manual for subtitling - march 2005

Copyright Softitler

document.docConfidential – For Internal Use Only

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................9

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU RECEIVE A WORK ASSIGNMENT....................................................10

CHAPTER I - PROGRAMS.................................................................................................11

HOW TO USE SUBTITLE EDITOR EDDIE................................................................................11Main Menu.......................................................................................................................11

Loading a File..............................................................................................................11Inserting Red, Green and Blue Checks........................................................................12Inserting Blue Notes.....................................................................................................12Header..........................................................................................................................12Prolong.........................................................................................................................12Compare Files..............................................................................................................13Insert Styles..................................................................................................................13Add / Remove subtitles................................................................................................13Delete Green/Red/Blue Checks and Blue Notes..........................................................14Show on Video.............................................................................................................14Read Only.....................................................................................................................14Page down....................................................................................................................14Keyboard Settings........................................................................................................14

Common Menu.................................................................................................................15Loading a video file.....................................................................................................15Show Status Bar...........................................................................................................16Show Video..................................................................................................................16Show Zoom..................................................................................................................16Edit Box Setting...........................................................................................................16Set Video Text Color...................................................................................................16Find / Replace..............................................................................................................16Go To...........................................................................................................................17Exit...............................................................................................................................17

Right-Click Menu.............................................................................................................18

HOW TO USE TETATETPLUS LITE........................................................................................19Conf Menu........................................................................................................................19

Columns.......................................................................................................................19Zoom............................................................................................................................19Keyboard settings.........................................................................................................19

Main Menu.......................................................................................................................20Loading a text file........................................................................................................20Saving a File.................................................................................................................20Closing a File...............................................................................................................20Loading a video file.....................................................................................................21Header..........................................................................................................................22Compare Files..............................................................................................................22


2

Go To...........................................................................................................................22Clear Green/Red/Blue..................................................................................................22Delete all Notes............................................................................................................22Keyboard......................................................................................................................22Insert tags (styles)........................................................................................................23Change LTC_OUT Red (Duration).............................................................................23Highlighting a Box.......................................................................................................23Inserting Red, Green and Blue Checks........................................................................23Inserting Blue Notes.....................................................................................................23

Right-Click Menu.............................................................................................................24

HOW TO USE UNSTOOLS.....................................................................................................25Syntax Check....................................................................................................................25Results List.......................................................................................................................27Page Down.......................................................................................................................28Extra functions.................................................................................................................29

Find..............................................................................................................................29Go To subtitle...............................................................................................................29Insert styles...................................................................................................................29Insert blue notes...........................................................................................................29Insert Red, Green, Blue Checks...................................................................................29Enlarge/reduce font size...............................................................................................29

HOW TO DO A SPELL CHECK IN MICROSOFT WORD............................................................30(FOR WINDOWS 2000 AND XP USERS ONLY).......................................................................30

HOW TO DO A SPELL CHECK IN MICROSOFT WORD............................................................31(FOR WINDOWS 98 USERS ONLY).........................................................................................31

HOW TO DOWNLOAD VIDEO FILES FROM SOFTITLER ONLINE............................................32

CHAPTER II - HOW FILES ARE NAMED......................................................................33

FILE NAMES AND INITIALS....................................................................................................33Client Initials................................................................................................................33Film ID.........................................................................................................................33Language Initials..........................................................................................................33Translator Initials.........................................................................................................33

WHAT A FILE NAME LOOKS LIKE.........................................................................................34DURING THE DIFFERENT WORKING PHASES........................................................................34

Translation Initials...........................................................................................................34Spell Check Initial........................................................................................................34Syntax Check Initial.....................................................................................................34Video Simulation Initial...............................................................................................34Zoom Initial..................................................................................................................34

Proofreading Initials........................................................................................................34


3

Proofer 1 Initials...........................................................................................................34Proofer 2 Initials...........................................................................................................34

Acceptance Initials...........................................................................................................35

CHAPTER III – GENERAL SUBTITLING RULES.........................................................36

Film Titles....................................................................................................................36Translate everything.....................................................................................................36Avoid Literal Translations...........................................................................................37Fluency.........................................................................................................................37Condensing...................................................................................................................37Consistency..................................................................................................................37Punctuation...................................................................................................................37Quotations from Literature...........................................................................................39Italics............................................................................................................................39Narratives.....................................................................................................................39Numbers.......................................................................................................................40Measurements..............................................................................................................40Division of Text into Boxes.........................................................................................40Line Division within Boxes.........................................................................................40Subtitle Alarmed Due to Length (Red Lines)..............................................................43Subtitle Alarmed Due to Duration...............................................................................43What to do when you find a mistake in the English file..............................................43

CREATION OF CONSISTENCY SHEETS...................................................................................44Translation.......................................................................................................................44

Translating the Consistency Sheet...............................................................................44Proofreading the Consistency Sheet (IF REQUESTED).............................................44Acceptance of the Consistency Sheet (IF REQUESTED)...........................................45

Rematch/Typing/Remastering/Correlation......................................................................45Translating the Consistency Sheet...............................................................................45

CHAPTER IV - TRANSLATION........................................................................................46

TRANSLATION.......................................................................................................................46How to Start.................................................................................................................46Green Checks...............................................................................................................46Red Checks...................................................................................................................46

FINAL CHECKS......................................................................................................................46Prolong.........................................................................................................................46Spell Check..................................................................................................................47Syntax Check...............................................................................................................47Video Simulation.........................................................................................................47Zoom............................................................................................................................47

ACCEPTANCE........................................................................................................................48


4

QUALITY CONTROL - RED CHECKS......................................................................................49

CHAPTER V - PROOFREADING......................................................................................50

PROOFREADING PROCEDURES..............................................................................................50Errors to Be Corrected.................................................................................................50Green Checks...............................................................................................................50Notes............................................................................................................................51

Proof 1..............................................................................................................................51Proof 1 Procedures.......................................................................................................51Final Checks.................................................................................................................51

Proof 2..............................................................................................................................52Proof 2 Procedures.......................................................................................................52Final Checks.................................................................................................................52

CHAPTER VI - ADDED VALUES......................................................................................53

TRANSLATING AN ADDED VALUE........................................................................................53Change..........................................................................................................................53Leave............................................................................................................................53Film Titles....................................................................................................................54Final Checks.................................................................................................................54

PROOFREADING AN ADDED VALUE......................................................................................55Final Checks.................................................................................................................55

CHAPTER VII – REMATCH..............................................................................................56

(FOR UNIVERSAL AND WARNER ONLY).....................................................................56

REMATCH PROCEDURES.......................................................................................................57Procedures....................................................................................................................57Rules to follow.............................................................................................................58Final Checks.................................................................................................................59

CHAPTER VIII – REMATCH.............................................................................................60

(FOR ALL CLIENTS, EXCEPT UNIVERSAL AND WARNER)...................................60

REMATCH PROCEDURES.......................................................................................................61Phase 1.........................................................................................................................61Phase 2.........................................................................................................................63

CHAPTER IX – REMATCH FROM DUBBED SCRIPT.................................................65



5

REMATCH FROM DUBBED SCRIPT PROCEDURES..................................................................66Procedures....................................................................................................................66Rules to follow.............................................................................................................67Final Checks.................................................................................................................68

CHAPTER X – TYPING FROM A DUBBED VIDEO......................................................70


Rules to follow.............................................................................................................71Dubbed Typing: Procedures.........................................................................................71Dubbed Typing: Final Checks.....................................................................................72Dubbed Typing Proofreading: Procedures...................................................................72Dubbed Typing Acceptance: Procedures.....................................................................72

CHAPTER XI – TYPING FROM A DUBBED VIDEO....................................................74


Rules to follow.............................................................................................................75Dubbed Typing: Procedures.........................................................................................76Dubbed Typing: Final Checks.....................................................................................76Dubbed Typing Proofreading: Procedures...................................................................77Dubbed Typing Acceptance: Procedures.....................................................................77

CHAPTER XII – CD TYPING.............................................................................................78


Rules to follow.............................................................................................................79CD Typing: Procedures................................................................................................79CD Typing: Final Checks.............................................................................................80

CHAPTER XIII – CD TYPING...........................................................................................81


Rules to follow.............................................................................................................82CD Typing: Procedures................................................................................................83CD Typing: Final Checks.............................................................................................83

CHAPTER XIV – SCRIPT TYPING...................................................................................85


Rules to follow.............................................................................................................86Script Typing: Procedures............................................................................................86Script Typing: Final Checks.........................................................................................87


6

CHAPTER XV – SCRIPT TYPING....................................................................................88


Rules to follow.............................................................................................................89Script Typing: Procedures............................................................................................90Script Typing: Final Checks.........................................................................................90

CHAPTER XVI – REMASTERING....................................................................................92


Procedures....................................................................................................................92Final Checks.................................................................................................................93

CHAPTER XVII – REMASTERING..................................................................................95


Procedures....................................................................................................................95Final Checks.................................................................................................................96

CHAPTER XVIII - CORRELATION.................................................................................98

CORRELATION PROCEDURES................................................................................................99Phase 1.........................................................................................................................99Phase 2.......................................................................................................................101

