#Subtitles *** ## DISAMBIGUATION - Subtitles - Include only transcribed dialogue. - Captions - Include transcribed dialogue, and descriptions of sound effects or music. - Open-Captions/Subtitles - Forced-Narrative or Burned-in and are enabled by default - Closed-Captions/Subtitles - Tracks which must be activated by the user ## WHAT TO SUBTITLE Generally, the dialogue which is currently being said is what should be displayed at that time. Subtitles should always be accessible when: - Dialogue is being spoken - When narrative text is featured on screen, such as a featured sign, name-tag, label, establishment name, etc. %% # FORMAT - TEXT or GRAPHIC %% ## CONTRAST - Surrounding the subtitle text with a black Border, Stroke or Drop Shadow may help to separate subtitles from bright elements in the frame and ensure that your subtitles remain legible throughout the program. ## LINE BREAKS - As with poetry, precisely where we choose to add a line break will have a substantial impact on the emphasis or connotation of what is being said. - Consider how the meaning may change, depending on where you break a two-line subtitle, or a sentence which spans multiple subtitles-- Particularly if a reading audience member only catches a portion of the text. # (RE)POSITION Subtitles are most commonly displayed in a single column of one-or-two lines along the bottom of the screen. However, there are elements to consider which may interfere with this standard positioning: - Lower Thirds - Graphic Titles & Credits - Composition of subjects within frame (eg. Subject's eyes or mouth) At times, it may be necessary to reposition a subtitle so as not to overlap such elements. In such instances, subtitles may be repositioned to the top-centre of frame. ## TITLE-SAFE BOUNDARIES When composing subtitles in a text-based format, the editing and playback software generally help to ensure that Title-Safe boundaries are observed. This is worth double-checking. However, in the event you are creating graphic-based subtitles, you must then manually account for TItle-Safe Boundaries, or else risk 'cropping' your subtitles on some displays or projectors. # TIMING How a subtitle's IN and OUT extents are timed may have the single greatest impact on the legibility of our subtitles and the comprehension of a reading audience. ### PRE-ROLL - 1/2 to 1 second max - EXCEPTION: 1-second minimum pre-roll when attempting to subtitle a 'J-cut' of dialogue which preceeds a cut. If this minimum cannot be met, begin the subtile two frames *after* picture cut. ### POST-ROLL - 1 second max - EXCEPTION: If a picture cut occurs which makes a 1-second post-roll impossible, trim subtitle 'OUT' as req'd, or extend end of subtitle to a minimum of 1-second beyond the cut. ### GAPS BETWEEN SUBTITLES - Two Frames - Maintain a 2-frame gap between successive 'chained' subtitles. This helps to ensure your audience does not 'blink-and-miss-it' when subtitles change. ### OFFSETS from CUTS - Offset subtitle IN/OUTs by 2 frames on either side of picture cuts. In the event that a subtitle naturally begins or ends alongside a cut in picture, offset your subtitle IN/OUT times. Composing subtitles which appear or disappear simultaneously with a picture cut is a great way to hide a subtitle from your audience. 😶 - A 2-frame offset helps to ensure that a change between subtitles is not 'lost' to the viewer when a change occurs to the entire image on screen. - By keeping changes between subtitles distinct from cuts between clips, we more clearly present new subtitle information for the viewer. ### OVERLAPPING CUTS - IN: 1/2 second minimum - OUT: 1 second minimum Subtitles will sometimes overlap a cut in picture. When this is necessary, ensure your subtitle precedes the cut by 1/2 second, or extends beyond the cut by 1 second, minimum. The longer you reasonably 'sustain' a subtitle-- Particularly a short one --the more likely your reading audience will comprehend your work. > [!Tip]+ TIP > - SNAPPING is a useful tool to *begin* to establish the timing of your subtitle around cut points between clips. However, 'trusting the machine' may leave a good job half finished. > - KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS to move, nudge, and slide clip handles and clip selections will enable you to rapidly and precisely time your subtitles [[SUBTITLES - Format and Timing Guidelines#OFFSETS from CUTS|around picture cuts]]. > - [[ADOBE Pr - Subtitle Auto Transcription#KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS|ADOBE Premiere Pro]] > > # QC - QUALITY CONTROL > [!Success]+ ALWAYS PROOF YOUR WORK > - [ ] QC all Subtitles - Watch & Read in real time > - [ ] Check Proper Nouns: Names, Places, etc. > - [ ] Check Line Breaks > - [ ] Check IN/OUT timing # ALSO - [How Do You Subtitle a Movie at Cannes? Henri Behar Explains All](https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/how-do-you-subtitle-a-movie-at-cannes-henri-behar-explains-all-47138/) - [[ADOBE Pr - Subtitle Auto Transcription]] - [[SubCaps|AVIDMC - Subcaps]] - [[SUBTITLES - Output Guidelines]]