Approvals (Deliverables)
Deliverables (Alt Mixes & Stems)
NOTE: This is how a complete “Approvals/Deliverables” folder should be structured.
(Example shown below)
Deliverables are the finalized versions of your approved music cues, provided in multiple formats (such as the full version, alt mixes, and stems) to ensure flexibility during the editing process. These variations allow the editors to tailor the music to fit seamlessly with the visuals, dialogue, and sound effects, enhancing the overall production.
This process is fully explained in the video below (please disregard any references to "UNIVERSAL," as the video was created during a previous collaboration. The key steps remain relevant).
Video Tutorial: Watch Here
I will update this video soon to reflect our current methodology.
Visual Example Folder of Deliverables: Dropbox Link
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GUIDLINES UPDATED 2026
Do not separate Alt Mixes and Stems into different folders at the main level.
All audio deliverables must live in one main folder.
Stems are the only exception and must be placed inside a dedicated “Stems” subfolder within that main folder.
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Deliverables include: -
Alt Mixes
Stems (in Its own Sub Folder - ex: Bones_Stems)
Descriptive Terms Sheet (1 sheet Per Individual Cue)
All files sit within one folder titled with Cue, underscore, the Category, underscore, LAST NAME of Creator --
---- (REFER to the Example Shown ABOVE)
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Alt Mixes:
“Alternate Mixes” are mastered mixdowns designed to give editors flexibility. They allow different elements of the cue to be isolated or removed, helping editors work around dialogue or sound effects. These should be exported in 48kHz / 24-bit WAV format for both Alt Mixes and stems.
Alt Mixes Export (Titles Spelled Exactly):
Full – This remains the same as the approved mix.
Underscore Mix – No leads or melodies.
Drums & Bass Mix – Drums and bass only.
No Drums or Bass Mix – No drums or bass at all.
Additional Alt Mixes (if requested):
No Vocal Mix – No vocal (only if the cue has vocals).
No Lead Guitars Mix – No lead guitars (only for cues with guitar leads).
Important Notes for Alt Mixes:
If your cue includes Vocal FX (e.g., "Hey’s," shouts), they should NOT be included in the Underscore Mix. This mix should only contain music without any vocal elements.
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Stems:
Stems should be unmastered and grouped by instrument type (7-12 stems total). Export in 48kHz / 24-bit WAV format.
Be sure to NAME your STEMS folder with the name of the cue, underscore, STEMS - (ex: Jokers_STEMS)
Group Stem Examples:
Drums – All drums and percussion in one stem. (ex: Bones_Drums)
Keys – All pianos, Rhodes, etc., in one stem. (ex: Bones_Key)
Synths – All synth parts in one stem
Strings – All string parts in one stem
Guitars – All guitar parts in one stem
Bass or 808 – All bass parts in one stem
Misc. – Made Loops, or other creative elements in one stem.
Headroom Requirements for Stems:
Leave -3 to -4 dB of headroom on the master fader.
Ensure no limiter is applied on the master channel. Mute, bypass, or remove it before exporting.
You can keep the master effects chain but check that the master fader's meter does not exceed -3 dB during playback. Aim for -4 dB to be safe.
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DESCRIPTIVE TERMS SHEET
To ensure all deliverables are properly organized and professional, you need to complete the Descriptive Terms Sheet for each individual cue.
This sheet provides Bunim critical metadata and ensures editors can locate everything they need (Alt Mixes, Stems, etc.) by pulling up the entire folder during their database search.
To fill in, use the Source Audio DT Sheet to Fill In the Cues metadata. Copy and Paste according to the type of cue. – Check in your BIO-PICS-FORMS-MISC (folder) within your shared folder) or attached to the Initial Brief, or just ask for one and will send
Descriptive Terms Sheet:
Every cue MUST has its own Descriptive Terms sheet inside its folder with the cue’s contents (Alt Mixes, Stems, etc.).
You can find examples in the initial project email or in the example folder (linked below), which shows the correct setup.
(DO NOT FORGET TO INCLUDE THIS SHEET)
DOWNLOAD the SHEET HERE
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BE SURE TO ADD YOUR LAST NAME AT THE VERY END OF THE MAIN FOLDER
Ex: Jokers_Hip Hop Comedy_Watts
Review the example PICTURE above and ensure everything matches exactly.
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Common Errors to Avoid While Filing and Creating ALL Materials:
Misspelling: Double-check all titles and names on Alt Mixes, Stems, and other files.
All Caps: Avoid using ALL CAPS in the titles.
Capitalization: Ensure proper capitalization for all titles.
Title on Descriptive Terms Sheet: Make sure the cue title is correctly reflected on the Descriptive Terms sheet.
Cue Title before "_Stems": When creating the folder for stems, ensure the format is Cue Title_Stems (e.g., "Money_Stems").