CHAPTER XIX – TIME FORMAT CONVERSION......................................................103

Procedures..................................................................................................................103Final Checks...............................................................................................................104

CHAPTER XX - SDH FILES.............................................................................................105

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SDH AND NON-SDH FILES...........................................................106

PARTIAL SDH TRANSLATION.............................................................................................107Translation.....................................................................................................................107

Procedures..................................................................................................................107Final Checks...............................................................................................................107

Proofreading..................................................................................................................108Procedures..................................................................................................................108

Acceptance.....................................................................................................................108

COMPLETE SDH TRANSLATION.........................................................................................109Translation.....................................................................................................................109Proofreading..................................................................................................................109


7

Acceptance.....................................................................................................................109

CHAPTER XXI – IMAGE QC...........................................................................................110

Receiving an Image QC Assignment.........................................................................110IMAGE QC PROCEDURES....................................................................................................111

Downloading the Image files from Softitler® Online.................................................111Loading the Image file...............................................................................................112Checking the Image file.............................................................................................113Corrections Allowed..................................................................................................113Corrections Not Allowed...........................................................................................113Creating and Saving a Log file...................................................................................113Closing QC Image......................................................................................................114Making Corrections in the UNS file..........................................................................114

CHAPTER XXII - DVD MENUS.......................................................................................115

TRANSLATING A DVD MENU.............................................................................................115PROOFREADING A DVD MENU...........................................................................................115THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DVD MENU.................................................................................116FIRST QC AND FINAL QC OF A DVD MENU.....................................................................116

GLOSSARY..........................................................................................................................117


8

Introduction

Welcome to the subtitling world of SOFTITLER®. This manual covers all of the functions of Softitler®’s proprietary subtitling programs and the procedures to be followed for each type of translation job for subtitling for DVD for Softitler®.

Use the Table of Contents to quickly find the information that pertains to you. Our staff will inform you about the parts that are of particular importance to the work you are performing. Do not worry about the sections that do not pertain to the type of work you are doing or the programs that you have not received. If you find a term that is unfamiliar to you, consult the Glossary at the end of this Manual or use the Find Ctrl+F option in Word.

First, we would like to outline the phases that a translation normally passes through:

Initial phases: Our English Master staff creates an English Master File with “blue notes,” which define expressions and slang to help the translator.

Translation/Proof/Acceptance: The translator receives the English Master File along with a blank file to be used to create his/her translation in his/her native language. When he/she has completed the translation, the translator must run some final checks on the file to insure that the translation is free from errors, such as typos, missing punctuation, and spelling errors. After that, two other translators receive and correct the translation; they are the proofreaders: proofer 1 and proofer 2. The translator then receives the revised translation from his two colleagues and must decide whether or not to accept their suggestions and corrections.

Quality Control: Our Quality Control Department then checks the finished translated file, and if any questions arise, they send that file with red checks once again to the translator for correction. Quality Control also checks for consistency within a translation (for example, the spelling of names) and across all of the languages into which a film was translated.

Image QC: The file is then converted into a different format, and a mother-tongue translator performs a final check; this is called a Quality Control of the Image files. This translator, called an Image QC Viewer, views each subtitle to make sure that the file doesn’t contain any conversion errors or objective spelling or serious grammar mistakes, and makes the necessary corrections. The subtitle file is then ready to be delivered to the client.


9

What to do when you receive a work assignment

One of Softitler®’s Scheduling Coordinators will contact you by email to ask if you are available to do a work assignment. You should follow these steps:

You must accept or decline the assignment as soon as you receive the message. If the Scheduling Coordinator doesn’t receive a confirmation that you accept the assignment, he or she will need to send the assignment to another translator. In this case, you will receive an email message DISREGARDING the work assignment. Unless you have received a Disregard message, you must always send the Scheduling Coordinator a message informing him whether you accept or decline the assignment.

You will receive the text files (UNS files) you need for your assignment by email as an attachment to the work assignment email. The files will be compressed (zipped). As soon as you receive them, you should extract them with WinZip and try to load them into the Softitler® subtitling editor to make sure that the files open correctly. In case you can’t open the files, you must immediately inform the Scheduling Coordinator and the Help Desk.

You must visit our site at http://sol.softitler.com to download the video file. It is absolutely mandatory that you are in possession of the video file before starting to work on the assignment. For more details on how to download ASF files from our site, please refer to Chapter I – How to Download Video Files from Softitler Online.You are required to have the appropriate ASF file for all assignment types, including any proofs, with the only exception of Image QC assignments. If you experience any problems during download, you must immediately inform the Scheduling Coordinator and the Help Desk. In case it is impossible to send you the video file in time, you must have the written approval of the Scheduling Coordinator that you may proceed with the assignment.

If the assignment is taking you more time than expected or in case you think you won’t be able to meet the deadline mentioned in the email, you must contact the Scheduling Coordinator immediately.

In case you have any questions while working on the assignment, you can contact the Scheduling Coordinator by email (reply to the address you received the work assignment from) or by phone (you can find the Scheduling Coordinator’s phone number in the email’s signature). Please take into consideration the time zone the office is in. Scheduling Coordinator office hours in Florence are from 10 am to 7 pm (Florence time). Scheduling Coordinator office hours in Montreal are from 9 am to 6 pm (Montreal time).

After finishing the assignment, you should zip your file and send it back to the Scheduling Coordinator who sent you the assignment. Use the message you received from the Scheduling Coordinator and make sure to REPLY TO ALL when sending back the file. The Scheduling Coordinator will send you a confirmation message.

Important!The procedures outlined above apply for all kinds of assignments, except for Image QC (Tiff QC) assignments. Please refer to Chapter XV – Image QC for details regarding Image QC assignments.


10

http://sol.softitler.com/

Chapter I - Programs

How to Use Subtitle Editor Eddie

Eddie (short for Editor) is the name of Softitler®’s subtitle editor for translators. Eddie is to be used for all translating and proofreading assignments, except for SDH translations. The program allows you to insert and edit text, add notes, add red or green checks to boxes, perform Go To tasks, as well as perform the video simulation of the file that you are working on. Eddie is very user-friendly and below you will find detailed introductory instructions.

Main Menu

The main menu also appears when clicking on the file name in the blue bar.

Loading a FileClick on ORIG > Load File and browse for the file you want to open.To open a second and third file, click on TRANS1 > Load File and TRANS2 > Load File.Note that only UNS files can be opened with this Editor.

Drag n DropIt is also possible to open a file by dragging it from Windows Explorer to the Editor window. A new column will automatically be opened. To use this feature, not more than 2 columns may be opened. Make sure the time formats (i.e. NTSC, NTSC DROP, or PAL) of the files you wish to open are the same.

Double Click Feature If this feature is enabled, the file will open automatically in the Editor when you double click on a file name in Windows Explorer. Every time you double click on a file name, a new Editor window will be opened.


11

Inserting Red, Green and Blue ChecksTo insert a red check, click on R. To insert a green check, click on G. To insert a blue check, click on B.Each check has a meaning which varies depending on the procedure or type of file.

Inserting Blue NotesTo write a note, put your cursor in the gray area below the time codes and type the note. To save a note, press Enter or Esc or click outside the notes space.Only Western characters can be used to type notes.

HeaderClick on ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2 -> Header to check the settings of a file. It is not possible to edit this information. If there is incorrect information in the header, contact your Softitler® Scheduling Coordinator.

ProlongThis feature automatically lengthens the duration of alarmed subtitles if there is enough space between the subtitles.A notification message will appear, listing all the “fixed” subtitle boxes (where the duration of the subtitle has been prolonged) and the “not fixed” subtitle boxes (where the duration of the subtitle hasn’t been prolonged because there isn’t enough space).


12

Compare FilesThis feature is used to find differences between two files.To compare files, click on the Main Menu of the column that you’re working in (ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2) and select Compare Files. Once the dialogue box opens, select the file you would like to compare your file to.Two files can be compared in order to indicate:

Different text Different LTC’s Different Style (Italics, Narrative and Normal) Different use of Special/Song and Forced tags, Split Boxes and Credits

Upon clicking on Compare, the boxes that contain differences will automatically be marked with a red check. Click on Exit to exit the Compare window and use the Common > Goto > Reds function to quickly find the red checks in your file.

Insert StylesTo insert different styles (Normal, Italics, Special/Song tags, Burn-In Text and Principal Photography Narratives) in a selected range of boxes.

Add / Remove subtitlesTo add a subtitle, put the cursor in the box after which you want to add a box and click on ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2 > Subtitle > Insert. Note that boxes are added after the selected box and that they have a standard minimum duration of 1 second. The distance between two subtitles must be a minimum of 2 frames.If you add a subtitle, add a red check and leave a note for the QC Department, explaining in English the meaning of the added text. The QC Department will check the timing.

To remove a subtitle, put the cursor in the box you want to remove and click on ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2 > Subtitle > Delete.

Always verify the subtitle number and the column before adding or removing a subtitle.


