Cinistream works hard to make our application open to as many films as possible, but there a few rules and requirements to make sure the process is smooth and effective for filmmakers and audiences alike.

• Copyrights: Your film must contain only content that you have rights and/or licenses to distribute and stream worldwide. Failure to do so will result in the rejection of your application and, if previously accepted, removal of your film from our Streaming Library. Including but not limited to: music, footage, stock footage, archival footage, likenesses, photos, graphics, fonts, etc.
  • Please Note: Music and sound effects from “Royalty Free” YouTube channels may not be accepted because of lack of licensing information. Itunes, Apple Music, Amazon Music, songs ripped from CD’s, etc. are personal music licenses and do not meet licensing requirements to be used in films that are submitted to Cinistream. We may request proof of music or other media licenses.
• Length: 4+ Minutes in length minimum. We sometimes accept limited quantities of micro shorts, so if your film is shorter, feel free to still submit.
• Video File Delivery Format: Delivery in high quality ProRes or DNxHD mastering formats is strongly recommended for retention of image quality. This is not required, but submission of other mastering formats may experience quality loss when compressed and/or streamed. High quality H.264 exports can be acceptable. It is in your best interest to deliver your film in the highest quality format you can master in.
• Video File Delivery Resolution: Films should be delivered in HD formats, preferably 1080p (FHD) or higher. If your film is in an SD format, you are free to still submit, but not all SD films retain enough quality for our streaming system and may face reduced image quality. It is in your best interest to deliver your film in the largest resolution you can master in.
• Film Audio: Audio quality is tremendously important to filmmaking, so we advise filmmakers to use the following settings as a minimum:
  • Average audio mix level of -10db
  • Audio Output Recommendation 1: uncompressed codec, 48000Hz, 24bit preferred (16bit accepted), Stereo (or greater)
  • Audio Output Recommendation 2: Best Codec Available (Ex: AAC, PCM, etc), 48000Hz, Stereo (or greater), High Quality, 128+ kbps.
• Captions: Non-english films are required to have English captions, .SRT format preferred.
  • Captions in any language preferred for worldwide accessibility.
• Additional Film Assets: If you have Closed Captions, Trailers, Posters, Behind-The-Scenes Videos, Production Stills, or other Promotional Materials, please submit them with your film. These can be used in the promotion of your film to bring you viewers.
• File Submission: Films and promotional materials are submitted through Google Drive shared links and folders. This process is outlined in the upload step of application.
• Nudity: Films may not be pornographic. Some nudity is allowed at Cinistream’s discretion and behind appropriate warnings.
• Forbidden Content: Films may not be participatory in, or incite, hate or violence or contain malicious content against Cinistream, Modern Icon Pictures or other individuals or organizations.

We look forward to watching and sharing your films!

-The Cinistream Application Team