Requirements For Netflix Filming

Requirements for Netflix Filming

What are the Requirements for Netflix Filming?

Having a Netflix series to your name is quite a big deal these days if you are getting a big break into the
filming world or even if you are a veteran Director of Photography. Netflix started only in the year 1997
but has a reputation for both innovation and quality. Thus, they lay down technical requirements for all
productions with great detail.
If you are into shooting films and wish to hit the Netflix market, before anything else, you need to own a
Netflix approved camera. However, there are many Netflix approved cameras out there and it becomes
difficult to choose especially if you are an amateur. Reading this article will help you know which camera
to use for Netflix filming so that you can have the much sought after credit under your belt.
Company’s Standard
As an aspiring filmmaker, at least have a camera with a minimum of 4k sensor ready to meet the
company’s standard. Netflix is a company that produces and streams content on numerous varied devices.
The recommended 4k sensor is for optimal presentation of images. This recommendation is given by the
company itself.
Basic Camera Requirements
You will find the company makes 2 main classifications for the approved cameras, namely, primary and
secondary. Primary is the main camera that you own. It must have a true 4K sensor that is equal to or
greater than 3840 photosites wide. Secondary cameras can be used for capturing any type of B-roll or
additional footage for the scenes. Some examples include aerials, crash cams, drones, and underwater
cameras.
Recording Format for Primary Camera:
 16-bit Linear minimum or 10-bit Log processing.

 At least 240 Mbps Bitrate (at 23.98/24 fps) recording.
 You must set the recording format to either RAW (uncompressed or lightly compressed sensor data)
or COMPRESSED (Log Gamma – i.e. S-Log3, V-Log, CanonLog3, REDLogFilm, BMDLog, LogC,
etc.).
 You should not bake looks or color corrections into the original camera files.
 Files must preserve all metadata (i.e. Timecode, Tape Name, Frame Rate, WB, ISO, etc.).
Black Balancing:
Black balancing of camera sensors ought to be done every day if applicable when the camera is at normal
operating temperature. You will find specific black balancing instructions in the operating manual of the
camera.
Aspect Ratio / Framing:
 Evaluate aspect ratios that are greater than 2.00:1. You can discuss with Netflix for approval.
 Shoot the framing chart before principal photography starts. In this way, you can process the framing
charts via the dailies pipeline. Then, it can be shared with editorial, post-production, and VFX.
Secondary Cameras:
 Any cameras film shooters use other than the primary camera (crash cam, tight spaces, drone,
underwater, etc.) should be approved by Netflix. Note that, since the wide range of shooting scenarios
mentioned can’t always accommodate a large camera, Netflix does allow film shooters to use smaller
4k cameras that are not mentioned under their approved camera list. The non-approved camera has to
produce shots that will make up to 10% or less of the final cut.
 Film shooters should shoot test footage and provide them for dailies and post-production to make
sure that they are compatible with the primary camera.
Netflix Approved Cameras
Below is a list of Netflix approved cameras. These are cameras with bodies that meet the company’s
specifications of required minimum resolution and recording. You can pick any camera before you start
shooting your film.
Blackmagic Design Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K
 4.6K — 4608 x 2592

 CinemaDNG RAW
ARRI Alexa LF
 4.5K — 4448 x 3096

 ARRIRAW
 ProRes 422 HQ (or higher)
Canon C500
 4K — 4096 x 2160
 Canon RAW
 XF-AVC (4K)
RED Epic/Weapon Dragon
 6K — 6144 x 3160
 REDCODE RAW
RED Monstro
 8K — 8192 x 4320
 REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1)
Panasonic VariCam LT
 4K — 4096 x 2160
 V-RAW
 AVC-Intra4K
Panasonic AU-EVA1
 4K — 4096 x 2160
 All-Intra 400
 Filmware 2.02 or higher required
Sony F65
 4K — 4096 x 2160
 F65RAW
 F65RAW-LITE
 XAVC (4K)
Sony Venice
 6K — 6048 x 4032
 RAW (up to 4096 x 2160)
 X-OCN
 XAVC-I
Sony PXW-Z450
 UHD: 3840 x 2160

 XAVC-I QFHD
 300 mode
ARRI Alexa 65
 6K — 6560 x 3100
 ARRIRAW
Canon C300 MK II
 4K — 4096 x 2160
 Canon RAW
 XF-AVC (4K)
Canon C700
 4.5 K — 4512 x 2376