13

Delete Green/Red/Blue Checks and Blue NotesTo remove all checks and notes from your file, click on ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2 > Clear Tags and select the item you wish to remove.

Show on VideoTo watch the movie with the subtitles displayed in ORIG, load the movie and click on ORIG > Show on Video.To watch the movie with the subtitles displayed in TRANS1 or TRANS2, load the movie and click on TRANS1 > Show on Video or TRANS2 > Show on Video.

Read OnlyIn order to avoid making unnecessary changes to a file, it is possible to “freeze” it and make it “Read Only”. To do so, click on ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2 > Read Only.To disable, click again on ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2 > Read Only.

Page downUse the page up/down keys, the mouse wheel or the slide bar at the right of the screen.To go to the beginning or the end of a file, press CTRL+Home and CTRL+End.

Keyboard SettingsThe keyboard is automatically set when opening a file. The default selection is based on the language in the header of each file.

To type text in the notes space, however, the English keyboard (EN) must be used.

E.g.: If you open a Norwegian file in TRANS1 and put the cursor in a subtitle box, the keyboard will automatically switch to NO. When you put the cursor in the notes space, the keyboard will automatically switch to EN.

To change the default keyboard, click on ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2 -> Keyboard and choose your keyboard. If the keyboard you want does not appear on the list, click on Start > Settings > Control Panel > Keyboard > Input Locales and add the missing keyboard.

Make sure that the keyboard indicator is enabled on the task bar. To enable the indicator, click on Start > Settings > Control Panel > Keyboard > Input Locales and click on Enable Indicator On Taskbar.


14

Common Menu

Loading a video fileClick on Common > Load Movie. Browse for the .asf file. Make sure that the .asf file is copied into a folder on your computer's hard drive. It is not possible to load the video from a CD.Select the subtitles you want to watch. To do so, click on ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2 > Show on Video.

If you are unable to see the image, click on the Decrypt Video button:


15

Additional Video Functions If you place the mouse arrow over the command buttons, a tool tip note will appear

with the name of the function. The numbers at the bottom of the video window indicate the number of the current

subtitle (left) and the total number of subtitles of the file (right). To go to a specific subtitle, stop the movie and click on the subtitle number in Eddie

(not in the video window) and insert the number (see also Go To below). The movie will automatically jump to the inserted subtitle number.

To jump to the previous or next subtitle, you can also use the mouse wheel. To move forward or backwards quickly, drag the slide bar at the bottom of the video

window to the left (to rewind) or to the right (to fast-forward).

Show Status BarTo enable/disable the status bar at the bottom of the window.

Show VideoTo close or open the video window once a movie has been loaded.

Show ZoomThis function allows you to closely examine a blue-highlighted box. It is a helpful tool to use while proofreading and looking for spelling or syntax errors.

To enable the zoom function, click on Common > Show Zoom.To enlarge or reduce the zoom window, drag the upper side of the window up or down.To detach the zoom window from the subtitles so that the zoom moves independently, double click on it.To enlarge or reduce the size of the text inside the zoom window, click on the + or – sign.

Edit Box SettingThis feature is used to reduce or increase the height of the subtitle boxes. It is also possible to change the height by clicking on the + or – sign to the right of the blue bar with the file names.

Set Video Text ColorTo change the color of the subtitles on screen, choose a color and click on OK.Subtitles in italics will always be blue and subtitles in narrative will always be green/purple.

Find / ReplaceThis feature is used to find a specific word or phrase. Insert a word and click on Find. To find the next word, click again on Find. Or click on Cancel and use the F3 key.Find/replace is performed in the column where the cursor is placed. To find/replace a word in the ORIG column, make sure the cursor is blinking in the first subtitle in the ORIG column.To find/replace a word in the TRANS 1 column, make sure the cursor is blinking in the first subtitle in the TRANS 1 column.


16

Go ToTo go to a specific subtitle, click on the subtitle number and insert the number of the title.

Use the Common > Go To menu to browse a file for boxes with red, green and blue checks, italics, Burn-In and Principal Photography narratives, notes, wrong duration (too much text relative to the time the spectator has to read the subtitle), red lines (too many characters on one line), titles with two lines that could fit on one line, boxes with blue position tags (for office use only), boxes with red Special/Song tags, empty boxes or boxes with credits or split groups.

Press F3 to go to the next item and SHIFT+F3 to go to the previous one.

Make sure the cursor is placed in the column in which you wish to perform the Go To search.

ExitTo exit the program.


17

Right-Click Menu

Right-click in the box to obtain the menu that enables you to: Undo or redo changes. Cut, copy and paste text. Select all text of a box. Insert Italics, green Burn-In or purple Principal Photography

Narratives or normal style for selected text. It is also possible to insert italics and narratives by selecting the text and clicking on the “I” (for Italics), “B” (for green Burn-In Text) and “P” (for purple Principal Photography) buttons located at the upper part of the window. To remove italics or narratives (to insert normal), click on the “I” (to remove Italics), “B” (to remove green Burn-In Text) and “P” (to remove purple Principal Photography) buttons. To put a whole box in italics, place the cursor in the box and click on “I”.

Insert Special/Song tags (to be used only at the request of Softitler®‘s Staff).

Enlarge or reduce the font size of the characters inside the subtitle box.


18

How to Use TetatetPlus Lite

TetatetPlus Lite is the name of another Softitler®’s subtitle editor. TetatetPlus Lite can be used for all translating and proofreading assignments, except for SDH translations, whenever the subtitle editor Eddie is not functioning correctly. The program allows you to insert and edit text, add notes, add red or green checks to boxes, perform Go To tasks, as well as perform the video simulation of the file that you are working on.

Conf Menu

ColumnsYou can open a maximum of three columns in TetatetPlus Lite. Select which columns you need to open by checking or un-checking the column names under the CONF heading: ORIG, TRANS, and TRANS2. Do not open more columns than necessary. The more columns you open, the smaller the column width will be.

ZoomThis function allows you to enlarge the view of the boxes in TetatetPlus Lite. It is a helpful tool to use while proofreading and looking for spelling and syntax mistakes. The Zoom function can be used to proofread a translation, to compare two files or to examine a highlighted box. Select Zoom > Normal mode if you want the zoom window to be small (recommended for displaying regular subtitles).Select Zoom > Full mode when you want the zoom window to be larger and detached from the TetatetPlus Lite window (recommended for displaying credits and split subtitles).

Keyboard settingsThe default language of TetatetPlus Lite is English. This means that for all functions (when you type a note or text in the Go To or Save As functions), the English keyboard will be used.To change the default keyboard, click on Conf > Keyboard and choose your keyboard. If the keyboard you want does not appear on the list, click on Start > Settings > Control Panel > Keyboard > Input Locales and add the missing keyboard.

Make sure that the keyboard indicator is enabled on the task bar. To enable the indicator, click on Start > Settings > Control Panel > Keyboard > Input Locales and click on Enable Indicator On Taskbar.


19

Main Menu

Loading a text fileClick on ORIG > Load Text File and browse for the file you want to open.To open a second and a third file, click on TRANS > Load Text File and TRANS2 > Load Text File.Note that only UNS files can be opened with the Editor.

Saving a FileClick on ORIG/TRANS/TRANS2 -> Save As and click on Save. Before saving the file, check to make sure you are saving it with the correct name in the appropriate folder.

TetatetPlus Lite does not create automatic backup files. Backup files .OLD and .BAK are created when saving the file using the Save As command. All files are saved in the same folder.

Closing a FileClick on ORIG/TRANS/TRANS2 -> Close.


20

Loading a video file Click on ORIG > Load Video. Click on File > Load movie. Browse for the movie file and click on Open. Make sure that the .asf file is copied into a

folder on your computer's hard drive. It is not possible to load the video from a CD.

If you are unable to see the image, click on the Decode/Undecode button.

Additional Video Functions If you place the mouse arrow over the command buttons, a tool tip note will appear with

the name of the function. All of the command buttons are also listed under the Control menu. The four groups of numbers on the bottom left part of the video window indicate the actual

time code of the movie. To change the time codes in order to move forward or backwards quickly, click on the arrows.

The number at the center of the bottom part of the video window indicates the number of the current subtitle.

To go to a specific number or time code, double click on the subtitle number in the video window, insert the number and click on OK. The movie will automatically jump to the inserted subtitle number or time code.

To enlarge or reduce the video window, click on the + and – buttons.

To bring the video window back to its original size, click on the button with the square. To freeze TetatetPlus Lite on a subtitle and be able to watch the movie without the

subtitles in TetatetPlus Lite following, click on the Z button.


21

HeaderClick on ORIG/TRANS/TRANS2 > Header to check the settings of a file. It is not possible to edit this information. If there is incorrect information in the header, contact your Softitler® Scheduling Coordinator.

Compare FilesThis feature is used to find differences between two files.To compare files, click on the Main Menu of the column that you’re working in (ORIG/TRANS/TRANS2) and select Compare Files. Once the dialogue box opens, select the file you would like to compare your file to.Two files can be compared in order to indicate:

Different text Different tags (Italics, Narrative and Normal)

When clicking on Compare, the boxes that contain differences will automatically be marked with a red check. Use the ORIG/TRANS/TRANS2 > Go To > Selected > Red function to quickly find the red checks in your file.

