Subtitles (Burned-In) Localization

Required files and assets from the client:

• • Video files: Final master video files in the highest quality format available (.MP4, .MOV, .MXF, etc.)
• • Audio files: Separate audio tracks if available, for better transcription accuracy
• • Existing subtitles: English SRT or subtitle files if available, to use as timing reference
• • Script or transcript: Original script or transcript of the video content for reference
• • Style guide: Subtitle formatting guidelines, character limits, positioning preferences, and font specifications
• • Reference materials: Glossaries, terminology databases, and previous subtitle translations for consistency
• • Output specifications: Required video format, resolution, codec, and delivery method

• • Create accurate SRT files: Start with a properly timed English SRT file that matches the audio precisely (10 minutes per runtime minute)
• • Follow subtitle guidelines: Adhere to industry standards: maximum 2 lines per subtitle, 42 characters per line, appropriate reading speed
• • Maintain timing accuracy: Ensure subtitle timing matches speech patterns and allows for comfortable reading
• • Break at natural points: Split subtitles at natural pauses in speech, not mid-sentence when possible
• • Use proper formatting: Apply consistent font, size, color, and positioning throughout the video
• • Handle text expansion: Account for longer translations in some languages; adjust subtitle duration or split into multiple subtitles
• • Position subtitles correctly: Place subtitles in the lower third, avoiding important visual elements and ensuring readability
• • Test readability: Verify subtitle visibility against various backgrounds and ensure sufficient contrast
• • Maintain synchronization: Ensure subtitles appear and disappear at the correct moments, matching speech timing

• • Text expansion: Some languages require more characters to convey the same meaning; adjust subtitle timing and line breaks accordingly
• • Reading speed: Different languages have different optimal reading speeds; adjust subtitle duration to match target language norms
• • Cultural adaptation: Some phrases, idioms, or cultural references may need adaptation rather than direct translation
• • Technical limitations: Video editing software may have limitations on subtitle styling, positioning, and effects
• • Background complexity: Complex or changing backgrounds may require subtitle styling adjustments (outlines, shadows, backgrounds)
• • Multiple speakers: When multiple people speak, use speaker identification or color coding if needed
• • Music and sound effects: Decide whether to subtitle song lyrics, sound effect descriptions, or ambient sounds
• • Output format: Different platforms may require different subtitle formats or rendering methods
• • Quality control: Review burned-in subtitles carefully as they cannot be easily corrected after rendering

1. File Preparation: Receive video files and analyze content, identify timing requirements, and prepare project files (30 minutes per video file)
2. SRT Creation: Create English SRT file with accurate timing that matches the audio, ensuring proper subtitle breaks and timing (10 minutes per runtime minute)
3. Translation: Translate the SRT subtitle text into the target language, maintaining timing codes and adapting text for subtitle constraints
4. Import SRT into Video Tool: Import the translated SRT file into Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or other video editing software
5. Format Subtitles: Apply styling (font, size, color, outline, shadow) according to style guide and ensure proper positioning
6. Adjust Paragraph Wrapping: Review and correct subtitle line breaks to ensure no more than 2 lines per subtitle and proper text flow
7. Timing Refinement: Fine-tune subtitle timing to match speech patterns, ensuring comfortable reading speed and natural pauses
8. Quality Assurance: Review subtitles for accuracy, timing, formatting, positioning, and readability against various backgrounds
9. Output Rendering: Render the video with burned-in subtitles in the specified output format, resolution, and codec (30 minutes per video file)
10. Revision: Implement client feedback and corrections, re-render if necessary (33% of total time excluding file prep)
11. Final Delivery: Deliver rendered video files with burned-in subtitles in the requested format