 Roku emergency notifications

In the event of an emergency or incident, once the situation is stable, please contact Roku Production immediately. If you cannot reach Roku production, please call Production Legal. Incidents include, but are not limited to:

  • Stopping down pre-production, production, and/or post
  • Unplanned hiatus or postponement
  • Projected or occurring natural events (i.e., earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.)
  • Any suspected or confirmed drug use by on-camera talent, crew, or producers
  • Cast, Crew, and general public medical concern including:
  • Physical Altercations
  • Hospitalization
  • Arrest
  • Personal Accident/Injury
  • Vehicle accident
  • Covid-19 health-related situation involving an individual, location, or government
  • Planning to file an insurance claim due to force majeure
  • Any allegation of cheating or unfairness in connection with a competition show
  • Any claim or potential claim arising in connection with the production including threat of litigation
  • Any other event (or planned event) that may pose a legal or reputation risk to Roku
  • Any event, occurring or projected, that may impact any person(s) and/or actual production, physical production, or delivery of the series to Roku
  • Any contact by the press or media regarding any aspect of the production, including talent and Covid-19

AFTER informing Roku, please email detailed information, while respecting the privacy of the individuals, regarding the incident to altprod@roku.com:

  • Title the subject of your email as follows: “Show Name” - Notification - CONFIDENTIAL
  • If the incident is sensitive in nature, in the body of your email please relay that an incident has occurred and request an immediate call with Roku Production and Production Legal

In the event of any non-emergency incident (property/location damage, equipment damage):

  • Please inform Roku Production
  • Please be sure to note in the Production Report

SPECIAL NOTE: In the event you are not able to immediately reach your Roku Production or Production Legal Executive please proceed with emailing altprod@roku.com but use discretion in the details you share.

4. Roku production

4.1 Budget

Roku Production looks forward to partnering with you to ensure delivery of the best content to The Roku Channel. Below are some guidelines to assist with budgeting, scheduling and cost reporting for your project. Please reach out to Roku Production with any questions.

4.1.1 Chart of accounts (COA)

Please reach out to Roku Production for the Roku COA template when you are ready to begin budgeting for your project. The COA will be used throughout the project's lifecycle: subsequent budget revisions and all Cost Reports, Variance Reports, General Ledgers, etc.

The COA template is provided in movie magic budgeting format.

4.1.2 Assumptions page

Please reach out to Roku Production to provide the Roku Assumptions Template. Please make sure the following information, when applicable, included on the assumptions page:

  • Title, version #, ‘as of’ date matching budget
  • Writing, Prep, Shoot, and Post Dates

  • Include customary Budget Top Sheet header information such as:

    • Name of the production company(ies) involved
    • # of episodes
    • Minutes per episode
    • Name of person that prepared the budget
    • Names of Executive Producers, Showrunner, Producers, and Director
    • Key shoot locations (i.e., Los Angeles, NYC, etc.)

    • Collective bargaining agreements (unions)

      • If none, then note: Non-Union
    • Number of shoot days per episode and total shoot weeks
    • Number of edit days per episodes and total post weeks
    • Total weeks from start to final delivery
    • Budgeted Shooting Hours
    • Foreign Exchange Rate
  • Note if staff member on a show is staff at Prod Co/Studio
  • FX rate (if any work is to take place outside of the United States)
  • Include itemized breakout of any custom deliverables (i,e., additional trailer, cut downs, etc.)
  • Tax incentive estimate, including estimated sales rate for transferable tax credits if applicable
  • Residuals estimate, broken out by guild, and including any foreign residual buyouts
  • List out all budgetary exclusions against fee calculations (see deal for customary exclusions)

  • Please specify whether you will be utilizing music libraries, originally composed music, popular music, or a combination of all

    • Please reach out to your Production point regarding access to a music library

  • Please list out the following types of equipment/software:

