Spanish language - alternative media delivery specifications

Version 2.1 - August 2023

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, 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 Post Production Delivery Specifications 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. Post kick-off

Post Producer resumes should be sent to Roku for prior approval. One week prior to Production start, please reach out to Roku Post Production to set up a kick-off call. In prep for this call, please review this full specification document so that we can address any follow up questions you may have.

2.1 Startup documents

Additionally, please make sure to send the preliminary versions of all documents noted below to Roku Post Production prior to the first day of Production. Available templates have been provided in the Post Kickoff zip file.

1. Post Grid (Please send in excel format, not PDF)
2. Post Production Contact List
3. Preliminary Vendor List

2.1.1 Episode numbering & post grid workflow

Post Grids accuracy must be confirmed weekly, either via revised grid or an email reflecting that no changes have been made. For distribution, Roku requires these grids to be both uploaded to The Hub and emailed to a distribution list that Roku Post Production will provide prior to Production.

Please note that the Post Grid template provides columns for multiple types of series, as noted below. If a specific column does not apply to your show, you can disregard it.

• Production Number: 3-digit number that reflects season number and sequencing of shot material (101, 102, etc.)

  • One-off Specials should contain the prefix “SP” and begin with 100. (SP100, SP200, etc.).

• Air Order: 1-digit number that reflects the order in which each episode will air.

• Story Number: 1-digit number that relates to multiple episodes tied together by one story arc.

2.2 Notifications workflow

• Once in production, any changes to the post schedule/calendar must be communicated to Roku Post Production immediately (within 24 hours)
• QC Delivery and Final Delivery dates cannot shift without written approval by Roku Post Production

• At the below milestones please set a call with the Roku Post Production Manager at the email address provided on the contact sheet:

  • 1 week prior to Production
  • 1 week prior to the first scheduled rough cut release date
  • Within one week of production wrap

2.3 Misc.

• Please be sure to include the full name of the show in the subject line of all email correspondence
• Do not include the Roku name or logo on any documents (including contact sheets, call sheets, PR’s, casting notices etc.) without written permission from Roku Production
• The Roku Contact sheet is for Studio use and should not be distributed widely

2.4 Roku marketing

Marketing will be requesting an early creative sizzle reel and they will be directly involved in the Main Title treatment creative process. Marketing will require both a texted and textless version of the sizzle. Please reach out to the Roku Creative Studio (dlrokuoriginalmarketingcreative@roku.com) to determine what additional marketing deliverables may also will be required for your project.

2.5 Roku localization

Roku’s Localization Team may handle the creation of foreign language subtitles and audio descriptions, dependent on the series. At the beginning of production, please reach out to Localization (Localizationoperations@roku.com) to verify what deliverables will be required for your project.

3. Production

Each production will be required to submit a Dailies Memo prior to the commencement of principal photography. The memo should confirm camera(s) being utilized as well as the workflow for processing all captured video and audio.

3.1 Capture specifications

• Unless otherwise approved by Roku production prior to the commencement of principal photography, you will be required to capture at minimum resolution of HD (1920x1080) and an aspect ratio of 16:9 to match final deliverables specs. Any changes to the required resolution or aspect ratio must be approved by Roku.
• All material should be captured, transferred, and mastered in a progressive frame rate. Please do not apply any cross-conversions to content.
• Please do not apply in-camera upscaling or de-squeezing to any camera masters. If your desire is to work with cameras that do not natively capture in HD, please reach out to Roku Post Production to discuss workflow options.

3.2 Dailies

• Roku only requires 5-10 minutes of select dailies to be posted for each of the first three days of production.
• Selects must be uploaded during the first week of production unless b-roll capture is scheduled. If the latter is the case, reach out to your Roku Post Manager to strategize the timing for posting Selects.
• Please choose select takes that confirm production is proceeding as intended. It is not necessary to post all media from each day.
• Dailies should be posted to Frame.io. Roku Post Production will provide a distribution list prior to the first day of dailies.

4. Security

Security is of the utmost importance to Roku. As such, access to all of the exciting content we are creating together must be limited. Please review Roku’s security requirements noted below and reach out to Roku Post Production with any questions.

4.1 Review platform

Roku’s approved platform for content sharing and final archive is Frame.io. Roku and Frame.io have developed a content review workflow that both ensures security and limits access to all pre-launched content. In this workflow, anyone viewing Roku content will be required to set up a user account within Frame.io so that their activity can be tracked.

No material should be shared on any other platform without written approval from Roku.

4.2 Download access

It is not permitted for anyone to have direct, clean download access to any Roku content without written approval from Roku.

For team members who require reference quicktimes in order to complete their work efficiently (i.e., Composers, Music Editors, Visual Effects Supervisors), please follow the steps below:

• Submit a written request with the recipient’s name, email, and use case. Upon Roku approval:

  • Each file must be watermarked with the recipient’s full name and located in the center of picture.
  • Recipients should never be given access to an entire folder’s worth of content; Review links that contain solely the required assets should be sent to the Roku approved recipients. This link must be manually expired as soon as the file has been successfully downloaded.
  • Files should always be housed on a vendor’s secure SAN. Files are never permitted to be stored on anyone’s personal device.
  • It is the responsibility of each show's Post team to request vendor deletion of these files at show wrap.

