Sutudu | Picture Freedom

Frequently Asked Questions — Sutudu

Everything you need to know about getting your film on Sutudu.TV, revenue splits, and distribution.

Sutudu.TV Streaming Platform

What is the difference between Sutudu.com and Sutudu.TV?

Sutudu.com is the business side where filmmakers sign up, manage their projects, and submit films for distribution. Sutudu.TV is the consumer-facing streaming platform where audiences can rent, purchase, or stream your content. Think of Sutudu.com as your filmmaker dashboard and Sutudu.TV as the storefront where your audience discovers and watches your films.

What makes Sutudu.TV different from other platforms?

Sutudu.TV is a launchpad streaming platform. We test and build analytics on our platform first, then help distribute to secondary markets. We're completely transparent—filmmakers can see viewer data (when viewers opt in), watch time analytics, purchase data, and engagement metrics. We're more than distribution; we help filmmakers position their next film with presale tools, AI-powered analytics for financing, and direct-to-audience distribution with flexible revenue splits you control.

What types of content does Sutudu.TV accept?

We accept all types of content including feature films, short films, documentaries, and series. The only content we do not accept is pornographic material. All submissions go through a review process to ensure quality fit for our audience.

What are TVOD, SVOD, and AVOD?

TVOD (Transactional Video on Demand) means your film is available for individual rental or purchase—viewers pay per transaction. SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand) is where viewers pay a monthly subscription to access a library of content. AVOD (Advertising Video on Demand) is where your film is free for viewers to watch, and revenue comes from ads shown during playback. Sutudu.TV supports all three models, and you can choose which ones to enable for your content—including hybrid combinations like TVOD + AVOD.

Can I choose how my film is distributed on Sutudu.TV?

Yes. When you submit your film, you can choose from TVOD (rental/purchase), SVOD (subscription library), AVOD (ad-supported free streaming), or a hybrid combination. You control which monetization models are enabled for each film. You can also adjust these settings later from your dashboard.

Getting Your Film on Sutudu.TV

What are the requirements to get my film on Sutudu.TV?

You need an account on Sutudu.com — we have a Free tier and paid subscription plans. Your content must meet our technical quality standards: minimum 1080p resolution and 48000 kHz audio.

Is there a review process?

Yes. All submissions go through quality control (QC) review. We check technical aspects like color and sound quality—not creative choices. We assess whether your content is a fit for our audience. If your material doesn't fit, we'll reject it with feedback, and you're free to resubmit anytime. The review process typically takes 7-14 days.

What technical specs are required?

Minimum requirements: 1080p resolution (4K preferred for premium content) and 48000 kHz audio. Separate stereo and 5.1 surround audio tracks are optional but beneficial. We accept standard professional formats including ProRes, H.264, and H.265.

Who sets the pricing for my film?

For TVOD, you recommend the rental and purchase prices when you submit your film. If we believe it's not optimal for our audience's buying habits, we'll reach out to discuss. For SVOD, pricing is set at the platform level (viewer subscription plans). For AVOD, ad rates are driven by the market (CPM rates based on advertiser demand).

Are there geographic restrictions?

No. There are currently no geographic restrictions for filmmakers or viewers. Sutudu.TV is available globally.

Revenue Splits & Pricing

What are the subscription tiers and how do revenue splits work?

Your membership plan determines how much you keep — and the splits are different for TVOD, AVOD, and SVOD. TVOD splits range from 70% on the Free plan up to 90% on our top-tier plans. AVOD splits range from 10% on the Free plan up to 50% on the Enterprise plan. SVOD splits also vary by plan — using a watch-time pool model. Visit sutudu.com/pricing to see the full breakdown for every plan.

How does TVOD revenue work?

TVOD means someone pays to rent or buy your film — like buying a movie on iTunes. Your Payout = (Price of Your Film − Fees) × Your TVOD Split %. Example: With a 90/10 TVOD split and a $10.00 purchase, the platform takes 10% ($1.00), then credit card fee (~$0.59) and storage fee ($0.50) come out. You receive $7.91.

How does SVOD revenue work?

SVOD is like Netflix — viewers pay a monthly subscription. The platform keeps 50% for operations, the other 50% becomes the Distributable Pool. That pool is divided among all SVOD films based on watch time. Formula: Your Payout = Gross Revenue × 50% × (Your Film's Minutes ÷ Total Platform Minutes) × Your SVOD Split %.

How does AVOD revenue work?

AVOD means your film is free to watch, and you make money from ads. Advertisers pay based on CPM (cost per 1,000 ad views). Formula: Your Payout = (Number of Ad Views ÷ 1,000) × CPM Rate × Your AVOD Split %. Example: 100,000 ad views at $15 CPM with a 50% AVOD split = $750 to you.

Why are AVOD splits lower than TVOD?

With TVOD, the viewer is paying directly for your film. With AVOD, the platform does all the work to sell ads, manage ad technology, negotiate with advertisers, handle targeting, and ensure brand safety. That's more infrastructure, so the platform keeps a bigger share. Filmmakers who bring their own ad deals or sponsorships can keep up to 80%.

How does the revenue split lock-in work?

Whatever plan you're on when you submit your film — that's the split your film gets. If you downgrade, your film's split drops immediately. If you upgrade, existing films don't automatically get the better split — you'd need to wait 365 days or resubmit. Best move: pick the plan you want BEFORE you submit your film.

What fees are deducted from my earnings?

Credit card processing fees (2.9% + $0.30 per TVOD transaction), a storage fee ($0.25 per short film sale, $0.50 per feature, max $1.00), and up to 5% in affiliate fees if applicable.

Are there any upfront or setup costs?

No. There are no upfront costs or setup fees right now. You just pay your monthly subscription.

Payments & Payouts

When do I get paid?

Filmmakers are paid quarterly — on January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st. Each payment covers the previous quarter's earnings.

Is there a minimum payout threshold?

Yes. You must accumulate at least $25 in earnings before a payout is processed. Amounts below $25 roll over to the next quarter.

What payment methods are available for international filmmakers?

PayPal is currently the best solution for international filmmakers. We're also testing cryptocurrency payouts. US filmmakers earning $600+ will receive a 1099 form. International filmmakers need a W-8BEN form.

Affiliate & Referral Program

How does the filmmaker referral program work?

You get a unique referral link in your dashboard. When other filmmakers sign up using your link, you earn 3-5% recurring commission based on their subscription payments.

How does the Sutudu.TV viewer referral program work?

Anyone can refer others. You earn 3% commission when someone you refer creates an account and makes a TVOD purchase.

What is the playlist commission program?

If you create a playlist on Sutudu.TV and someone purchases a film from your playlist, you earn 2% commission on that sale.

Enterprise & Distributors

I'm a distributor with a large catalogue — can I work with Sutudu?

Yes! We sit down with distributors, sales agents, and production companies to work out custom contracts covering revenue splits, onboarding, dedicated contacts, and content promotion on Sutudu.TV.

How do enterprise contracts differ from standard subscriptions?

Everything is negotiated: custom revenue splits, volume-based pricing, dedicated account manager, custom analytics dashboards, API access, and flexible payout schedules.

What's the onboarding process for large catalogues?

We review your catalogue, sign a distribution agreement, accept bulk file and metadata delivery (via API or structured format), handle quality checks, and get your content live on Sutudu.TV.

Security & Content Protection

How is my content protected on Sutudu.TV?

We use encrypted HLS streaming with AES-128 encryption, automated watermarking, and JWT-signed URLs for secure access.

Do I retain ownership of my content?

Absolutely. You retain full ownership at all times. Sutudu is a distribution platform — your intellectual property rights remain yours.