    • Camera, audio, and monitor/monitoring equipment
    • Edit software (i.e., Final Cut, Premiere, Avid)
    • Coloring and grading software
  • List “Roku Branded Media Delivery Specifications” version & date
  • List “Roku Branded Production Guidelines” (this document) version & date

4.1.3 Budget requirements

Roku Production asks that the following information, when applicable, be included/considered when budgeting:

  • Include the budget as a PDF of the Movie Magic Budget (MMB) using Roku’s provided COA
  • Include title, version #, ‘as of’ date and page numbers
  • Include Budget Top Sheet header information as noted in Section 4.1.2
  • Avoid large flat allowances. Provide details instead (cost per day/week/month etc.)
  • Fringes should be by category and broken out -- avoid flat fringe rates
  • Include a variance column between your last budget and current budget
  • Suppress zero and empty accounts
  • Budget must be in US dollars
  • Do not include any overhead percentages
  • Do not include equipment loss and damage lines
  • Budget for worldwide title clearance and opinion letter
  • Include any security and general safety costs, include fees for risk managers or assessments and safety consultants
  • Budget for insurance as it relates to creative – minding stunts, aircraft, watercraft etc
  • Production counsel should reflect no more than 1.5% of the budget with customary exclusions
  • Agency Package Fee (if applicable)
  • Extraordinary talent fees and costs should be excluded from all fee calculations

  • Check with Roku Production when budgeting for all clearances (i.e. music).

    • All licenses required for the production, synchronization, exhibition, performance, distribution, and exploitation (including in context marketing and promotion) of the Program by Roku for the term of the license
    • Include music label waiver costs, if required
    • Include AFM fees if applicable
    • Reach out to Roku Legal with specific questions related to required terms

  • Computer Box Rentals are capped at $50/week and cannot exceed $500 overall

    • Please provide an inventory with values for larger box rentals
    • Larger rentals are capped at 50% of the total value over the course of the project
  • Edit bays (equipment & bay) should not exceed $750 per bay/week. Story stations should not exceed $250 per bay/week – if costs exceed these rates, please provide a quote.
  • Include any applicable tax incentive amounts and associated auditing costs

  • Refer to your Roku Branded Media Delivery Specifications for the following:

    • Cut Review Process for budgeting Post
    • Include captioning, subtitles in your budget

    • A list of preferred vendors will be provided by Roku Post Post

      • i.e. GFX, Captioning, QC, etc.
  • Spend beyond the Approved Budget is never authorized without written approval from Roku Production
  • For each budget revision please be sure to note the date, version and bullet point relevant changes in the body of the email to Roku Production.

4.1.4 Foreign exchange rate (aka FX)

If shooting in a location outside of the United States please be sure to note what foreign exchange rate you have assumed in your budget.

  • Partner is responsible for noting the FX on the top of the budget top sheet as well as the assumptions.

4.1.5 Tax Incentives

If shooting in a location in which a tax incentive or rebate is accessible, please be mindful of the below:

  • Partner is responsible for confirming whether production is eligible for potential incentives based on the project format and minimum production spend

  • Roku Production to confirm in writing how / who is responsible for applying for tax incentives/rebates

    • Please work with Roku Production when filing for incentives/rebates

  • Please reference closed deal for contractual funding; for example, if Roku funds the Net budget -- differential between the Gross and Net budget is the responsibility of the Studio / Production Company

    • Roku does not pay interest associated to financing the tax incentive

    • Roku will allow the following incentive related expenses to be line items in the approved budget:

      • Audit Fees associated with filing for the incentive (e.g., CPA or Third-Party Auditor/Firm)
      • Post Accounting as needed in finalizing expenses in conjunction with submitting final documentation
      • Tax Credit Analysis, Applications, and Admin Fees
      • Fees associated with transferring/selling credit
      • Bank Fees, i.e., account set-up (not fees related to negligence of Partner e.g., late fees, return checks)