4.3 Content review

Frame.io’s Roku Partner Playbook is shared with the Post team at the start of each project. This workflow must be followed for both cuts released to Roku and also cuts released prior (Editor, Director, Producers, etc.). If you have not received this document, please reach out to Roku Post Production.

All guidelines below must be followed when sharing review links

• It is never permitted to share rough cuts via Public Links. Review Links require user login and are the only approved method for content review.
• It is not permitted for any rough cut viewing links to be download-enabled.
• All viewing links must include an expiration date that confines access to seven days or less.
• All cuts uploaded for review must be watermarked.

4.4 Non-Standard requests

It is not permitted to send content to anyone who is not a Frame.io user without written approval from Roku.

5. Rough cuts

5.1 Post weekly sync

Once you begin the rough-cut process, your Roku Post Manager will reach out to schedule a weekly call. The call will be an informal sync to determine how the rough cuts are progressing and help address any questions you may have. If you have made any changes to the Post Grid over the week prior, please send a revised version prior to this call.

5.2 Rough cut formatting

5.2.1 General requirements

Below are the basic parameters to keep in mind as you begin the rough cut process:

• Total Run Times

  • Run time for half-hour series should be between 22-24 minutes.
  • Run time for hour-long series should be between 44-48 minutes.
  • For All Locked Cuts - QT's must include a slug for the end credits so that the exact timing is locked to match the final master.

• It is not permitted to send rough cuts longer than either formats maximum without prior approval from the Roku Content Team.

• Episodes should be cut, mastered, and delivered as separate episodes; not a long-play master.

• There may be discussions around pre-roll, mid-roll, or post-roll advertising cue points. Regardless, please deliver each episode as a seamless master.

• Roku would prefer to see rough versions of graphics starting at the RC1 stage, and near final graphics by the FC stage. See Section 5.6 for a full breakdown of Roku’s graphics milestones.

• The use of blurs on un-cleared video content is not permitted without Roku Creative approval beforehand.

5.2.2 Music

Roku distributes content worldwide. Music should be cleared in perpetuity (or for licensed projects, the full length of the license), 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.

5.2.3 Ad breaks

All RO series are required to include ad breaks. Please refer to the parameters below based off your episode run times.

• Episodes with a total run time of 22-24 minutes will be required to build three total ad breaks into each episode.

  • The first ad break should not appear until at least six minutes of content have elapsed.

• Episodes with a total run time of 44-48 minutes will be required to build five total ad breaks into each episode.

  • The first ad break should not appear until at least six minutes of content have elapsed.

• Ad breaks should be formatted as one second of black (no text permitted). Fade outs/ins are permitted.

• The third ad break must appear before the last three minutes of an episode, which will remain ad-free.

• All ad breaks should be spaced anywhere from six to ten minutes apart, dependent on the creative.

All Fine and Locked cuts sent to Roku must adhere to the specifications above. They will not be deemed acceptable otherwise. Please see Section 5.3.3 below for more detail on earlier cut releases.

If an episode will not meet either run time range, and this has been previously approved by Roku’s Content team, please reach out to Roku Post Production to discuss ad break implications.

The exact timecode of each ad break, in HH:MM:SS:FF format, will be required in both the Segment Rundown and Metadata deliverables. Both templates were provided in the Post Kickoff Deliverables Packet. Please reach out to Roku Post if you did not receive one.

Roku Best Practices

• Grabbing the user’s attention immediately and setting the tone and pace early in the program is especially important to Roku.
• Cliffhangers are strongly recommended but not required (content dependent).

5.2.4 Rating guidelines

Roku Originals content must fall within a TV-14 or TV-PG rating. Some general ratings guidance has been provided below for you to keep in mind as the creative story progresses in editorial. Please note, however, this is a very subjective process and the rating tiers below are regularly reviewed and may be modified in response to shifts in industry standards. So please be sure to reach out to your Roku Legal contact if you have any questions or clarifications.

Rating Tiers

5.3 Rough cut review

5.3.1 Review platform

Roku’s approved platform for dailies, rough cut release, and final archive is Frame.io. All content being sent for review by the Roku team will need to be shared via this platform. If you are working with a partner who utilizes a different internal platform, there will not be a need to render out separate files just for use with Frame.io; Frame.io’s platform is compatible with most commonly used codecs, which allows the same file to be uploaded to both platforms.

The Roku Post team will initiate onboarding prior to the first day of production. That will trigger a member of the Frame.io team to reach out to set up a training session with your team. Each series will only be granted one ‘Team Manager’, who will have the ability to add users and download content (with Roku’s approval).

5.3.2 Notification process

Roku Post Production will provide a recipient list for all rough cuts prior to the scheduled release of the first episode. The Frame.io team will walk each project through Roku’s preferred rough cut release workflow, which involves two notifications:

1. An email from the show team to the entire distribution list, noting the availability of cuts and when notes should be sent back to the show team, as well as any continuities if applicable.
2. A notification from Frame.io directly, which happens automatically as each cut is copied into the Shared Folders on Frame.io.

