Scripted production guidelines

Version 2.4 - February 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, 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 requirement 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 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 Scripted production guidelines

  • Roku Production document for scripted projects – document you are currently reading
  • Located on the Roku Deliverables Hub (Hub) in the Production – Scripted folder

2.1.2 Scripted media delivery specifications

  • Roku Scripted Hour-Long Delivery Specifications

  • Roku Scripted Half-Hour Long Delivery Specifications

    • Roku technical specifications for scripted projects
    • Located on the Hub in the Post – Scripted folder
  • Roku Production Legal guidelines when creating content for exhibition on Roku

3. Roku communication

3.1 Roku emails

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

3.2 Roku scripted contact sheet

The Roku Scripted Contact Sheet is for Partner use only. Please do not distribute. The contact sheet can be found on the Hub in the Production – Scripted folder.

3.3 Roku scripted distribution list

Roku Production will send you a distribution list. You will also find the Roku Scripted Distribution List via the Hub in the Production – Scripted folder. 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 which include, but are not limited to:

  • Budgets
  • Call Sheets
  • Scripts
  • Prep Schedules
  • DooDs, One Liners, and Production Calendars
  • Cast & Crew Lists
  • First/Lunch/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 or bi-weekly Production/Post/Legal call throughout Principal Photography
  • Wrap of Principal Photography
  • Any major production or post schedule changes

Upon completion of Principal Photography or one week prior to delivery of Rough Cut 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 any potential illegal activities

  • 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 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
  • Threat of litigation, claim, or potential claim arising in connection with the production
  • Plan to file an insurance claim due to force majeure
  • 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 individuals, regarding the incident to scrprod@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 Roku Production or Production Legal please proceed with emailing scrprod@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 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 is to be used throughout the lifecycle of the project: i.e., 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, is 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, Producers, and Director
    • Key shoot locations
    • Post location; city/facility
    • Collective bargaining agreements (unions)
    • Number of shoot days and total shoot weeks
    • Number of total post weeks
    • Total weeks from start to final delivery
    • Budgeted Shooting Hours
    • Script date the budget ties to
    • Foreign Exchange Rate

  • Tax incentive estimate, including estimated sales rate for transferable tax credits if applicable

  • FX rate (if any work is to take place outside of the United States)

  • Premium Fee estimate (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)

  • List by department number of crew budgeted

  • Note if staff member on a show is staff at Prod Co/Studio

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

    • Camera package

      • Specialty equipment: Cranes, dollies, drones, etc

  • Edit software (i.e., Final Cut, Premiere, Avid)

  • Coloring and grading software

  • List “Roku Scripted Media Delivery Specifications” version date

  • List “Roku Scripted 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 Chart of Accounts
  • Include title, version #, ‘as of’ date and page numbers
  • Include Budget Top Sheet header information as noted in Section 4.1.1
  • Avoid large flat allowances. Provide details instead (cost per day/week/month etc.)
  • Fringes should be by category and broken out -- avoid lump sum fringe rates
  • Include a variance column between your last budget and current budget
  • Suppress zero and empty accounts
  • Budget must be in US dollars
  • Budget Development Fees
  • Budget for script clearance
  • Budget for worldwide title clearance and opinion letter
  • Include any security and general safety costs, include fees for risk managers, intimacy coordinators, or assessments and safety consultants
  • Budget for insurance – minding stunts, aircraft, watercraft etc.
  • Extraordinary talent fees and costs should be excluded from all fee calculations

  • Budget for all necessary worldwide clearances in all media for music and footage

    • 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 American Federation of Musicians 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
  • Include any applicable tax incentive amounts and associated auditing costs

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

    • Cut Review Process for budgeting Post
    • Include captioning, subtitles, and technical QC in your budget
    • A list of preferred vendors will be provided by Roku Post
    • 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

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 (episodic, feature, etc) and minimum production spend

  • Partner is responsible for applying for tax incentives/rebates

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

  • Unless otherwise specified in the agreement, Roku funds the net budget -- differential between the gross and net budget is the responsibility of the Studio

    • 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., Certified Public Accountant 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 Scripted Media Delivery Specifications prior to agreeing to any embedded logo credit related to receiving tax credits or incentive uplift.

