Start with the version you are releasing
Name the current cut, runtime, language, and completion status. Keep track of what remains in sound, picture, captions, credits, and delivery. A private screener is enough for an initial review; final technical specifications come later and depend on the agreed channels.
Make a rights folder before a marketing folder
List who owns the movie and who has approval or participation rights. Gather agreements for the script, music, performers, archive footage, stock material, and artwork. Record any licenses you already granted, including territory and duration. Mark outstanding items plainly rather than treating them as finished.
Prepare an invitation, not just a description
Write one sentence that describes the central promise of the movie, a concise synopsis, a short creator statement, and an honest audience hypothesis. Identify artwork and trailer assets you can legally use. A strong package gives another person a clear way to explain the movie.
Think about access
Identify available subtitles, closed captions, audio descriptions, and language versions. Accessibility and localization can affect reach as well as technical delivery. List what exists now and what would need to be created; do not assume one caption file meets every channel’s requirements.
Make the review easy
Test the screener in a private browser window, include a viewing-only password if needed, and keep the link available during review. Give us context on the release you want and any date constraints. A clean first submission reduces avoidable follow-up.