5.3.3 Cut review & turnaround timing

For each episode, Roku will provide notes within 48 business hours after receipt, whether the Production Company is based in the United States or outside the United States. Cuts received by Roku after 6:00 pm PST will be deemed received the following business day. When sending cuts earlier than the scheduled release date, please note that the original notes return timing will need to be honored unless otherwise approved by Roku Creative.

Locked cuts are approved if no notes have been sent after 48 hours.

Rounds of Review:

• 101-103: RC1 → RC2 → FC → LC
• 104+: RC1 → FC → LC

*If sending out of order, please ensure the first three episodes sent to Roku receive the RC2’s.

Please follow turnaround timing parameters below when sending cuts and addressing notes from Roku Creative:

• Rough Cuts

  • 1-2 RC2 cuts must be turned around within five business days of receiving notes from Roku
  • Any given RC1 will be accepted at up to five minutes over the 24 or 48-minute max run time per episode.
  • Any given RC2 will be accepted at up to one minute over the 24 or 48-minute max run time per

• Fine Cuts & Locked Cuts

  • All Fine & Locked Cuts must be to delivered per Roku’s exact formatting specifications or it will be rejected.
  • 1-2 FC, LC cuts must be turned around within three business days of receiving notes from Roku
  • 3+ FC, LC cuts must be turned around within three business days of receiving notes from Roku

No more than one hour-long episode, or two half-hour episodes, should be sent within a 48-hour period without prior approval from your Roku Content executive.

For series with one or more story arcs, episodes should be sent for review in the order they will ultimately air on the Roku platform. For anthology series, or series consisting of stand-alone/self-contained episodes, rough cuts may be sent out of air order, if necessary.

5.3.4 English subtitles

All Spanish language rough cuts starting from RC2 and onward will require burned in English subtitles. Roku staff relies on the burned in subtitles to properly review. The initial rough cut may remain clean. Rough cut subtitles are not required to be 100% final, a quickly produced method will suffice.

5.4 Technical specifications for rough cuts

Formatting:

• Slate before the hour - Please include show title, episode number, cut version (RC1, FC, etc.), total run time and release date
• Hour 01 onward should be solely program material, inclusive of production logo card at tail as LFOP (last frame of picture)

Video Specifications:

• Dimensions: 1920 x 1080 (horizontal)
• Codec: h264 (preferred) or MPEG
• Frame Rate: Keep it native to your project (24, 23.976, 25, etc.)
• Bitrate Encoding: VBR, 2 pass
• Target Bitrate: ~ 10mbps
• Aspect: Square Pixels (1.0)
• Visible Timecode Upper Right
• Burned in subtitles (RC2 and onward)

Audio Specifications:

• Audio Codec: AAC
• Sample Rate: 48000 Hz
• Channels: Stereo

Graphics:

• Remember to adhere to Broadcast Title Safe Zones when adding any burned-in graphics or text.

5.5 Rough & locked cut delivery

Roku Post Production will provide a recipient list for all rough cuts prior to the scheduled release of the first episode. The Frame.io team will walk each project through Roku’s preferred rough cut release workflow, which involves two notifications:

1. An email to the entire distribution list, noting the availability of cuts and when notes are due back.

   1. This email should include a Segment Rundown that relates to the timing of each specific cut being sent.

2. A notification from Frame.io, which happens automatically after a cut is copied to the Shared Folder on Frame.io.

For each locked cut, you will be required to deliver the following elements via Frame.io:

• Locked Cut Quick Time
• Locked Cut EDL
• Locked Cut WAV Files: Mono Dialogue, Mono Music, Mono Effects

Cut filenames must follow the proper naming convention below:

• Show Code (4-digits; Provided by Roku Post)
• Production number (3-digits: 101, 102, 103, etc.)
• Air Sequence (If available; 1-digit: 1, 2, 3, etc.)
• Cut version (RC1, FC, etc.)
• Date the cut was released to Roku

Example: FLIP_102_AIR_2_FC_111519

All rough cut links should be confined to viewing only (i.e. no download access). When sharing cuts, please do not create any folders, or copy any folders into the Roku Review projects.

5.6 Graphics milestones & review process

The Roku Content & Post Production teams should be involved in key discussions related to graphics, from title treatments to overall episodic graphics packages.

All graphics work (title treatment, lower thirds, interstitials, etc.) must be completed by a Roku approved graphics company. The use of freelance staff or in-house graphics teams is not permitted. Please reach out to Roku Post to obtain the list of approved vendors.

The following milestones require Roku notification and review:

• Six Weeks Prior to 1st Rough Cut: A minimum of three graphics vendor options must be sent to Roku for review and approval.
• Four Weeks Prior to 1st Rough Cut: Due to Roku: Mood board, color palette, title sketches, font, etc.
• Two Weeks Prior to 1st Rough Cut: Due to Roku: First round of design and/or animation examples
• One Week Prior to 1st Rough Cut: Due to Roku: 2nd round of design and/or animation examples

• 1st Rough Cut Release

  • Temp graphics implemented into the cut that is distributed to Roku
  • All temp graphics must be based on creative input from Roku. Any changes from the agreed upon look of in-show graphics will need to be outlined in an email to the Roku Content team.
• 1st Fine Cut Release: Final Graphics must be implemented into the cut that is distributed to Roku

After Roku has approved all in-show graphics and the first cut is locked, no changes should be made without written approval from the Roku Content team.