Go ToUse the ORIG/TRANS/TRANS2 > Go To menu (or press CTRL+G) to go to a specific subtitle number, to find words and to browse a file for boxes with wrong duration (too much text relative to the time the spectator has to read the subtitle), length (red lines: too many characters on one line), italics, green Burn-In and purple Principal Photography narratives, red Special/Song tags and green Forced tags, red, green and blue checks, notes, numbers, titles with two lines that could fit on one line, empty boxes, and boxes with credits and split boxes.

Press F3 to go to the next box in the GO TO search and SHIFT+F3 to go to the previous one.

Make sure to select the Go To function of the column in which you wish to perform the search.

Clear Green/Red/BlueTo clear all green, red or blue checks from a file.

Delete all NotesTo delete all notes from a file.

KeyboardThe English keyboard is the default keyboard setting of TetatetPlus Lite.To change the default keyboard to write text in boxes, click on ORIG/TRANS/TRANS2 > Keyboard and choose your keyboard.


22

To change the default keyboard, click on ORIG/TRANS/TRANS2 -> Keyboard and choose your keyboard. If the keyboard you want does not appear on the list, click on Start > Settings > Control Panel > Keyboard > Input Locales and add the missing keyboard.

Insert tags (styles)To insert different styles (Normal, Italics, green Burn-In (NB) and purple Principal Photography (NP) narratives) in a selected range of boxes.

Change LTC_OUT Red (Duration)This feature automatically lengthens the duration of alarmed subtitles.

Highlighting a BoxYou can highlight a box in order to select all of its text and use all of the functions of the box. A highlighted box is yellow. To highlight a box, right click on the top gray part of the box or place the cursor in the box and press ESC.

Inserting Red, Green and Blue ChecksTo insert a red check, click on the left check.To insert a green check, click on the middle check. To insert a blue check, click on the right check.Each check has a meaning which varies depending on the procedure or type of file.

Inserting Blue NotesTo write a note, click on the lower part of the gray area below the time codes and type the note. To save a note, press Enter.


23

Right-Click Menu

Right-click in the gray header part of the box to obtain the menu that enables you to: Add and remove boxes.

Added boxes will be inserted after the current box (the box that is highlighted in yellow). To add several boxes at the same time, write the number of boxes you want to add.

Copy and Paste only the notes of a box.

Right-click in the box to obtain the menu that enables you to: Cut, copy and paste selected text or the whole text of a box. Undo text changes. Select all text of a box. Insert Italics, Burn-In or Principal Photography Narratives or

Normal style for selected text or the whole box.


24

How to Use UNSTools

UNSTools is the program used to check the structure of a translation file. When you open a file in UNSTools, the program will check for double spaces, subtitles without final punctuation, etc.

Syntax Check

Click on File > Open (Translation) and browse for the file you want to check in UNSTools.Note: If you have problems while opening a file or if an error message appears, contact the Scheduling Coordinator, explain the problem and send the file, so that we can try to resolve the problem.

Double-click on the file name or click on it once and click on Open. Click on Yes when the program asks you if you want to do “Automatic Correction”. Automatic

Correction removes all double spaces in the file.If some changes are made to the file, the following message will appear:

Click on OK and the language file will open. Click on File > Save As and look for the file you want to save. Add an “x” to the file name and

click on “Save”. Note: If no automatic corrections were required for your file, the language file will open without displaying this message. Nevertheless you should save it by adding an "x" to the file name before opening the English file.

Click on File > English > Open. Browse for the English file you want to open and click on Open.

Note: It is important to open the English file before running Syntax Check, as the program compares numbers, tags (styles), punctuation, etc. used in the English and the translation file. If you don’t open the English file first, some of the “horizontal” checks won’t be done.

Click on Tools > Check Syntax or hit F5. Select all the options and click on Start Check.

At the right side of the screen a column will appear with the Syntax Check results.


25

Click on the numbers in square brackets and the program will go to that specific subtitle, highlighting it in yellow. Check with the English file and make the necessary changes.

Remember to save the file often (without changing the file name). UNSTools does not save files automatically or create backup files.

When you have checked all the results, save the file (without changing the file name) and close the results list. To do so, click on Tools > Hide Results.


26

Results List

SyntaxA list of boxes with unusual characters, missing final punctuation, inconsistent use of upper/lower cases, unusual number formats, or without text.

Song SubtitleA list of all subtitles that contain Special/Song tags.

Split GroupA list of all subtitles that contain two groups.

Credits BoxesA list of all subtitles that contain Credits Boxes, i.e. boxes with more than 2 lines of text.

Western Characters (Only when checking files with non-Western character set)A list of all the boxes that contain Western characters.

Proper NounsA list of all words beginning with upper case, with the following exceptions: Words that are names at the beginning of a sentence, after a full stop, question mark or exclamation point will not be listed. This list won’t appear when checking German files or files in languages that do not have upper cases.

CapitalsA list of acronyms and words written in capital letters, such as FBI.

Sounds (Only when checking SDH files)A list of all the sound cues inside square brackets used in the file.

Speakers (Only when checking SDH files)A list of all the capitalized speaker names, followed by a colon and one space, used in the file.

NumbersA list of all the numbers used in the translation file.

Horizontal CheckA list of checks comparing the English file and the translation file. All boxes with a difference in style (Italics, Narrative, Normal), numbers, measurements, speaker hyphens, etc, will be listed. This list will appear only if you run Syntax Check with both the English and the translation file opened.

Length A list of titles with too many characters on one line (red lines). Red lines must always be corrected by changing the line division (if possible) or shortening the text.

DivisionA list of titles that could fit on one line or that have uneven line divisions. Titles that could fit on one line must always be put on one line. Line divisions should only be changed if necessary. Follow the line division rules outlined in Chapter III - Translation. UNSTools suggests dividing a sentence after any kind of punctuation, but this suggestion should be ignored if the suggested line division would leave one short word alone on a line.


27

Page Down

Go to the beginning of the file.

Scroll down the whole file by pressing the Page Down key on your keyboard.

If you see a box highlighted a different color (orange, yellow, blue, green, red, purple), put the cursor on the text in that box without clicking and a tool tip will appear with an explanation of the color. Make sure the box is correct and make the necessary changes.

Remember to save the file often (without changing the file name). UNSTools does not save files automatically or create backup files.


28

Extra functions

FindTo search for a specific word in the translation file, click on Find or use Ctrl+F, type the word and click on Find.Note that Ctrl+F only works when the cursor is placed somewhere in the translation file.

Go To subtitleTo go to a particular subtitle, left click on the box number in the English or the translation file, type the box number and click on OK.

Insert stylesTo put text in Italics, Burn-In Text Narrative, Principal Photography Narrative or Normal: Select the words/characters you want to change in the translation file, right click and select the style you wish to insert.You can also use Ctrl+I (Italics), Ctrl+B (Burn-In Text Narrative), Ctrl+P (Principal Photography Narrative) and Ctrl+N (Normal) to insert and/or remove styles.

Insert blue notesTo insert the blue notes in UNSTools, type in the gray area below the time codes. Press the Enter key to save the note.

Insert Red, Green, Blue ChecksClick on the left box (R) to insert a red check, click on the middle box (G) to insert a green check, and click on the left box (B) to insert a blue check.

Enlarge/reduce font sizeIt is possible to enlarge/reduce the size of the characters in the subtitle box. To modify the font size, put the cursor in one of the boxes, right click and select Font Size + or Font Size –.Note that if you enlarge the font too much, the text on the 2nd line in some languages might not be visible.


29

How to Do a Spell Check in Microsoft Word(for Windows 2000 and XP users only)

A Spell Check must be done on every file, except for Image files.

Spell Check Procedures Open Softitler®’s Subtitle Editor and reduce the window so that it covers only half of your computer

screen by clicking on the edge of the application window and dragging it with the mouse. Open the file on which you want to run a Spell Check, and save it by adding a 9 to the file name.

Open Windows Explorer and go to the folder where you have stored the file. Create a subfolder called Spell Check.

SUGGESTED PROCEDURE Select the file without the 9 and right-click on

it. Select Open With > WinZip Executable. Select the file UNS file without the 9 and

extract it into the subfolder called Spell Check.

ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE Select the file without the 9 and right-click on it. Select Rename and manually change the file extension from .UNS to .ZIP Double-click on the .ZIP file and extract into the subfolder called Spell Check.

Open Microsoft Word and reduce the size of the window so that covers the other half of your screen. The Subtitle Editor and Word should now appear side by side on your computer screen.

In Microsoft Word, click on File > Open. Search for the UNS file without the 9 that you extracted in the folder called Spell Check. Make sure All Files is selected in the Files of Type section of the dialogue box.

If a dialogue box opens, asking Convert File from Encoded Text, click OK. Click on OK again for Unicode encoding.