4.1.6 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
  • 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 long form version beyond Roku delivery and exhibition

4.1.7 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 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 scrprod@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 confirmed via email if approved.
  • Master delivery dates cannot shift without written approval by Roku Production and Post

4.2.1 Calendar requirements

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

  • Pre-production
  • Writing
  • Casting weeks including deadlines
  • Key hire start and end dates
  • Scout milestones (if applicable)
  • Show & Tell
  • Table Read
  • Production Meeting
  • Key VFX design review, as applicable
  • Production
  • Prep, shoot, and wrap dates – including set build, rehearsal(s), and travel days
  • 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 Scripted Media Delivery Specs, Review Cut Process, as you build out your schedule
  • VFX milestones (i.e., VFX review 1, VFX review 2)
  • Please be sure to build time into your delivery schedule to account for the Roku QC process. Roku advises that you set aside two weeks for each episode or 3 weeks for a feature, to complete the QC of all masters.
  • Roku Post will provide a list of approved QC vendors

4.2.2 Table reads/show & tells

  • Roku requests table reads and show & tell presentations for our content, unless otherwise noted by Roku Creative
  • Typically, the table read is a one-time read-thru of all the scripts, with at least the lead talent in attendance
  • Typically, the show & tell covers at least wardrobe, set design, locations, 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 both the table read and the show & tell presentation
  • 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

  • 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

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

4.3 Internal ad sales needs

As the The Roku Channel is 100% ad supported, we will reach out prior to commencement of principal photograpy to discuss capturing a very simple, straight forward message from talent about the show to be used internally only.

  • This is a very simple video, straight to camera, not color corrected, for internal use only.
  • Roku will manage all aspects of the content (i.e. wording). This should take no more than 10-20 minutes to capture.
  • For example, talent talking straight to camera says: “Hey, I’m TBD, coming to you live from the set of insert Show Title here streaming soon on The Roku Channel!”

4.4 Cost report requirements

Please confirm with your Roku Production Executive the cadence in which cost report packages are submitted and to find out if Hot Costs will be a requirement for your project. Cost Report packets will be required throughout all phases of production, using industry standard software. Please use the following when submitting cost reports:

  • The cost report should reflect the Approved Production Costs, do not include the Premium (if applicable)
  • 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 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, purchase order 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”
  • Movement between budget accounts in an amount less than $35,000 is permissible. Amounts at or over $35,000 are subject to written approval by Roku Production

  • Any movement from the following accounts require 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.

4.5 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 contacts
  • Please do not put any 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
  • Please notify Roku Production if you are engaging an Intimacy Coordinator

4.6 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 or Milestone Payment Approval and funding occurs after all the 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
  • If applicable, Cash Flow Template will be provided Roku Production Finance
  • Milestone payment schedule should match terms of your closed deal and approved budget

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

    • Include dates, percentage, and amounts
  • Premium Fee (if applicable), Breakage, and Residuals/Buyouts can be listed, but should not roll up into the total milestone payments
  • Any previously paid development costs will be drawdown from your first Milestone payment

5.1.1 Payment descriptions

Please reference closed deal for contractual payment terms. Possible payment milestones and when to submit invoices for processing listed below:

  • Commencement of Pre-Production – Invoice due upon first day of pre-production
  • Commencement of Principal Photography – Invoice due upon first day of principal photography
  • Completion of Principal Photography – Invoice due upon last day of principal photography
  • Commencement of Post – Invoice due upon start of post/editorial staff
  • Delivery of First Rough Cut – Invoice due upon Roku’s receipt of first rough cut
  • Complete Delivery / Complete & Final Delivery – Invoice due upon receipt and approval of all Roku Post Paper and Media Deliverables
  • Premium – If applicable, due upon 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 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 Premium calculation

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

  • Calculate your premium with applicable exclusions as per your closed deal and include the Premium amount on the Budget Assumption Page
  • If applicable, please calculate your premium with applicable exclusions as per your closed deal and include the estimate on the Budget Assumptions Page
  • Although the Premium Fee is part of the overall fee, it should not be a line item in the budget

5.4 Residual calculation

The Roku Channel is a free to consumer ad supported platform (AVOD). Roku asks that Partners calculate the estimated residuals, again please be mindful of The Roku Channel’s AVOD status.

  • Check the definition of “accountable receipts” or “distributor’s gross” with the applicable guild
  • Include the project residual estimate on the Budget Assumptions Page

  • Residuals and/or Buyouts should not be a line item in the budget

    • For purposes of calculating a rebate, if you need to include buyouts in your budget please discuss with Roku production
  • Roku may request an updated residual estimate prior to closing out the project

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 (talent fees to be approved by Roku BA as well). 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 Purchase Orders’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 Purchase Orders (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 (e.g. Production Company fee)

5.7 Audit

Please reference the closed deal regarding Audit election and timelines.

  • Roku will notify Partner in writing as to whether it intends to conduct an audit
  • Roku Production Legal will provide Partners with the “Roku Audit Requirements".

  • Audit Requirements Document will elaborate on the following:

    • Non-reimbursable expenses unless previously approved
    • Overages/Breakage
    • Required documentation

PLEASE NOTE: The Audit holdback payment will not be released until the audit is complete or waived. In the event Roku elects not to proceed with an audit:

  • You will be notified by Roku Production if there will be no audit

  • If the audit is waived, the Audit Holdback payment will be released upon reconciliation of final cost report and submission of the final invoice

5.8 Roku marketing / publicity

You will be introduced to Roku Marketing during or following the production kick-off call.