6. Final mastering & marketing

6.1 Picture & audio mastering

6.1.1 Uncompressed masters

Roku prefers to receive both the un-graded and graded high-resolution master sequences as part of final delivery. These files should be exported in DPX or TIFF format, at the highest bitrate possible (16-bit preferred).

If your vendor is unable to export these sequences, please reach out to Roku Post Production.

6.1.2 Harding testing

Please alert Roku Post Production if any episodic content contains flashing/strobing lights or other image patterns that have the potential to trigger seizures in viewers with Photosensitive Epilepsy. In these instances, you will be required to run a Harding Test and provide the passing report to Roku Post Production as part of Final Delivery.

Please refer to the Ofcom ITC Guidelines for further information.

6.1.3 HDR10 & dolby vision

Currently, Roku Alternative projects are only required to complete an SDR (Rec709) grade. Please keep in mind your final deliverables will need to be in legal video range.

Roku encourages that all series be graded utilizing the Dolby Vision workflow. Although an HDR deliverable is not yet a requirement for the Roku platform, grading in Dolby Vision will allow for the highest quality visual experience, as well as protect for future inclusion of HDR deliverables.

For Productions whose budgets and schedules permit HDR10 or Dolby Vision grading, please reach out to Roku Post Production to determine the necessary workflow and related deliverables associated with either.

6.1.4 Sound mixing

Roku Alternative projects are required to mix in 5.1 Surround, and then downmix to create Stereo deliverables as well.

6.1.5 Promotional assets (images and trailers)

As each production will differ with regards to promotional assets, please reach out to Roku Marketing to determine the specific asks for your show.

7. Credits

The first draft of credits (opening title card + end credits) must be submitted to Roku Post using the Roku Alternative Credits Approval Form (see 8.7.3) for approval with delivery of the first Fine Cut.

7.1 Opening credits

For opening credits, Roku will utilize traditional burned-in credits. Full requirements are noted below. Please reach out to Roku Post Production with any questions.

7.1.1 Disclaimer use

If your show contains sensitive content, please reach out to your Roku Legal Executive to see if your episode requires a trigger warning prior to the cold open.

For any other opening cards or disclaimers, please reach out to Roku Post Production for approval.

7.1.2 Main title option 1: main title card

During the initial design phase of any title treatments please reach out to your Roku Creative Executives; Roku Production (altprod@roku.com); Roku Marketing (dlrokuoriginalmarketingcreative@roku.com) and Roku Post: (dlropost@roku.com).

• Duration of this card will be a maximum of 5 seconds
• The title card will display the show title/logo, burned into picture as part of each final video master.
• The Production Company/Producer will have full creative control over how the title appears, subject to size requirements and provided that it is within the 16x9 title safe zone.
• No “Presentation”, possessory, or origination credits permitted anywhere on the program.

• Any request to include on-screen credits on this card will require approval by the Roku Content and Post Production teams.

  • No other credits are permitted in the opening of the show.

7.1.3 Main title option 2: main title sequence

For shows that choose to utilize a main title sequence, please follow the formatting requirements below:

• Duration of this sequence will be a maximum of 15 seconds

• The main title sequence must include the title card or title logo

  • Title card or logo must be burned into picture as part of each final video master.
• No “Presentation”, possessory, or origination credits permitted anywhere on the program.

• Any request to include on-screen credits within this sequence will require approval by the Roku Content and Post Production teams.

  • No other credits are permitted in the opening of the show.

7.2 End credit sequence

For end credits, Roku will utilize traditional burned-in credits. Please follow the formatting requirements below:

• For half-hour shows, end credits can be no longer than 30 total seconds, inclusive of production company logos.

  • For hour-long shows, end credits can be no longer than 90 total seconds, inclusive of production company logos.
  • For short form shows, end credits can have up to three production company logos/credits, not inclusive of the Roku Originals logo.

• The Roku Originals Logo should be placed last in the end credits. The Roku Originals end logo is available HERE.

• End Credits must be white text on a black background.

• End Credits must be formatted as separate cards, not as a rolling sequence.

• Placing the show title logo or title card at the end of any episode is not permitted without prior approval from the Roku Content and Post Production teams.

• Production Company Logo Card / Studio Credits - Optional

  • Up to three production company or studio logos/credits can be included in the end credits, in addition to the mandatory Roku Originals end credit logo.
  • Separate end cards can have a maximum total length of three seconds each.
  • For shared cards, no more than two logos can be combined onto the same end card.
  • Animated logos/credits are permitted.

  • Logos can include audio provided there is no cost to Roku to license such audio.

    • Audio ring outs from the end of the episode are also acceptable.
  • The end of the last logo card will signify your LFOP (last frame of picture).
  • No credits may appear after the end logo cards.

7.3 Other credit requirements

• Production Company/Producer shall deliver a complete written statement of all credit obligations in a format to be decided by Roku.
• Production Company/Producer shall ensure that all credits conform to applicable third-party requirements.
• Roku will have approval over all credits in each program, including all credits accorded to third parties.