Go to the Tools menu in Word and click on Language. Select Set language and find your language by scrolling down on the scroll bar. Click on your language and then on the Default button. The program will ask you if you want to change the default language to the one you have chosen. Click

on Yes, then on OK. Go to the Tools menu in Word again and click on Spelling and Grammar. Spell Check will begin, stopping on all words that it doesn’t recognize. Spell Check doesn’t recognize

swear words, words recently incorporated into the language, names and foreign words. Sometimes it will also make suggestions that are incorrect. You must decide what changes should and should not be made.

Make all of the changes on your file in Softitler®’s Subtitle Editor, not in Word. Always click on Ignore when Spell Check makes a suggestion. Make all of the changes in Softitler®’s Subtitle Editor ONLY.

Note: In Word, the box number is indicated in brackets above the time codes.For more detailed information regarding Spell Check in your language, if any, refer to the Language Rules document.

Finishing Spell Check When Word has finished checking your file, close Microsoft Word without saving the changes. You will

have made all of the changes in the file opened in the Subtitle Editor. Save the file with the 9 opened in the Subtitle Editor. This file will contain all the corrections made

during Spell Check.


30

How to Do a Spell Check in Microsoft Word(for Windows 98 users only)

A Spell Check must be done on every file, except for Image files.

Note: Windows 98 users must have a shortcut to WinZip on the desktop.

Spell Check Procedures Open Windows Explorer and reduce the window so that it covers only half of your computer screen. Go to the folder where you have stored the file. Create a subfolder called Spell Check. Open Softitler®’s Subtitle Editor and reduce the window so that it covers only half of your computer

screen by clicking on the edge of the application window and dragging it with the mouse. Open the file on which you want to run a Spell Check, and save it by adding a 9 to the file name. Minimize the size of the Subtitle Editor window so that you have only Windows Explorer opened.

SUGGESTED PROCEDURE Select the file without the 9, right-click on it and drag it to the WinZip shortcut. When WinZip opens, select the file UNS file and extract it into the subfolder called Spell Check.

ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE Select the file without the 9 and right-click on it. Select Rename and manually change the file extension from .UNS to .ZIP Double-click on the .ZIP file and extract into the subfolder called Spell Check.

Open Microsoft Word and reduce the size of the window so that covers the other half of your screen. Maximize the size of the Subtitle Editor so that it appears side by side with Word on your computer screen.

In Microsoft Word, click on File > Open. Search for the UNS file without the 9 that you extracted in the folder called Spell Check. Make sure All Files is selected in the Files of Type section of the dialogue box.

If a dialogue box opens, asking Convert File from Encoded Text, click OK. Click on OK again for Unicode encoding.

Go to the Tools menu in Word and click on Language. Select Set language and find your language by scrolling down on the scroll bar. Click on your language and then on the Default button. The program will ask you if you want to change the default language to the one you have chosen. Click

on Yes, then on OK. Go to the Tools menu in Word again and click on Spelling and Grammar. Spell Check will begin, stopping on all words that it doesn’t recognize. Spell Check doesn’t recognize

swear words, words recently incorporated into the language, names and foreign words. Sometimes it will also make suggestions that are incorrect. You must decide what changes should and should not be made.

Make all of the changes on your file in Softitler®’s Subtitle Editor, not in Word. Always click on Ignore when Spell Check makes a suggestion. Make all of the changes in Softitler®’s Subtitle Editor ONLY.

Note: In Word, the box number is indicated in brackets above the time codes.For more detailed information regarding Spell Check in your language, if any, refer to the Language Rules document.

Finishing Spell Check When Word has finished checking your file, close Microsoft Word without saving the changes. You will

have made all of the changes in the file opened in the Subtitle Editor. Save the file with the 9 opened in the Subtitle Editor. This file will contain all the corrections made

during Spell Check.


31

How to Download Video Files from Softitler Online

When you receive an assignment, you must visit our site at http://sol.softitler.com to download the necessary video files.

Depending on the security settings of your computer, a Security Warning might pop up asking you to install the newest version of the Softitler® download software. You must click on Yes, otherwise you won’t be able to download any video files from our site.

If you experience any problems during file download, you must immediately contact the Scheduling Coordinator that sent you the assignment and copy the Help Desk.

Click on the link of the video file you need and select the folder where you want the file to be downloaded. When you click on Save, the download will start.

Sometimes more than one video file is available for a project: You must always download the video file with English audio. If available, also download the

video with audio or subtitles in your language. The language of the audio is indicated after the last underscore.

The English video might be divided in two parts, P1 and P2. In case, you must download both parts.

In case different versions of the English video are available, you must download the most recent version.

In case of doubt, contact the Scheduling coordinator that sent you the assignment. He or she will be able to tell you which video file to use.

Download is finished only when the following message appears:


32


Chapter II - How Files Are Named

This chapter discusses how to read a file name and how to save your work. The file name identifies who worked on the file as well as each phase of work the file has undergone. That is why Softitler®

provides different initials to each translator and to each working phase.

File names and Initials

Client InitialsThe first two letters of a file name are the initials of the client followed by an underscore (_). These letters indicate which motion-picture company the film is being translated for.

WE = Warner EuropeWN = Warner NTSCUE = Universal EuropeUN = Universal NTSCUD = Universal NTSC DropSE = Sony EuropeSN = Sony NTSCSD = Sony NTSC DropEtc...

Film IDThe clients’ initials and the underscore are followed by the ID number of the file and the film title or the first letter of the film title.

E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ (Film title: Tin Cup)

Language InitialsThree upper case letters representing the language into which the film is to be/has been translated follow the film ID.

E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITN.UNS (Italian)English files may have two different abbreviations: UKE for UK English and ENG for US English.

Translator InitialsEach translator working on a file will have to save his work by adding his personal initials, which are assigned during training. Do not use any invented initials.

E.g.: Translator: Initials ABProofreader 1: Initials AFProofreader 2: Initials AM

Exception:Translators for some languages do not have assigned initials. If this is the case, your initials will always be as follows.

E.g.: Translator: Initials TProofreader 1: Initials P1Proofreader 2: Initials P2

The rest of the file name and file naming procedure is identical.


33

What a File name Looks Like During the Different Working Phases

Translation Initials

You must add your initials to the file name after the language initials. You will be working on the file saved with your initials.

E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB.UNSAfter you have completed the translation, you must run some final checks. Before starting a check, save the file with an additional letter or number as explained below. This way all of the corrections made during a check are saved with the corresponding initial instead of with the previous file name.

Spell Check InitialAdd a 9 to the file name. Run a Spell Check and make all of your corrections to the file.

E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9.UNS

Syntax Check InitialAdd an X to the file name. Run UNSTools and make all of your corrections to the file.

E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9x.UNS

Video Simulation InitialAdd a V to the file name. Watch the film with your translated subtitles loaded, and correct all of the mistakes that you find.

E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9xv.UNS

Zoom InitialAdd a Z to the file name. Read through the file using the Zoom function and make all of the necessary corrections.

E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9xvz.UNS

Proofreading Initials

Proofer 1 InitialsYou will be proofreading a translated file and making all of your suggestions and corrections on that file. Before making any changes, add your initials to the file name.

E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9xvzAF.UNS

Add a 9 to the file name. Run a Spell Check and make all of the necessary changes.E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9xvzAF9.UNS

Add an X to the file name. Run a Syntax Check and make all of the necessary changes.E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9xvzAF9x.UNS

Proofer 2 InitialsYou will be working on the file proofer 1 has already made suggestions for. Add your initials after the first proofer’s initials.

E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9xvzAF9xAM.UNS


34

Add a 9 to the file name. Run a Spell Check and make all of the necessary changes.E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9xvzAF9AM9.UNS

Add an X to the file name. Run a Syntax Check and make all of the necessary changes.E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9xvzAF9x.UNS

Acceptance Initials

You will be working on the file that proofer 2 made suggestions for. Add your initials to the end of the file name.

E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9xvzAF9xAM9xAB.UNS

Run a final Spell Check, Syntax Check and add the appropriate initials just as you did during the translation phase.

E.g.: We_3320Tin2_ITNAB9xvzAF9xAM9xAB9x.UNS

Important: Do not add any spaces, hyphens, full stops, or underscores to the file name!


35

Chapter III – General Subtitling RulesIn order to help you become acquainted with our programs and procedures, you will be assigned a certain number of proof readings prior to being assigned a translation. A proofreader must also be aware of all of the translation rules in order to be able to find and correct mistakes.

Subtitling is the process of translating the meaning of the original spoken language of a film into another language. It must be done while watching the film. Always notify your Scheduling Coordinator in case you don't have the video file, or if you are having problems while watching it. The translation of a film can take up to three or four days. The final procedures (Spell Check, Syntax Check, Video Simulation and Zoom review) are essential in the process of translating subtitles because they improve the quality of the translated text.

Film TitlesLeave an OUT for the title of the feature film that you are translating, unless Softitler® provides you with the official translation of the film title. To insert an OUT, place your cursor in the box and press the F9 key on the keyboard.

Film titles quoted in a film or in Added Value Materials (a VAM, such as a featurette or a director’s commentary) should be left in English, unless Softitler® provides you with the official title translation.