    • Roku requires confirmation of the final tax incentive allocation for the production

      • If you plan to access a transferable credit, confirmation of the estimated sales rate should be listed in the budget and assumptions
      • Final tax incentive allocation is required to close out the show cost report

    • Final documentation will vary based on the location in which you shoot, and the type of credit received. Below is a list of items that may be required when wrapping out your production:

      • Tax Credit Certificate
      • Application/Letter of Transfer/Sale
      • Approval Letter
      • Eligibility Certificate and/or Completion Certificate
    • Please reflect all VAT tax in the Cost Report and flag those costs the General Ledger within the naming convention “VAT”
    • Please review the Roku Credit Requirements per the Roku Media Delivery Specifications prior to agreeing to any embedded logo credit related to receiving tax credits or incentive uplift.

4.1.6 Guild and union affiliation(s)

Email Roku Production and Roku Legal prior to engaging with the guild(s) / union(s).

4.1.7 Unapproved budgetary line items

Roku does not typically allow the following examples, or similar, to be included as line items in Approved Budgets:

  • Copyright Costs
  • Contingencies
  • Partner Overhead
  • Legal Fees (over 1.5%)
  • Entity Fees
  • State Filings
  • Bank Fees
  • Partner travel and associated expenses
  • Partner software licenses (i.e., PIX, DAX, Adobe Cloud, etc.)
  • Advanced financing interest, loans, etc.
  • All expenses related to the program beyond Roku delivery and exhibition

4.1.8 Approved budget

All Conditions Precedent and required certificates of insurance (e.g., GL, E&O) must be fulfilled prior to the official Greenlight / Budget Approval being issued. Additionally, prior to Roku Production sending the official Greenlight / Budget approval, Roku requires a final budget packet to review. The packet should consist of the following items:

  • Assumptions
  • Budget
  • Current Calendar
  • Supporting Documents as applicable

Upon review and acceptance of the final budget packet, Roku Production will issue the official Greenlight / Budget Approval via email. The Budget Approval email will trigger cash flow or milestone payment review and approval.

  • Upon receipt of the greenlight email, if you have not already done so, send Roku Production the locked budget you will be cost reporting against.

4.2 Calendars

Revised calendars are required whenever there is a schedule adjustment. Please use the following when submitting calendars:

  • Every version of the calendar should have title, version #, ‘as of’ date and page numbers
  • Once in production, any changes to the post schedule/calendar must be submitted to altprod@roku.com and dlropost@roku.com for approval within 24 hours
  • In the body of the email that comes with calendar revisions, bullet point relevant changes to current calendar. Roku Production will review and confirm via email if approved.
  • Master delivery dates cannot shift without written approval by Roku Production and Post

4.2.1 Calendar requirements

Your calendar should cover all phases of production (i.e., casting, pre-production, physical production, post, QC and final delivery) and include key dates, as applicable, for the following:

  • Pre-production

    • Writing (if / when applicable)
    • Casting weeks including deadlines
    • Key hire start and end dates
    • Set design milestones, tech scout

  • Production

    • Prep, set-build/load in, ESU, rehearsal(s), shoot, and wrap dates
    • Please identify on your calendar when you plan to shoot and deliver your camera test (see Section 4.2.3, Camera Test Milestone)

  • Post

    • Start and wrap, finishing (i.e., audio and color), delivery of cuts and when notes are due, and master delivery dates
    • Please refer to your Branded Media Delivery Specs, Review Cut Process, as you build out your schedule
    • GFX milestones (i.e. GFX review 1, GFX review 2)
    • VFX milestones (i.e., VFX review 1, VFX review 2)

4.2.2 Game play / blocking / rehearsal

  • If applicable, Roku requests game play, and blocking rehearsal for our content
  • Typically, game play is a full run-through to time of the game or challenge course to determine the course, camera positioning, and coverage
  • Unless otherwise discussed with Roku Production, the rehearsal covers set design, lighting, color tones, and any/all department presentations depending on the specific creative needs of the show
  • Please reach out to Roku Production for an invitation list to game play and / or rehearsal
  • Please provide a dial-in/video conference line for Roku representatives who may not be able to attend the table read in-person

4.2.3 Camera test milestone

Roku Production will alert you if the below is applicable to your project.