Adherence to the credit requirements in this document will be part of Roku’s Quality Check. If any specifications are not met, the asset will be passed back to the Production Company/Producer to modify. Roku’s Content Operation team can advise on how to upload assets for Roku review.

8. Final delivery

The specifications below detail all deliverables required for each Roku production. A production will not be considered wrapped until all assets below are delivered and approved by the Roku Post Production team. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Roku Post Production.

The Delivery Phase begins as soon as your episodes are ready for Quality Control, after Visual Effects color, and mix are complete. The following timeline is required to ensure that all pertinent assets are received on time for Post, Marketing, and Operations:

• Due 1 Week Before First Episode Delivered to Quality Control Vendor

  • Let Roku Post know which vendor you’re proceeding with
  • Metadata Ingest Document due to the Hub [See 8.7.1]

• Due With Delivery to Quality Control Vendor

  • Texted Masters
  • Textless Masters (if applicable)
  • Text Spotting List

• Due 48 Hours After First Episode is Delivered to Quality Control

  • Final Credits due to the Hub [See 8.7.3]

• Due 48 Hours After Each Episode is Delivered to Quality Control

  • 264 Proxies due to Frame.io [See 8.4.5]
  • Final Timed Text Files due to the Hub [See 8.6]

• Due 48 Hours After Each Episodes Passes Quality Control

  • Final Master Texted and Textless Files due to Frame.io
  • Passing QC Reports due to the Hub
  • As Broadcast Scripts due to the Hub [See 8.7.4]
  • Final Font Memo due to the Hub [See 8.7.5]
  • Final Vendor List due to the Hub [See 8.7.6]
  • Final Text Spotting List due to the Hub [See 8.2.1]
  • Episodic Delivery Checklist due to the Hub [See 8.7.8]

8.1 Onboarding

Roku uses an External Deliverables Hub (“Hub”) to receive specific production documents. This Hub will also provide information necessary for the naming of each document and file deliverable. If you have not heard from the Roku Post Production team prior to delivery, please reach out to be set up with access to the Hub.

8.2 Quality control (QC)

Each Production is responsible for covering the cost of and delivering 100% QC approved content. All masters noted below will be required to be submitted to QC using one of Roku’s approved QC vendors:

• Texted Master
• Textless Master

All required versions for each episode should be delivered to the Quality Control facility on the same day. This will ensure the Quality Control operator is able to verify that there is no variation between the texted/textless timings.

Please be sure to build time into your delivery schedule to account for the Roku Quality Control process. Roku advises that you set aside two weeks for each episode to complete the Quality Control of all horizontal masters. Delivery will not be considered ‘Final’ unless all masters have received a passing report from one of Roku’s approved vendors. A list of these vendors will be provided in the Post Kickoff Packet.

If an episode has passed Quality Control but a revision is necessary (incorrect titles, production card modification, etc.) you must reach out to Roku Post before any redelivery is made. Please send an email with a detailed and time coded breakdown of what fixes are being requested so that Roku can review and determine the impact it will have on each team and the show premiere itself.

8.2.1 Texted Spotting List (TSL)

You will be required to deliver a TSL file for each episode when it is submitted for Quality Control. This list will help Quality Control vendors verify that creatively intended text is included in the final file. A Roku Text Spotting List template was provided in your Post Kickoff zip file. This single file should be updated as episodes are sent to Quality Control so that all information for the series is included in the same master spreadsheet.

The Text Spotting List should contain any and all text that is burned into picture, and the corresponding timecodes for each. If an episode has no burned-in text, you will still be required to deliver this file, but will specify the lack of text by checking the box at the top of the template.

8.3 Filename specifications

8.3.1 Paper deliverables

Paper deliverables should all be uploaded to the “Hub” platform noted above. Please adhere to the following naming conventions when delivering documents to the Hub:

• ShowTitle_PTIDdd.yy

Your PTID will be found on the Hub in the name of your Show Deliverables Folder. If the document is a final document, it should be labeled with ‘Final’ instead of the date.

• Example: TheBestRokuShow_AL00000_PostVendorList_FINAL

*For any redeliveries of post deliverables, please include the date in addition to “FINAL”.

8.3.2 Master video deliverables

All master* video files should be labeled as follows:

ShowCode_ProdNumber_AirOrder_Version_LangCode_Resolution_ColorSpace_FN_Audio_FrameRate_Date-v#.mov

Example:

NION_101_AIR_1_TXTD_enUS_UHD_SDR_FN_2CH_23976p_20190701-v2.mov

Production Number = As listed on Post Grids

Air Order = Please list even if the Air Order is the same as the Production Number

*See 8.4.5 for Proxy file naming.

8.3.3 Master audio deliverables

Audio materials should be named to include all appropriate information:

ShowCode_ProdNumber_Vers_Date_LangCode_MaterialType_Channel#_SampleRate_BitRate_TC_Channel.mov

Examples:

MAMA_102_v04_20220919_enUS_PM_Nearfield_2ch_48k_24b_23976.L.wav

MAMA_102_v03_20220919_esMX_FXSTEM_6ch_48k_24b_23976.R.wav

MAMA_102_v02_20220919_esMX_ME_Nearfield_6ch_48k_24b_23976.C.wav

8.4 Video deliverables

All video should be delivered at specification unless agreed to with the Roku production team ahead of production.