If the Softitler QC Department asks you to insert a main title translation, you must inform the QC Department in case the title seems incorrect or illogical.

Translate everything

Spoken TextInsert the translation in each subtitle box that contains spoken text, even if the same phrase or word is repeated several subtitles in a row.

If, in the film, there is a scene about John, and somebody says, "He’s John.”, you have to write/transliterate the name "John.” If in the next subtitle they say, "John, come here.”, you do not have to rewrite his name. You can choose to translate only "Come here." since the viewer is already familiar with the name. If a name appears alone in a subtitle, you should always write/transliterate it.

All subtitles must be translated, except for the purple Principal Photography narratives that are the same (or very similar) to the English file.

If you have not translated everything, our Quality Control Departments may ask you to translate a subtitle that you left out.

NarrativesGreen Burn-In Text narratives should ALWAYS be translated, even if the translation is the same as the English file (or very similar).In cases of purple Principal Photography narratives that are the same as the English file (or very similar) and can also be seen on the screen, OUT can be used. Also, a blue note must be added that explains that the subtitle would be the same or very similar in your language. If the blue note is missing, the QC department will have to contact you later on for confirmation.


36

Avoid Literal TranslationsLiteral translations should be avoided. Puns (plays on words) and proverbs should be translated into an equivalent phrase so that the audience can clearly understand the significance.All of the words used in a translation must exist in their respective dictionaries unless they are slang expressions or neologisms.Specific vocabulary regarding sports, medicine, or technology should be translated using specialized dictionaries. Links to useful online dictionaries can be found on SOL under the Resources menu.Do not reproduce pronunciation peculiarities or stuttered speech, unless they are part of a play on words.

FluencyTry to be concise and avoid the use of vague words. The audience’s reading time is limited since they must read the subtitles and watch the film at the same time. Do not use regionalisms or expressions that may impede the viewers’ full understanding.

CondensingThe objective of the translator is to give the most accurate and concise interpretation of the original English text. Regardless of the language, the translation should not be longer than the English text. Translate the meaning of the original text in the fewest number of words possible.

ConsistencyBe consistent. If you translate something in a certain way, you must translate it in the same way throughout the entire file.Areas where consistency is particularly important are:

Measurements Game scores Names: Transliteration and spelling of names; Nicknames Addresses Formal and informal ways of addressing a character Abbreviations Acronyms (USA, FBI, UN vs. U.S.A., F.B.I., U.N.). All acronyms should be consistently

written with or without periods throughout the file according to your language’s grammar rules.

PunctuationSee the Language Rules for your language provided by Softitler®. Contact us immediately if you were not provided with this document.

In general, you should follow the punctuation and spacing of the English Master file.

There are two exceptions to this rule:

ENGLISH OTHER LANGUAGESFinal punctuation -- (double hyphen) indicates interrupted speech

Final punctuation ... (3 dots, ellipsis) for interrupted speech

Final .... (4 dots) indicates unfinished speech Final ... (3 dots, ellipsis) for unfinished speech

Ellipsis An ellipsis (...) is inserted as the final punctuation of a box if the sentence continues in the

following box and the full sentence does not require a comma at the point where the box ends. An ellipsis is also used to indicate interrupted speech or unfinished speech as shown above.


37

The only time that an ellipsis should be inserted at the beginning of a subtitle is for the continuation of interrupted speech from a previous box. See the following examples:

Scene 1 - Tom is talking about a song to his friend Joe, when Matt interrupts him.Tom: Listen to this melody. I think it's...Matt: I'd love to have a burger.Tom: ...so beautiful.Joe: You're right!

Scene 2 - A radio announcement is heard in the middle of a conversation.Jill: We can go to the restaurant now.Mary: Okay, I'm really hungry!Radio: ...these are the winning numbers...Jill: Did you hear that? I played! Where’s my ticket?Radio: ...46, 8, 63, 13...

Consult your Language Rules for more details regarding the usage of ellipses in your language.

Quotations If the quoted material is a sentence, the

punctuation belongs INSIDE of the quotation marks.

If a single word in a sentence is quoted, the punctuation should be placed OUTSIDE of the quotation marks. (This is different in the English file.)

If a quotation contains another quotation, the inner quotation should be enclosed in single quotes ( ‘ ’ ) instead of double quotes ( “ ” ).

If a quote continues for more than one box, use quotation marks at the beginning of each box. The closing quotation marks should be placed after the last quoted word. These are called Running Quotes.

Consult your Language Rules for more details regarding the usage of quotations in your language.

InitialsWith initials, there is no space after the internal period(s). E.g.: B.B. King, U.S.A.

Speaker Hyphens If there are two speakers, the text of each

speaker must be placed on separate lines and each line must be preceded by a hyphen.

Consult your Language Rules for more details regarding the usage of speaker hyphens.

Punctuating in Songs and Poems Songs and poems are protected by copyright

laws and therefore do not follow the punctuation rules of regular text. In translations the punctuation of the English Master file should be followed.

Songs are marked with red Special/Song tags, inserted by Softitler® staff.

Consult your Language Rules for more details regarding the usage of punctuation in songs and poems in your language.


38

Quotations from LiteratureYou must translate any direct quotes from books, poems, films, etc. Do not copy official translations. The only exceptions to this rule are citations from the Bible and other old, famous pieces in the public domain (that is, not covered by copyright).

Italics Follow the English Master file regarding the usage

of italics. Italics are used to indicate off-camera speech, text being read, the TV, the radio, songs, book or movie titles, and foreign words.

If there are foreign words that have not been translated in the English Master file, you can leave them in italics and not translated in your file as well. If you decide that the word(s) need to be translated into your language, do not italicize the translation.

In order to avoid characters being truncated, any character immediately preceding (touchin) or following (touching) the word in italics or normal must match the type setting (italics/normal).

E.g. If the last word of a sentence (or, for some languages only, a preposition or complex grammatical structure) is in italics (or normal), the punctuation that is immediately following the last character (without a space), should be in italics (or normal), too.

NarrativesYou must follow the English Master file regarding the usage of narratives. The format (upper/lower case) and the punctuation should be exactly the same as that of the English file unless there is a grammar rule in your language prohibiting this.

The line division does not have to follow the English file. If a translated narrative fits on one line, leave it on one line. If the narrative appears on two lines in the film, and the text can fit on one line, insert a dash preceded and followed by a space between the two lines.

Principal PhotographyPurple Principal Photography narratives are used for text that is captured during filming, such as street signs, newspapers, restaurant names, etc.

Burn-In TextGreen Burn-In Text narratives are used for text that is added after filming.

Split GroupsIf dialogue and onscreen narrative (Principal Photography or Burn-In Text) have the same timing, the subtitle will be split into two groups. The first group appears at the top of the video window and the second group at the bottom of the video window.


39

Follow the English Master file regarding the usage of style, format and punctuation. The line division does not need to follow the English file.

NumbersIf an amount of money is written with a currency sign ($, £, €), the numbers are written as numerals.

E.g.: $400Measurements and ages usually are written as numerals.

E.g.: 5 km, a 3-year-old girlConsult your Language Rules for more details regarding the usage of numbers.

MeasurementsIf there are imperial measurements in the original English file (e.g.: 10 miles, 4 ounces, 20 feet), then they should be converted into the metric equivalent in the translation. The English Master staff writes the metric equivalent in the notes to assist you. Do not convert approximate measurements into the exact metric equivalent. “About 100 miles” should be translated as “about 150 km”, not “about 160 km and 900 meters."

Note: You do not need to convert the measurements if you use the British Imperial System of weights and measures in your language.

Division of Text into BoxesTranslate the text box by box and make sure that the text division of the translated subtitles is consistent with the text division of the English subtitles. Do not translate text into a box before or after its equivalent in English. The only exceptions are:

Narrative titles, which can be divided differently if the translation will not fit into the boxes of its English equivalent.

Long sentences that are divided into more than one subtitle. Sentences in which the translation has a structure that requires a completely different word

order than that of its English equivalent.

Line Division within BoxesIf the translated text can fit on one line, put it on one line. If the sentence doesn't fit on one line, the sentence should be divided according to the following rules.

Note: If you can't divide the text according to the rules without creating a red line, leave the wrong line division or shorten the text.

Divide lines at punctuation marks:Correct Incorrect


40

Divide lines before conjunctions (and, or, because):

Correct Incorrect

Divide lines before prepositions (for, in, on, etc.):

Correct Incorrect

Do NOT separate a noun from its article (a, an, the):

Correct

Incorrect


41

Do NOT divide a name onto two lines:

Correct

Incorrect

Do NOT divide compound verbs and verbal phrases (take off, watch out, put on, etc):

Correct

Incorrect

Try not to divide the subject and the verb:

Correct Incorrect

Try not to leave one word on a line, even if it is followed by a punctuation mark:

Correct

Incorrect


42

Subtitle Alarmed Due to Length (Red Lines)If the sentence is too long, the text becomes red and must be divided into two lines. The double bar indicates how many characters should be placed on the second line.