Unless otherwise discussed and approved by Roku Production, all Marketing and PR costs are expected to be excluded from the budget.

There may be circumstances when Roku requests assistance with marketing efforts. In the event Roku pre-approved any marketing expenses (i.e., unit photography, behind the scenes, hair and make-up, etc.) please review the below:

  • Marketing invoices should be sent to your Roku Marketing contact
  • Marketing expenses should not be included as part of the series budget
  • Marketing expenses should not be included as an expense in the cost report

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/Sponsorships/Trade-Outs
  • Cast Notices
  • Nudity & Sex Scenes
  • Talent Publicity and Promotion
  • Risk & Safety
  • Intimacy Coordinators
  • 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 your 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 and Production Legal prior to the commencement of any production activities.

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

  • Cast Insurance

    • 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.

  • High-Hazards & Special Risk Coverage (i.e., aircraft/watercraft 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 Originals, LLC 1173 Coleman Avenue San Jose, CA 95110

Under “Description” on COIs, please list:

Purple Tag Originals, 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

Roku distributes content worldwide. Music should be cleared in perpetuity (or for licensed projects, the full length of the license), and allow for in-contect 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 your Roku Production Executive with specific questions or if there are 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 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 Scripted Media Delivery Specifications for a comprehensive breakdown of all post workflows and media deliverables. The document can be found via the “Welcome to Roku Production” site or the Hub in the Post – Scripted folder.

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 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.

8. Paper deliverables

Roku uses a Deliverables Hub (“Hub”) to receive and retain 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 required paper deliverables, access to the Hub will be limited to four (4) key project personnel. Only those who are responsible for uploading deliverables noted in Section 8.1, should have access.

8.1 Required paper deliverables

Productions should upload 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 the specific instructions for each document and upload accordingly. Please note other departments may have additional required deliverables.

8.1.1 Production

  • Call Sheets & Maps (upload at the same time as distribution to crew)
  • Cast Lists (all approved and final versions)
  • Daily Prep Schedules
  • Deliverables Checklist (completed
  • DOOD’s (all approved and final versions)
  • One Liners (all approved and final versions)
  • Outlines & Scripts (all approved and final versions)
  • Production Reports (Prelim no later than 24 hours after shoot | Approved when available)
  • Script Supervisors Continuity Breakdowns
  • Set Status Reports (First Shot, Lunch, Wrap)
  • Shooting Schedule
  • Staff & Crew Lists (all approved and final versions)
  • Vendor List
  • Production Calendar (all approved and final versions)

8.1.2 Post

  • Post Calendar (all approved and final versions)
  • As Broadcast Scripts
  • CC/Sub/FN Files
  • Episodic Delivery Checklist
  • Final Post Contact List
  • Final Vendor List
  • Font Memo
  • Ingest Metadata Spreadsheet
  • QC Reports
  • Segment Rundown
  • Text Spotting List (TSL)
  • Credits (also vetted by Business Affairs)
  • Music Cue Sheets (vetted by Production Legal)
  • Ad/Promo Restrictions
  • Fair Use Grid (if appliable)
  • Insurance Certificates - GL & E&O
  • Pence Document
  • Tax Incentive Registration, Certificate, Evidence of Sale/Transfer (if applicable)
  • Title Report & Legal Opinion
  • Workers Comp
  • Talent Agreement(s)
  • Location Agreements
  • Guild & Union Documentation
  • Employment Agreements

8.1.4 Public relations/marketing

  • Approved Bios
  • Still Photography

8.2 Deliverables checklist

On the Hub you will find a Deliverables Checklist. The checklist is considered part of your paper deliverables. Only mark items as complete once the final versions are 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 are 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 reach out to Roku Production at scrprod@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 should be named can be found on the Hub in the Production – Scripted 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.

8.4 Guidelines and templates

There is a “Guidelines & Templates'” section located on the Hub. Here you will find folders containing key documents in relation to each department (Post, Production, and Production Legal). 

8.4.1 Post – scripted folder

  • Scripted Post Media Delivery Specifications
  • Credits Approval Form
  • Episodic Delivery Checklist
  • Ingest Metadata Template
  • Post Grid Template
  • Preferred Vendor List
  • Segment Rundown Template
  • Text Spotting List

8.4.2 Production legal – scripted folder

  • Ad Promo Template
  • Insurance Guidelines
  • Music Cue Sheet Template

8.4.3 Production – scripted folder

  • Scripted Production Guidelines
  • Chart of accounts (COA)