If your image capture settings are not at the same data rate or higher of the export settings mentioned in 8.4.3, please reach out to Roku Post or let your Post Manager know. In order to prevent up-sampling, your final export should match the data rate that was captured (for example, if the camera captured ProRes 422, then final export should be ProRes 422 or equivalent instead of 422 HQ).

Roku Best Practices

If your capture workflow is different than specified above, please contact Roku Post Production before final mastering begins. It is important to keep master sequences (VAM/CTM) and final deliverables in alignment with dailies capture specifications (i.e. free of any up-scaling, cross-conversions, or up-conversions).

8.4.1 Video formatting

All files should be formatted to start at 00:00:00:00.

Files should begin with the cold open and end on the last frame of the Roku Originals logo end card.

All video files MUST NOT contain any of the following: bars and tone, bumpers, segment recaps or previews, Vertical Interval time code, advertisements, slates, rating cards, FBI warning cards, placards, overlay branding, promotional bugs, informational bugs, watermarks, or website link callouts.

If promotional bugs or watermarks are required by a 3rd party, Roku Content Legal should be notified.

8.4.2 Audio formatting

For the Final Texted Masters, all audio should be contained within the delivered mezzanine file. See the audio settings listed in 8.4.3 and 8.4.5 for specifications based on delivery codec.

The audio channel mapping and tagging of metadata must be verified via a program like QuickTime 7, QuickTime Pro, Telestream Switch or Adobe Media Encoder for all Texted and Textless Masters.

• If the audio is not labeled with the correct metadata (for instance if all channels are labeled as “C” or “Mono”) this will prevent ingest on Roku’s end and will need to be corrected and re-delivered.
• Incorrectly labeled audio can be manually adjusted in QuickTime Pro without a re-export.

Mixing Specifications:

• Target -24LKFS +/- 2 (any average between -22 & -26). Based on ITU-R 1170-3 measurement.
• Audio should not peak above -2 dBfs (True Peak)

8.4.3 Texted video masters

8.4.4 Textless delivery

If your content includes burned-in on screen text, you will be required to deliver a separate Textless Reel or Full Episode. This reel should include clean, text-free versions of any shots that contain burned-in subtitles or graphic text elements. If the show contains a comprehensive graphics package, please strip all graphics and supply the graphics package or elements in Archival. Video and Audio specs should mirror the Texted Masters noted above.

Audio mapping label verification as noted in 8.4.2 must be verified in textless master.

Additionally, if foreign language subtitles cover 30% or more of a given episode, you will be required to deliver a fully textless version of that episode.

Examples of what to remove for the Textless Masters:

Roku Best Practices

• Background elements with text, such as street signs, do not need to be included in the Textless Reel.
• ‘Forced Narratives’ refers to on-screen text that is used in one of two ways: to translate foreign dialogue into English or to clarify dialogue that may be inaudible.

8.4.5 Final proxy files (3 total per episode)

From each Texted Master created, please export the following proxy files:

Spanish language series will require a third proxy deliverable with burned in English cc. Closed captions must be 100% final. This should be labeled as “PRESS” preceding “PROXY” in the file name. Example:

THAM_101_AIR_1_PRESS_PROXY_enUS_HD_FN_2CH_CLEAN_20200916_V4_FINAL.mov

8.5 Audio delivery

Prior to the commencement of principal photography, please reach out to Roku Post Production in order to determine the necessary audio deliverables for your series. As content, formatting, and style will differ from one series to the next, Roku understands that stem delivery may also vary. Please upload to your Archive folder on frame.io.

8.5.1 Domestic episodic stems

Provided below are the stems required for delivery of each episode/project:

• Mono Dialogue, Music, and Special Effects stems
• Stereo & 5.1 Printmasters
• Stereo & 5.1 M&E - Fully Filled
• Stereo & 5.1 Music
• Stereo & 5.1 Dialogue
• Stereo & 5.1 Sound Effects

Provided below are the stems Roku would like to receive, if available (and applicable):

• Stereo & 5.1 Mix minus narration
• Score or Original Composition (pending rights)
• Mono M&E Stems - Opticals, Backgrounds, etc.
• Pro Tools Session Files

All audio should be archived as 24-bit, 48kHz WAV files.

Please see section 8.3.3 for full guidelines on labeling audio files.

ShowCode_ProdNumber_Vers_LangCode_MaterialType_Channel#_SampleRate_BitRate_TC_Channel.mov

Examples:

MAMA_102_v04_enUS_PM_Nearfield_2ch_48k_24b_23976.L.wav

Roku Best Practices

• Roku requires that all music be cleared for both domestic and international use across all media on all devices.
• Optional tracks (foreign language, grunts, breathing, etc.) are preferred, if applicable
• If budget permits, please create Fully Filled FX stems as part of delivery

8.5.2 Audio description (AD)

Audio Description, also known as Descriptive Video, provides the visually impaired audience with descriptions of the characters and action, without interfering with the dialogue. Productions are required to deliver both English and Spanish Audio Description files for every episode of a series.

WGBH has been chosen as Roku’s primary vendor for the creation of these files. Deliverable specifications are currently under review and will be provided by your Roku Post Production Manager as soon as they are available.