Subtitle Alarmed Due to DurationA subtitle is “alarmed due to wrong duration” when the text is too long relative to the amount of time that the subtitle appears on the screen (which is indicated by the time codes at the upper left part of the subtitle window). The number in the upper right-hand corner of a subtitle box represents the ratio between the duration of a subtitle and the number of words in a subtitle.A subtitle is alarmed when the ratio is a negative value highlighted in yellow. This means that there is not enough time to read the subtitle and the text needs to be shortened.When a box is alarmed with a negative value greater than -01:00, the text must be shortened until the alarmed value is less than -01:00.For alarmed boxes with values less than -1:00 (up to -00:24 for PAL files and –00:29 for NTSC and DROP files) you do not have to shorten the text. All positive alarms (+02:14, +03:00, etc) are to be ignored.Before delivering the file to the client, the Quality Control Department will contact you if there is a problem regarding the duration of a particular subtitle.

What to do when you find a mistake in the English fileIf you have any suggestions for the English file, you should post them on the Softitler® database. To do so, go to our site http://sol.softitler.com and log in using your user name and password.

Click on Eng File Sugg. Select the title you wish to make a suggestion for and click on Add Suggestion. Fill out the English Subtitle Number field. Do not write the box number of your translation file. Write the incorrect text in the Original English text field. Write your suggestion in the Suggested Change field. Click on Post Suggestion.

Each time a suggestion is posted, an automatic email message is sent to the English Master File Department, who will view your suggestion and accept or decline it and add notes if necessary. The QC Department will send the corrected English file to the translator, along with the red checks.If you want to see if your suggestions have been accepted by the English Master File Department, go back to the same page and check the color of the box. If it is red, the suggestion has not been accepted. If it is green, it has been accepted. If it is gray, it is pending.


43

Creation of Consistency Sheets

Consistency sheets are Word documents created by the Softitler English department. They contain extra information, such as character names, common narratives and repeated text that will be helpful to you during translation and proofreading of episodic materials. There will also be a space where the translator of the consistency sheet can add items specific to your language that might be helpful for your colleague translators and proofreaders to maintain consistency within the episodes.

The consistency sheet procedures depend on the kind of file you are working on (Translation or Rematch/Typing/Remastering/Correlation).

It is important that consistency sheets are filled out with care, as we might need to submit it to the client for approval. Furthermore, the QC Department will use it as a reference during Quality Control.

Translation

Translating the Consistency Sheet Fill out the consistency sheet after you have finished the translation of the UNS file. All of the words listed in the ENGLISH column should be translated into the TRANSLATION column.

Character Names: A list of all the main characters that appear in the episode or series.Check on the Internet if the character names have official translations. E.g. “Donald Duck” is called “Paperino” in ItalianIn case there is no official translation, you should copy the name from the ENGLISH column into the TRANSLATION column.

Recurring Names:A list of recurring names and places that are used in more than one episode. Copy the translation you used in the UNS file into the TRANSLATION column.

Common Narratives:A list of narratives that are used in more than one episode. Copy the translation you used in the UNS file into the TRANSLATION column.

Repeated Text:A list of words or sentences that are repeated in more than one episode. Copy the translation you used in the UNS file into the TRANSLATION column.

Specific Language Rules:This section will be empty and will need to be filled out during translation. You can add specific language rules, names of new characters or any other recurring phrases that might help your colleague translators and proofreaders to maintain consistency within the different episodes.In case you receive a consistency sheet without a space for Specific Language Rules, you can add it yourself at the bottom of the list.

E.g. For French and Spanish files, you can specify which characters address one another with TU/TÚ and which characters address one another with VOUS/USTED.

Save the consistency sheet by adding your initials to the filename.

Proofreading the Consistency Sheet (IF REQUESTED)When you proofread an episode of a given series, verify the information contained in the consistency sheet for that series and make suggestions, if applicable. Do not change the translation already present in the TRANSLATION column. If you have any suggestions, write them into the NOTES column, together with a brief explanatory note. Make sure to insert the changes both in the UNS file and the consistency sheet.Save the consistency sheet by adding your initials to the filename.


44

Acceptance of the Consistency Sheet (IF REQUESTED)Check the suggestions made by the proofer. If you accept them, insert them into the TRANSLATION column and remove the notes from the NOTES column. If you don’t accept them, leave the text in the TRANSLATION column the way you wrote it and remove the notes from the NOTES column.Save the consistency sheet by adding your initials to the filename.

Rematch/Typing/Remastering/Correlation

Translating the Consistency SheetFill out the consistency sheet after you have finished Rematch, Correlation of Typing. All character names, common narratives and repeated text corresponding to those listed in the ENGLISH column should be copied from the UNS file into the TRANSLATION column.As you will be the only person working on the file, the consistency sheet will not be proofread. It is, however, very important that you fill out the consistency sheet with care because the QC Department will use it as a reference during QC.Save the consistency sheet by adding your initials to the filename.


45

Chapter IV - Translation

Translation

Software to be used Subtitle Editor (Eddie) Spell Check UNSTools

How to StartYou will work with two files: The English Master file and a blank file with the same structure as the English file. Open the Subtitle Editor Eddie and load the English file in ORIG and the blank file named with your language’s initials in TRANS1. Add your assigned initials to the file name before you begin working. Fill in all of the empty boxes, following the General Translation Rules and Language Rules.It is very important that you watch the film while doing a translation. If for any reason you are unable to watch the film, inform our staff immediately and leave a note for the proofers.

Green ChecksGreen checks can be used to mark the subtitles that need further investigation by the proofers. You must translate everything. However, if you really are unsure whether or not you translated something correctly, you can leave a green check and a note for the proofers so that they can give you a suggestion.

Red ChecksRed checks can be used to mark the subtitles that need further investigation by Softitler® staff (QC Department). If you red check a box, leave an explanatory note for the QC Department.

Important Notice!Any translation file you send to the Softitler® Scheduling Coordinator needs to be complete. All of the boxes must be translated. Green checks should only be left for serious translation doubts. Red checks should only be left for errors found in the English file or if you want to leave a note for the QC department. All final checks (see below) should be completed before you send the file to Softitler®. Do not count on the acceptance stage to complete those tasks.

Final Checks

The final checks that have to be done at the end of a translation are: Prolong, Spell Check (also mandatory after proofreading), Syntax Check, Video Simulation, and Zoom.Each one of these checks corresponds to an initial, which is added to the file name before doing a check.

ProlongThis function automatically lengthens the duration of the alarmed subtitles if there is enough space between the subtitles. A notification message will appear, listing all the “fixed” subtitle boxes.Prolong should always be done on translation files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator tells you not to.


46

To do a Prolong, open your translation file in Eddie and click on TRANS1 or TRANS2 and select Prolong. Click on YES when asked if you want to prolong the duration of the subtitles. A confirmation message will appear listing all of the “fixed” (i.e. prolonged) and “not fixed” (i.e. not prolonged due to lack of space) subtitles.

Spell CheckSave your file by adding a 9 to the file name and run a Spell Check.

Syntax CheckOpen the file saved with the 9 in UNSTools and run a syntax check on your file. UNSTools will check the structure of your translation file. It will help you catch double spaces, missing punctuation, titles on two lines that could fit on one line, etc.When you have opened your translation file in UNSTools, save it by adding an X to the file name. Make all of your corrections in UNSTools and save the changes in the file saved with an X.

Video SimulationOpen the file saved with the X in the Subtitle Editor and resave it by adding a V to the file name. Load the video file and make sure to click on ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2 > Show on Video in the column where your translated file is. Watch the film with your own subtitles and search for mistakes that you may have made while translating the film. Make all of your corrections in the Subtitle Editor on the file that you previously saved with a V. Doing a Video Simulation helps detect inconsistencies in the translation, wrong gender, misinterpretations, literal translations, etc. It will also improve the fluency of your translation. Often better solutions and expressions come to mind while you are doing a Video Simulation.

ZoomThe last check to be performed is a reading of your translation using the Zoom function in the Subtitle Editor. This function allows you to enlarge the view of the subtitles, and it helps detect typos, spelling and even grammatical errors.Open the file saved with the V in the Subtitle Editor and save it by adding a Z to the file name. Make all of your corrections in the Subtitle Editor and save the changes in the file saved with a Z.


47

Acceptance

After you have finished a translation and done all of the necessary checks (Prolong, Spell Check, Syntax Check, Video Simulation and Zoom), your translation is proofread by two other translators, proofer 1 and proofer 2. The proofers correct any objective mistakes that were made and give suggestions on ways to improve your translation. They also answer any questions that you have left in the notes. Your translation then is sent back to you with all of the corrections and suggestions made by the proofers. You will receive both the file proofread by proofer 1 and the file proofread by proofer 2. All of the changes and suggestions are marked with a green check and with a brief explanatory note. Your acceptance file is created using these files.

When the translator goes through the corrections made by the proofer and decides whether or not to accept them, the file created is called an Acceptance. The suggestions should be considered based on whether they are correct, consistent and useful.

