Our Producer Handbook provides everything you need to know to create on-brand video and audio assets as well as marketing materials for TELUS originals.
Inside the Producer Handbook
Technical specifications
In this section, you will find audio and video technical specifications for
your documentary/series project. These specifications are subject to final approval by TELUS.
Technical specifications for main video asset(s):
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (UHD)
- Format: MP4 / H.265 (HEVC)
- Bitrate: 190 Mbps VBR
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (square pixels)
- Max File Size: 600 GB
- Frame Rate: 23.976, 29.97, or 59.94 progressive
- Start/End: 15 frames of black only—no colour bars, tones, or countdowns
- Colour Grading: Video range between 0–700mv
- Audio Format: 320kbps E-AC3, AAC, AAC-HEv1 or Uncompressed codec
- Audio Specs:
- Stereo, 48kHz, 16-bit
- Peak: Max -10dBsf
- Avg loudness: -24 LKFS
- No dialogue below -30dBsf for 3+ seconds
- Graphics: Must be 16:9 title safe
- Naming: Follow the Local Content delivery instructions for proper file naming
Technical specifications for bonus content are the same as main assets, except for the following differences:
- Resolution: HD (1920x1080) or UHD (3840x2160)
- Bitrate: >30Mbps VBR for HD or 190Mbps VBR for UHD
- Colour/Audio: Offline mixes are acceptable; online polish is welcome but not required
Filmmakers may create trailers of any length, but must provide TELUS originals with a 60-90 second version for promotional use. This trailer will also be edited into a 30-second commercial (also known as an “ad avail”) to promote the film across TELUS’ video-on-demand platforms.
Please Note:
- All trailers created for TELUS original films must include the ‘a TELUS original’ animated head credit (2 seconds)
- 60-90 seconds in length
- Include audio stems (per Schedule E)
- Series trailer requirement: please create a trailer that represents the entire series, not just a single episode
- Please ensure all trailer submissions meet the same technical specifications as your main film delivery requirements
- Trailers are only contractually required for projects funded in the 2025/2026 Broadcast Year and onwards. For projects funded in previous Broadcast Years, we would happily accept any trailers that are produced for the film/series.
Ad avails are short trailers of your film/series that will run on TELUS Optik TV, upon your project's premiere on our TV platform, to drive viewership to your film/series.
Since ad avails are not contractually required for projects funded in the 2025/2026 Broadcast Year or earlier, you can choose to have your editor create it using the below technical specifications or have TELUS cutdown your 60-90 second trailer.
Content Requirements:
Total length of 30 seconds, consisting of:
- Opening (2 seconds)
- Animated TELUS originals head credit
- Music overlay permitted
- Content (24 seconds)
- Main video content
- End Card (4 seconds)
- Black screen for TELUS to add the call to action text
- Music overlay permitted
Technical Specifications:
Technical specifications for ad avails are the same as main assets, except for the following differences:
Resolution: HD (1920x1080)
Format: MP4 / H.264 or H.265
Bitrate: >30 Mbps
Format: MP4 / H.264 or H.265
Bitrate: >30 Mbps
Credit requirements & marketing deliverables
The details of this section are outlined in the Producer Handbook.
Credit requirements
Before delivery, you are required to send the final main and bonus content assets, including all credits and logos, to your TELUS originals Production Executive for approval.
Marketing deliverables
All marketing assets created by filmmakers for all platforms, including and beyond TELUS platforms, must adhere to TELUS originals Brand Standards and receive approval.
Download brand assets
Before you download these assets, please ensure your use of logos and all brand assets adheres to the TELUS originals Brand Standards as set out in the Producer Handbook.
TELUS original head credit
Animated head credit for TELUS originals films and series (i.e. main asset(s))
TELUS originals
Logo for closing/tail credits of main asset(s) and logo for use by organizational partners
Producer resources
TELUS local content delivery instructions
Find the latest file naming conventions and more to prepare for delivering your assets.
Digital Code of Conduct
Keep it respectful when sharing content online.
TELUS MyCare partnership
Get five free counselling sessions as your well-being matters to us.
Producing for the planet
Climate action for emerging producers and low-budget productions.
Have questions?
Contact the TELUS originals Production Executive supporting your project.