8.6 Timed text file delivery

Roku requires all content to be delivered with all of the following timed-text formats:

• Subtitles: Language solely (no inclusion of sound descriptors)

  • Foreign subtitle files should also include any translated forced narratives that are currently burned into picture

• SDH: Language in addition to sound descriptors (no forced narratives)

• FN: Forced Narratives solely

All files are required in an effort to support customers that are deaf or hard of hearing.

Roku requires closed captions and subtitles in 2 formats: SRT and WebVTT. The files have to have the same timecode and frame rate as the video and audio delivered. Character encoding MUST be UTF-8.

Languages & formats required:

Spanish (Neutral Latin American Spanish, Code: esMX): Subtitles, SDH, Closed Caption Files, & FN

English (American, Code: EN): Subtitles, SDH, Closed Caption Files, & FN

All files should be labeled as follows:

ShowCode-ProdNumber-LanguageCode_Format-RevisionDate.mov

Filename Examples:

NION-101-esMX_SUB-20190701

NION-101-enUS_SDH-20190701

NION-101-enUS_FN-20190701

8.7 Paper deliverables

Roku’s External Deliverables Hub (“Hub”) is a centralized location for all wrap deliverables documents. If you have not been granted access and will be handling this portion of delivery, please reach out to your Post Manager.

8.7.1 Roku metadata template

Metadata allows Roku to ingest and display all series related information for our customers. Marketing and/or the Roku Content Executive may tweak the information to ensure it’s as effective as possible on the Roku platform.

Spanish language series will require metadata descriptions in both Spanish and English.

The required details will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Show - Title, Description, Primary Spoken Language, Production Companies
• Season - Title, Description (leave blank if not applicable)
• Episode - Title, Production Number, Air Order, Total Run Time (TRT)
• Exact timecode of ad break insertion, in (HH:MM:SS:FF) format

Please note that Air Order and Episode Titles must be a decision made with your Content Executive. The Episode Titles must be creative (no “Episode 1”) and should be written with the show writers or receive writer approval.

Please ensure you have the most up to date template for Metadata which can be found here within the Roku Ingest Specs site.

8.7.2 Credits documents

Please deliver all of the following items as part of Final Delivery:

1. PNG files relating to the Title Logo and any other logos submitted should be uploaded to Frame.io.
2. Roku Alternative Credit Approval Form - This document should include both main title and end credits for Business Affairs Approval.
3. Traditional Episodic Credits Lists that detail the specific credits tied to each episode should be uploaded to the Hub. This can either be Excel or Word formatted in a standard traditional scrolling or end-card format.

8.7.3 Segment rundowns

You will be required to deliver a detailed breakdown of the timecodes pertaining to all segments in each episode. Please utilize the Roku Segment Rundown Template provided in your Kick-Off Delivery Packet.

Roku requires that the timecodes within this document be delivered in HH:MM:SS:FF format. Any spreadsheets submitted without this formatting will not be accepted by Roku.

8.7.4 As broadcast scripts

Please deliver one set of As Broadcast Scripts for each series to the Hub. As Broadcast Script files should have a timecode-based breakdown of each line of dialogue. You are approved to submit the As Broadcast Scripts in any format that a Roku approved vendor utilizes.

8.7.5 Final font memo

Please deliver one document that details the font name and size utilized for opening credits, identifiers and/or other on-screen text added to each episode (where applicable) to the Hub. If applicable, please also note which vendor created the show logo.

8.7.6 Final vendor list

Please deliver your final version of the Roku Vendor List that you received in the Kick-Off Delivery Packet to the Hub.

8.7.7 Final text spotting list

Please deliver the Text Spotting List that was used to Quality Control the final episodes to the Hub. Please ensure that any changes made during Quality Control are reflected in the final document that is delivered to Roku via The Hub. Please deliver a single excel, via Roku’s template, with episodes separated onto their own tabs.

8.7.8 Episodic delivery checklist

Please deliver the final version of the Roku Episodic Delivery Checklist that you received in the Kick-Off Delivery Packet to the Hub. Please fill in all applicable delivery dates of assets and indicate when Archival will be completed.

• All applicable file version dates and delivery locations for each asset
• All Quality Control Start and End/Approval dates for Texted and Textless Masters
• Any assets not being delivered to Roku, as approved by Roku Post, should be identified as such within the “Delivery Destination/Notes” section of each deliverable
• If archival delivery will trail wrap, please indicate when it will be completed and who the primary point person will be to confirm for Roku Post

8.7.9 Music cue sheets

Music Cue Sheets are required for all projects. Please use the cue sheet template found on the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) website linked here or similar cue sheet template when submitting to Roku. The ASCAP template is also available via the Hub in the Production Legal – Scripted folder. Upload completed cue sheets to the Hub. If you have specific questions about Roku requirements for Music Cue Sheets, please contact Sydnee Grossberg at sgrossberg@roku.com.

9. Archival

9.1 High resolution masters & source material

Reach out to Roku Post if you do not see a pre-existing folder structure on frame.io for Final Archive. It is required that you utilize the Frame.io Transfer App for your uploads.

When adding video assets to Frame.io, do not create additional sub-folders. Keep all media (proxies, texted/textless masters) only in the folders provided. Audio files should be grouped by episode (where applicable).