  • The Director, Director of Photography and/or producing team should oversee the camera test

  • Please provide scratch framing mocks or test storyboard compositions

    • It can be a “slap-comp sequence” or “center-punching sequence,” generated by the Editor or Assistant Editor
    • Ideally this is sent prior to commencement of principal photography. If that isn’t possible, within the first two days of shooting or rehearsal
  • Your Roku Post Manager will create a specific folder via Frame.io for uploading the camera test

4.2.4 Production Meetings / rehearsals / tech scouts

If applicable, Roku Production will attend in person or via dial-in. It is asked that a phone dial-in be made available for all attending Roku departments

4.4 Set visits

Make sure to plan for additional IFB’s/Audio and monitors to accommodate Client Reps, Roku Executive and, Talent Reps visiting set. If uncertain, please reach out to your Roku Production Point to get a list of guests.

  • This could include but is not limited to; IFB’s, monitors, chair(s), etc.

4.5 Cost report requirements

After greenlight and milestone approval, connect with your Production Lead on if / when cost reports are expected for this project.

  • The cost report should reflect the Approved Production Costs
  • The approved budget column must match the amounts and chart of accounts of the budget submitted and approved by Roku Production
  • Cost report must include the following columns: actuals to date, committed costs, total costs, estimate to complete, estimated final costs, approved budget and variance (over/under)
  • In the event of Roku approved breakage, the approved breakage amount must appear in an approved overage column in the cost report. Cost report software must have this capability
  • Fringes should be per category to match the approved budget
  • No negative ETC’s
  • Cost report to be accompanied with general ledger, trial balance, PO log, and variance report
  • If applicable - Please reflect all VAT tax in the Cost Report and flag those costs the General Ledger within the naming convention “VAT”

  • When applicable, movement between budget accounts in an amount less than $10,000 is permissible. Amounts at or over $10,000 are subject to written approval by Roku Production

    • Any movement from the following accounts need prior approval from Roku Production:

      • Cast
      • VFX
      • Music
      • Safety Costs
      • Adjusting number of shooting days

Roku will not be responsible for any amounts in excess of the Approved Budget without prior written approval by Roku Production.

4.6 Staff & crew

Roku Content, Production and Post reserves customary approval of department heads, key creative and key production staff. This can include, but is not limited to:

  • Showrunner, Casting Director/Company, Director, Director of Photography, Line Producer, Accountant, Post Supervisor and Editors

    • Please submit credit, resume and/or reel (as applicable) to the appropriate Roku Content, Production, or Post contact
  • Please do not put any key production hires on “pay or play” deals without prior written approval from Roku Business Affairs
  • Outside production counsel must be experienced and qualified based on the nature of the program

4.7 Covid-19

Roku follows the guidance of the AMPTP and local regulations when it comes to Covid-19 health and safety guidance. Please work with Roku Production if you have any questions.

5. Finance

5.1 Payments

  • Cash Flow Approval and funding occurs after all Conditions Precedent have been met and the official greenlight / budget approval email has been sent by Roku Production; including but not limited to, receipt and approval of COIs

  • Submit payment schedule to Roku Production Finance and cc your Roku Production Executive for review and approval

    • Include invoice due dates, percentage, and amounts
  • If applicable, Production Company Fee, Breakage, and Residuals/Buyouts can be listed, but should not roll up into the total milestone payments

5.1.1 Payment descriptions

Possible payment milestones and when to submit invoices for processing listed below:

