Subtitling

Subtitling or subtitles is a genre of audiovisual translation that must adhere to a very specific set of criteria. That is to say, there are time and space limitations that govern the final format of the subtitles. When subtitling, therefore, it is necessary to take these restrictions into account, as well as making the best use of the video or images.

The process

In general, professionally produced subtitles comprise of no more than two lines, which in most cases are placed at the bottom of the screen below the video itself. On occasion, however, they might be placed at the top to avoid interfering with any other on-screen text. As a rule, neither line of the subtitles will exceed 35-42 characters.

Aside from the above, the creation of subtitles comprises a number of phases and tasks with varying levels of complexity.

• Transcription: Of the script of the video in its original language, which is then used as the basis for the translation and the creation of the subtitles.
• Time-coding This consists of marking the opening and closing of the subtitles, synchronising them with the audio track of the video while taking into account changes in scene or camera angle, as well as any technical requirements stipulated by the client.
• Translation: From the original, making use of the blank subtitle boxes created during the time-coding phase and respecting the maximum number of characters allowed during the time on screen.
• Review and quality assurance: Of the translated subtitles in the context of the video.

Caption every moment

With the boom in the creation of new audiovisual material by a wide range of producers as well as the introduction of video-on-demand (VOD) platforms, there has been a corresponding increase in the need for subtitling.

Translate Media

At AMPERSOUND we can provide the very best subtitles in a multitude of formats – whether enabling our clients to reach out to new audiences in different languages, or faithfully adapting the message in the original language. Needless to say, we do this while respecting the above-mentioned constraints that are so intrinsic to this field of translation.

If you have a project underway and you hope to reach the widest possible audience, get in touch using the contact form or send us an e-mail via info@ampersoundmedia.com. We’re looking forward to working on the solution that best meets your needs.