The following are required deliverables that must be uploaded to the Final Archive folder on frame.io:

Required:

• Final Texted Masters
• Final Textless Masters
• Final Audio Stems
• Graphic Elements – Main title card, credit PNGs, end credit PNGs, on-screen graphics, interstitials, etc.

Any and all series that are wholly owned by Roku will require delivery of VAMs, CTMs, and final Visual Effects shots (where applicable) via LTO7 or greater. LTOs should be formatted LTFs and include a digital manifest for each tape. For all licensed or co-produced content, please reach out to your Roku Post Production Manager to discuss the specific requirements and expectations for each series. These manifests should be uploaded to The Hub.

For all licensed or co-produced content, please reach out to your Roku Post Production Manager to discuss the specific requirements and expectations for each series.

• VAMs – Un-color-corrected, textless, DPX or TIFF format (Compress to .ZIP or .TAR)

  • Associated Avid bins or EDLs

• CTM – Color-corrected, textless, DPX or TIFF format (Compress to .ZIP or .TAR)

  • Associated LUTs or color-grading files

• Final VFX Shots – Un-color-corrected preferred (if applicable)

9.1.1 Dailies archival

Any and all series that are wholly owned by Roku will require delivery of dailies/OCF via LTO7 or greater. LTOs should be formatted LTFs and include a digital manifest for each tape. For all licensed or co-produced content, please reach out to your Roku Post Production Manager to discuss the specific requirements and expectations for each series.

9.2 Offline editorial masters

Please be sure that all consolidated avid media is archived and removed from Frame.io prior to wrap. Once each project’s wrap is complete, all media still contained within the Frame.io platform will be deleted and the series users will be disabled.

10. Change log

V2.1

• 5.2.4 – RO Content Rating Guidelines updated
• 5.6 - Graphics vendors guidelines updated
• 8.7.1 - Roku Ingest Specs Link added for access most updated Metadata Template

V2.0

• Multiple Sections - 5.1 & Stereo Mix required. 7.1 mix no longer being requested.
• Multiple Sections - Timecodes of act breaks updated to HH:MM:SS:FF
• 5.2.1 - Total run time must be locked at Locked Cut stage, inclusive of a slug for the end credit bed.
• 5.5 - Locked Cut requirements updated
• 8.3.2 - Replaced Mexican Spanish (esMX) labeling with Neutral Latin American Spanish (esMX)
• 8.4.5 - Final Proxy file size changed to a maximum of 2gb
• 8.5.1 - Audio Deliverables updated
• 8.6 - Replaced Mexican Spanish (esMX) labeling with Neutral Latin American Spanish (esMX); Removed SCC file requirement
• 9.1 - Archival - Use of Frame.io Transfer App required for all uploads to the app

(v1.9 intentionally skipped)

V1.8

• 2.4 – Roku Marketing Team’s involvement in Sizzle Reel and Main Title Treatment clarified
• 2.5 – Localization Introduction
• 3.1 – Capture requirements adjusted to HD (1920x1080); Approval needed for aspect ratios outside of 16:9
• 3.2 – Dailies Selects requirements further clarified
• 5.3.3 – Runtime requirements, cut review, and turnaround timing clarified
• 7.1.2 – Main Title Card requires review/approval by Roku Creative Execs, Marketing, Production & Post
• 7.2 – Roku Originals Logo must be placed last in end credits; download link provided
• 8.3.2 – Master Video Deliverables file naming modified
• 8.3.3 – Master Audio Deliverables file naming modified
• 8.4.2 – Audio Channel mapping and tagging of metadata must be verified
• 8.4.3 – Texted Video Masters audio track layout updated and resolution adjusted to HD
• 8.4.4 – Audio mapping label verification as noted in 8.4.2 must be verified in Textless Master
• 8.5.1 – Revised audio labeling guidelines for stem delivery
• 9.1 – Frame.io & High Resolution Masters instructions revised

V1.7

• 5.2.2 – Segment Rundown deliverable must include milliseconds in its formatting.
• 5.4 – Revised file naming convention on rough cut deliveries.
• 8.2.1 – Text Spotting List updated
• 8.3 – File naming format for both paper and media deliverables modified.
• 8.4.5 – Additional proxy deliverable added.
• 8.6 – Replaced Latin American (LAS) labeling with Mexican Spanish (esMX)
• 8.7 – Further clarification provided across paper deliverables

V1.6

• 8.7.2 - Updated to include the “Cast & Crew“ file as a credits document deliverable.
• 9.1.1- Dailies Archival section added.

V1.5

• 5.5 – Segment Rundowns will be required with delivery of each rough cut
• 8.5.2 – Audio Description files added as a new deliverable

V1.4

• 5.2.2 – Clarified that cuts will not be accepted if they do not adhere to Ad Break duration specifications
• 6.1.2 – Added Harding Test section for content with flashing/strobing lights and other image patterns
• 7.2 – End Production Logos may include audio provided there is no additional cost to Roku

V1.3

• 5.2.2 – Clarified that Ad Breaks should have no text
• 7.2 – Updated End Credits section with more detail
• 8.7.9 – Updated Music Cue Sheet information and point of contact for questions