  • Complete Delivery / Complete & Final Delivery - Invoice due upon receipt and approval of all Roku Post Paper and Media Deliverables.
  • Production Company Fee – Invoice due receipt and approval of all Paper Deliverables and Final Cost Report
  • Audit - Reference closed project deal terms for audit language

5.1.2 Invoices

All invoices should be sent via email to roinvoices@roku.com

When submitting invoices, the subject line should read “Project Name” | Invoice: “Description”

  • For example: Best Show Ever | Invoice: December Cashflow

Email must include:

  • Vendor Name
  • Project Name
  • Season #
  • Invoice description (i.e., December Cash Flow or Commencement of Principal Photography)

5.2 Changes to banking information

If your banking information changes at any given point, Partners must send an email to roinvoices@roku.com.

Please note this email must come from an employee of the company or will not be accepted.

The subject line should read “Vendor Name” | “Project Name” - UPDATED Banking Information

The email must include:

  • Studio/ProdCo name
  • Project Name
  • What Banking Information has been updated - i.e. Routing or account or both
  • Attachment with updated information on company letter head
  • Contact information for the point person: Name and phone number

Please note, AP will need to verify validity with a phone call to the point person noted above.

Sample email below:

Hello,

This email is to let you know we "INSERT COMPANY/VENDOR NAME" have updated routing and/or account information for the project currently known as "INSERT PROJECT NAME". Please see attached updated information.

  • TBD Studio
  • Project Title
  • Updated routing number attached (or updated account number attached)
  • Contact: TBD at xxx.xxx.xxxx

Once AP confirms the update has been made, Production Finance will let you know that you may submit your invoices.

Important Notes:

  • Roku requires 1 week to amend in the system.
  • Invoice(s) may be submitted no earlier than 1 week from any bank change requests.
  • Invoice(s) must be submitted no later than EOD Thursday to potentially make the following week pay run.

5.3 Production company fee calculation

Please refer to your agreement to determine if a Production Company fee is applicable. If so, please see below.

  • Calculate your prod co fee with applicable exclusions as per your closed deal and include the prod co fee amount on the Budget Assumption Page

5.4 Residual calculation

The Roku Channel is a free to consumer ad supported platform (AVOD). Please consult your labor counsel and reach out to Roku Legal and Production with any specific questions.

Please check with your Roku Production Executive if this applies to this project.

5.5 Overages & breakage

Roku will not be responsible for any overages. Production spend over and above the Approved Budget is never authorized without written approval from Roku Production. If there is a request made by Roku that materially changes the creative elements or delivery of the project it is the responsibility of the Prod Co/Studio to reach out to Roku Production to discuss the financial implications before any decisions/changes are made.

  • Approved talent breakage is paid 50% upon commencement of principal photography, 50% on the completion of principal photography

    • Fringe is paid on actuals which is typically in the last 50% payment or later

  • If circumstances call for non-talent related breakage (i.e “Other” breakage) this payment is held until Roku Production receives and vets the final cost report

    • Underages will offset approved breakage, unless approved in writing by Roku Production

5.6 Close out

In order to start the project close out process Roku must receive and approve all media and paper deliverables including the final cost report. Please follow the below when submitting your final cost report:

  • For a cost report to be considered finalized all PO’s and ETC’s should be zeroed out unless agreed to in writing by Roku Production
  • When sending through your final cost report packet, please note “FINAL Cost Report” in the subject line and confirm in the body of the email that all costs for the project are accounted for
  • In the case of open PO’s (e.g., Music Rights) Roku requires backup for all pending expenses before approving the final cost report
  • When Roku Production confirms the final cost report is approved, Roku Finance will release the final payment (i.e., Production Company fee)

Prior to creating content for exhibition on The Roku Channel, please review the Roku Production Legal Guidelines below with your legal counsel. Reach out to Roku Production Legal if there are any questions or concerns.

The Roku Production Legal Guidelines will cover the topics listed below. You can review the complete legal guidelines via the link sent to you. If you do not have it, please reach out to your Roku Production point.