 4K — 4096 x 2160
 Canon RAW
 XF-AVC (4K)
 ProRes HQ (4K)
RED Weapon Helium
 8K — 8192 x 4320
 REDCODE RAW
Panasonic VariCam 35
 4K — 4096 x 2160
 V-RAW
 AVC-Intra4K
Panavision DXL
 8K — 8192 x 4320
 REDCODE RAW
Sony F55
 4K — 4096 x 2160
 F55RAW
 XAVC (4K)
Sony FS7
 4K — 4096 x 2160
 XAVC (4K)
Sony HDC-4300
 4K — 4096 x 2160
 4K Baseband video
Which Camera to Pick for Your Netflix Filming?
With so many Netflix approved cameras to pick from, you might be wondering which camera will be the
perfect pick for your next film shoot. It will be a great idea to take a look at few of the popular Netflix
originals and the cameras behind the scenes. It might inspire you or give you an idea of what type of
images to expect from a particular camera.
The Netflix Guide for Non-
Approved Cameras
BY YOSSY MENDELOVICH

JANUARY 28, 2021

EDUCATION

5 MINS READ
So, let’s suppose that you’d like to shoot a film for Netflix. And let’s suppose
you want to use other cameras that are not included in the 40 Netflix
Approved cameras. If so, you should read this guide that defines the best
practices and settings for Non-Approved Netflix cameras. Moreover, the guide
sheds light on the logic behind Netflix image capture requirements.
Netflix Non-Approved vs. Approved Cameras
The Netflix guide for non-

approved cameras
When shooting for Netflix, there are situations where the ideal camera for a
particular shot may not be included on the 40 Netflix approved cameras. According
to Netflix, when working with a non-approved camera, steps should be taken to
ensure optimal capture quality. Furthermore, in that case, it’s highly recommended
to consult with your Netflix Post Manager and perform real world tests to verify
compatibility with your primary camera and workflow.
Netflix Post Technology Alliance (PTA) logo
30% of Netflix Best Movies

of 2020 were shot on Non-
Approved cameras
When analyzing the statistics regarding the cameras behind Best Netflix
Originals of 2020, we explore a vast amount of non-approved cameras (about
30%) that include the ARRICAM LT, ARRIFLEX 416, and ALEXA Mini. Indeed,
many DPs choose film cameras, which per definition, are not approved by Netflix.
Check out the slide below which demonstrates the segmentation between
Approved and Non-Approved cameras that shot the best Netflix Original
Movies of 2020:
The camera behind Best Netflix Original Movies of 2020. Approved cameras vs.
Non Approved cameras segmentation
Recommended settings &
best practices
These are Netflix’s key setting (highlights) of Non-Approved cameras:
1. Resolution: On any given camera system, the highest available resolution should
be used with maximum utilization of sensor size.
2. Record Format: The highest quality should always be used (RAW). When
recording compressed formats, opt for the highest bit-depth and lowest
compression available. Intra-Frame formats are preferred over GOP-based formats
as well.
3. Color & Transfer Function: Recording should always happen in the camera’s
“native color space”. NOTE: Many cameras default to the Rec.709 or sRGB color
space. While fine for monitoring purposes, this is not a color space that should be
used for capture, and care should be taken to record in the camera’s native color
space instead.
4. File Naming: A non-approved camera may utilize non-standard naming or may not
allow manual configuring of file naming, which can lead to overlapping file names
resulting in issues during conform. This issue must be taken care of by your Netflix
Post Manager.
5. Timecode: It is recommended to record a timecode feed from the sound department
onto one of the audio tracks on the camera if a dedicated timecode input is not
present.
6. Camera Card Reliability: Use media formats that are designed for the rigors of
production, and are recommended by the camera manufacturer.
7. Overheating: A non-approved camera may exhibit issues during long takes or
when shooting in hot weather. If these scenarios are expected, adequate testing
should be performed to verify the camera will be able to perform adequately.
8. Clip-length Limitations: Many consumer/prosumer cameras have a built-in
limitation on how long a single video clip can be. This can be as little as 10
minutes and must be taken into account if your production requires long takes.
Netflix Non Approved cameras guide: Example for “action cam” full-frame UHD
vs cropped 2.7k capture. Picture: Netflix
Final insights
Reading and understating these guidelines will help video creators to assimilate the
Netflix cameras’ approval process and logic. Moreover, knowing those practices
will assist to make the correct adaptations of the cameras to Netflix standards.
BTW, there’s no dedicated reference for film cameras that are totally different.
Nevertheless, the best solution is consulting with Netflix Post Manager and even
hire one on set.
What do you think about these guidelines? Does it make any sense? Comment
below.
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Requirements for Netflix Filming

What are the Requirements for Netflix Filming?

 16-bit Linear minimum or 10-bit Log processing.

 4.6K — 4608 x 2592

 4.5K — 4448 x 3096

 UHD: 3840 x 2160

 4.5 K — 4512 x 2376

The Netflix guide for non-

30% of Netflix Best Movies

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