  • Guilds/Unions
  • Clearances
  • Integrations/Sponsorship/Trade-Outs
  • Cast Notices
  • Talent Publicity and Promotion
  • Risk & Safety
  • Safety/Respect in the Workplace
  • Music (approved PRO’s)

6.2 Insurance

We rely on our production Partners to acquire the appropriate coverage as deemed necessary for each production. When binding coverage please ensure it satisfies all of Roku’s insurance requirements with the exception of Workers’ Compensation/Employer’s Liability, Owned Automobile, Guild Travel Accident (if your production is union) and any local foreign compulsory coverage(s) (such as auto liability) which are collectively the responsibility of the production company.

6.2.1 Certificates of insurance

Certificates of insurance (COIs) should be bound and sent to Roku Production / Production Legal prior to the commencement of any production activities.

Below is a list of COIs that may be required by Roku. This information along with coverage limits for this project shall be provided by Production Legal.

  • Errors & Omissions
  • General Liability
  • Auto Liability
  • Statutory Workers Compensation Coverage
  • Umbrella/Excess
  • Entertainment Package
  • Applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement/Guild Travel Accident Coverage
  • Foreign General Liability (if applicable)

  • Cast Insurance

    • The necessary cast members should be declared so they are eligible for cast insurance.
    • Please discuss with Roku Production Legal whether your talent needs to be declared separately for Cast Insurance Coverage; and additionally, whether accident-only or full coverage would be preferable.

  • Higher-Hazards & Special Risk Coverage (i.e., Aircraft/Watercraft Liability, etc.)

    • There may be special risks associated with your project. This includes but is not limited to stunts, firearms, minors, pyrotechnics, precision driving, aircraft, drones, watercraft, railroads, foreign activities, animals, or any unusual or hazardous exposures and/or conditions involving either cast or crew. Special Risk Coverage may be required for your production, please budget accordingly.

Roku must be named as an additional insured. Please use the following for issuing COIs to Roku:

Purple Tag Branded Content, LLC 1173 Coleman Avenue San Jose, CA 95110

Under “Description” on COIs, please list:

Purple Tag Branded Content, LLC, its parent, its subsidiaries and affiliates and their respective officers, directors, agents and employees, as now or hereafter may exist and any other persons or entities as Roku may designate to Produce from time to time.

Please inform Roku Production and Production Legal in writing, of any claims, threats of claims, suits, damage to property or any other loss. Roku Production will need to be updated throughout the claim process and any receipts that will offset production costs.

6.3 Music

Please reach out to Roku Production and Legal for clearance requirements specific to this project. Music should be cleared the full term of the project, and allow for in-context promotional use, unless approved in writing by Roku Production Legal. Please source music that is covered by the following PROs: BMI, ASCAP, SESAC, and GMR.

Please reach out to Roku Production for access to our music library or with any specific questions or cost implications above and beyond what is in the budget to license per the aforementioned guidelines.

6.4 Content takedown request

We understand there may be occasions when content needs to be removed from The Roku Channel (e.g., 3rd party rights issues, legal orders, PR concerns). In the event content needs to be removed, please email Roku Production and Roku Production Legal.

We ask that you provide the following information in the body of your email request:

  • The episode # and title
  • The specific reason for the removal request (e.g., "wrong photo included in opening shot," "music was not cleared properly")
  • A point of contact along with email and phone number to call for any follow up questions

  • An ETA for delivery of a replacement episode

    • Ideally when requesting that content be removed from the Roku eco-system, you will be able to provide a replacement episode ASAP. If this is not possible (or deemed not necessary based on the content), Roku will address on a case-by-case basis

7. Post

Please review the Roku Branded Media Delivery Specifications for a comprehensive breakdown of all post workflows and media deliverables.

Roku’s approved platform for dailies, rough cut release, and final archive is Frame.io, which Roku provides free of charge to our production partners. All content sent to Roku for review needs to be shared via Frame.io.

7.1 Music cue sheets

Music cue sheets are required for all projects. Please use the cue sheet template found on the ASCAP website linked here or similar cue sheet template when submitting to Roku. The ASCAP template is also available via the Hub under the Production Legal – Branded folder.

Upload completed cue sheets to the Hub. If you have any specific questions about Roku requirements for Music Cue Sheets, please contact Sydnee Grossberg at sgrossberg@roku.com.

8. Paper deliverables

Roku uses a deliverables Hub (“Hub”) to receive specific production documents. The Hub is project specific and will serve as the portal for key paper deliverables. Please remember the materials and folders are confidential and may not be shared beyond authorized parties. With a few exceptions, the Hub is used in lieu of emailing various Roku teams relevant documentation.

Prior to pre-production you will receive an email with instructions for accessing the Hub.

Due to the confidential nature of the requested paper deliverables, access to the Hub will be limited to four (4) key project personnel. Only those who are responsible for uploading the deliverables as noted in section 8.1, should have access.

8.1 Required paper deliverables

Productions should be uploading documents to the Hub on an ongoing basis throughout all phases of production, starting with pre-production and concluding with uploading final documents during wrap.

Below you’ll find a list of paper deliverables for Production, Post and Production Legal. Please be aware, this list is subject to amendment (within reason) at any time. Make sure to follow specific instructions for each document and upload accordingly. Please note other departments may have additional required deliverables.

8.1.1 Production

  • Beat Sheets
  • Call Sheets & Maps (upload at the same time as distribution to crew)
  • Camera Plot, Equipment and Assignments
  • Cast Lists (all approved and final versions) (If applicable)
  • Completed Deliverables Checklist
  • Hot Sheets
  • Episode Outlines & “Scripts” (if applicable) (all approved and final versions)
  • Paid Cast List Template
  • Production Calendar
  • Production Reports
  • Production Vendor List
  • Set Design and Stage Plot (if applicable)
  • Schedules (all approved and final versions)
  • Staff & Crew Lists (all approved and final versions)

8.1.2 Post

  • CC/Sub/FN Files
  • Episodic Delivery Checklist
  • Final Post Contact List
  • Final Post Vendor List
  • Font Memo
  • Ingest Metadata Template
  • Original Music
  • Post Grids
  • Final Credits (also vetted by Business Affairs)
  • Music Cue Sheets (vetted by Production Legal)
  • Chain of Title Agreements
  • Fair Use Grid (if applicable)
  • Guild & Union Documentation (if applicable)
  • Location Agreements
  • Insurance Certificates - GL & E&O
  • Residuals Information
  • Title Report & Legal Opinion
  • Workers Comp
  • Release and License Agreements
  • Tax Incentive Registration, Certificate, Evidence of Sale/Transfer (if applicable)
  • Talent Agreements
  • Employment Agreements
  • Music Licenses
  • Music Supervisor Agreements
  • Workers Comp

8.2 Deliverables checklist

On the Hub you will find a deliverables checklist, the checklist is considered part of your paper deliverables.

Please only mark items as complete once the final versions have been uploaded. If an item is not applicable (“N/A”), please upload a word document that says N/A and a short explanation as to why it is not applicable to your production. You may then mark that item complete on the checklist.

Email Roku Production once all items have been delivered and the checklist is filled out completely. Once final delivery is received and approved, access to the Hub will be removed.

For questions or concerns please reach out to Roku Production at altprod@roku.com.

8.3 Naming conventions

All Roku projects have a unique Project Title ID (PTID). You must follow specific naming conventions for the files to be considered acceptable. Examples of how each file(s) should be named can be found on the Hub, in the Production - Branded folder.

If items are not delivered correctly, they will not be accepted. Please do not add or remove folders. If you have questions or can't find specific folders, please reach out to Roku Production.