Create the Acceptance file from the file on which the second proofer worked: Load your translation file in ORIG, the file from the first proof in TRANS1, and the file from the

second proof in TRANS2. Save the file opened in TRANS 2 (proof 2) by adding your initials to the file name. Use the Compare Files function in the TRANS2 Column Menu to find all of the changes that

were made to your translation. Compare TRANS2 (proof 2) with ORIG (your unproofed translation). All of the subtitle boxes with changes will be automatically marked with red checks. Go through the red checks using the Common > Go To > Reds function and make the necessary changes in TRANS2.

Green checks have been inserted by the proofers. They will show you which proofer made the change to a subtitle. If there is a green check in the TRANS1 column but not in the TRANS2 column that means that the first proofer changed something and the second proofer agreed. If there is a green check in both columns, then both of the proofers changed something. If there is a green check just in the TRANS2 column, only the second proofer made a correction.

After you have done a Compare Files, go to all of the green checks on the first proofer’s file, which is loaded in TRANS1. By doing this you can see all of the changes made by the first proofer that were not accepted by the second proofer, who will have reinserted your original translation.

If you need to see the English file, open another editor window and load the English file in it.

When you have finished your Acceptance, clear all of the red and green checks as well as the notes.

If you need to leave a message for Softitler® Staff, write a blue note and insert a red check. The Acceptance file shouldn't contain any green checks or blue notes left by the

proofreaders. If necessary, only red checks and blue notes for Softitler® Staff may be left in the file.

You have to do Spell Check and Syntax Check one more time to avoid sending the file to us with unnecessary mistakes. When several people work on the same file, typos and bad line divisions may be inserted unintentionally.

Save the file with the appropriate letter before doing each check. Zip and send only the Accepted file back to the Softitler® Scheduling Coordinator who sent

you the assignment. Use the message you received from the Scheduling Coordinator and make sure to REPLY TO ALL when sending back the file.


48

Quality Control - Red Checks

After you send the Acceptance file to Softitler®, our Quality Control Department goes through the file to make sure that the translation is up to our standards. If the QC Department finds any technical errors or if there are changes to the English file, they will send your translation back to you with red checks in the boxes that need to be fixed. There will be a blue note in each subtitle box explaining what needs to be changed.

When you receive the file, you can find all of the red checks using the Common > Go To > Reds function. When you resolve red checks, change the red checks to green checks. If you leave the translation as it was, leave a blue note with an explanation. Add your initials to the file name and send the file back to our Quality Control Department as soon as possible, having fixed all of the red checked boxes.

The translator is responsible for fixing any errors found by the Quality Control Department. The tariff paid to the translator includes all of the checks above (Spell Check, Syntax Check, Video Simulation, and Zoom) AND Red Checks.

If the translator is unavailable, the QC staff will contact one of the proofers. When this happens, the proofer is paid extra for making the changes. Translators and proofers will always be notified if, for some reason, red checks are considered Extra Assignments.


49

Chapter V - Proofreading

Every translation done for Softitler® is proofread by two proofers, except for rush and short files, which are proofed only once.

Proofreading is an invaluable part of the translating process and improves the quality of the translation. Proofreading is used to correct the few, inevitable, objective mistakes, which any translator can make. Proofreaders are not to correct the style of the translator, which is considered personal and is not subject to correction. Every translator has his/her own style.

Proofreading is intended to help the translator improve his/her translation. You should correct only objective errors. Before making any corrections, you should double-check your suggestions and changes. Remember that we are all professionals; try your best to improve the translations while respecting the work of your colleagues.

The responsibility of a proofreader is to go over the translation very carefully, paying particular attention to the translator’s notes and red boxes. Bear in mind that both translator and proofreader are accountable for any mistakes left uncorrected.

It is absolutely mandatory that you are in possession of the video file (ASF file) before starting the proofreading. You need to watch the video while reading through the translation. See the Proofreading Procedures below for more details.

You should be able to proofread approximately 200 subtitles an hour. If the process takes much longer than this because the translation is of poor quality, you must notify the Scheduling Coordinator that assigned you the file.


Proofreading Procedures

Errors to Be Corrected Incorrect translations (especially of puns or proverbs) Orthographic mistakes (misspellings, missing or misused accents, typos) Incorrect verb usage or tense Syntax mistakes Incorrect or missing punctuation Inconsistencies in the translation (names, expressions, ways of addressing, measurements,

addresses, etc.) Subtitles alarmed due to length (red lines) Subtitles alarmed due to wrong duration Bad line divisions within a box

Green Checks When you find a mistake, correct it in the

subtitle box, mark the box with a green check and write a brief explanatory note.

Use red checks to mark boxes where you have left a note, but you have not changed the text.


50

If you find a red check that indicates a blue note directed to Softitler® staff, do not uncheck the box nor delete the note.

Notes Describe the type of change you make in every box.

- For example, if you decide that the verb tense in a box is incorrect and change the verb from “had gone” to “went,” then write, “verb tense changed” in the note in that box.

- If you think the adjective should be changed from “heavy” to “bold,” then write, “suggestion for adjective” in the note.

- If you add a word or a sentence to a box, then write, “added word” or “added sentence” in the note.

Write all notes in English. Try to be as precise as possible. If there is a misinterpretation, you should precise what sort

of misinterpretation you are talking about. Always respect the translator’s work: never write rude comments about the translation. It is

better to write “suggestion for… because…” or “I think this is the right meaning because…” rather than “changed translation” in your note when you have put another option.

Remember that the person who did the translation always has the last word; she/he will choose between her/his option and the proofers options.

Proof 1

The first proofer must correct any errors that they find in the translation file. The first proofer should watch the movie with the translated subtitles on the video and in the zoom window to detect any translation mistakes. After that, she/he should read through the file and compare the translation with the English Master file.

Proof 1 Procedures Load the English Master file in the ORIG column and load the file that needs to be proofread

in both the TRANS1 and TRANS2 columns. Rename the file in TRANS1 by adding your assigned initials. Load the video file and click on TRANS1 > Show on Video. Watch the film with the translated subtitles and search for mistakes that might have been

made at the translation stage. When you find a mistake in the translation file, you should stop the movie, correct the mistake in the subtitle box and leave a green check and a brief explanatory note.

Once the videosimulation is completed, read trough the file to detect further typos, spelling and grammatical errors. When you find a mistake in the translation file, correct it in the subtitle box and leave a green check and a brief explanatory note.

When you find a box marked with a green check by the translator, try to help him to find a solution. If you do not find a better solution, leave the original translation as it is. Never remove the green check left by the translator.

Remember to save your file often (without changing the file name).

Final Checks When you have finished your proofreading, save your file again by adding a 9 to the file name

and run a Spell Check. After Spell Check, open the file with the 9 in UNSTools, save it by adding an X to the file

name. Make the necessary corrections in UNSTools and save the changes in the file saved with an X.

Proof 2


51

The second proofer should find fewer mistakes than the first. The second proofer should watch the movie with the translated subtitles on the video and in the zoom window to detect any translation mistakes. After that, she/he should read through the file and compare the translation with the English Master file.For every box that has been green-checked by proofer 1, you must decide whether proofer 1 or the translator is correct. If you do not agree with either, you can also make another suggestion or correction.Make all of your corrections on the file proofread by the first proofer.

Proof 2 Procedures Load the English Master file in the ORIG column, the translator’s file in the TRANS1 column

and the first proofer’s file in the TRANS2 column. Rename the TRANS2 file by adding your initials. Load the video file and click on TRANS1 > Show on Video. Watch the film with the translated subtitles and search for mistakes that might have been

made at the translation stage and not corrected by the first proofer. When you find a mistake in the file, you should stop the movie, correct the mistake in the subtitle box and leave a green check and a brief explanatory note.

Once the videosimulation is completed, read trough the file to detect further typos, spelling and grammatical errors. When you find a mistake in the translation file, correct it in the subtitle box and leave a green check and a brief explanatory note.

As you go through the file, pay attention to the preexisting green checks.- If you agree with the corrections made by the first proofer, delete the green check and

leave the note on the file saved with your initials.- If you think that the translator was initially correct, then reinsert the original

translation, leave the green check, and insert a note. - If you do not agree with either the first proofer or the translator, make your correction,

leave the green check and insert a note. Always write your notes in front of the notes left by the first proofer. The notes should be

separated by 2 slashes. (E.g.: Typo//verb tense) Never delete the notes left by the first proofer. Remember to save your file often (without changing the file name).

Final Checks When you have finished your proofreading, save your file again by adding a 9 to the file name

and run a Spell Check. After Spell Check, open the file with the 9 in UNSTools, save it by adding an X to the file

name. Make the necessary corrections in UNSTools and save the changes in the file saved with an X.


52

Chapter VI - Added Values

Translating an Added Value

Added Values are the bonus materials that are included on a DVD, such as Director’s Commentaries, featurettes, Making ofs, trailers, etc. Added Values are also called VAMS (Value Added Materials).

VAMS often contain clips from the feature film. Such clips (also called “Copy& Paste boxes”) are to be subtitled as well, but for consistency’s sake, you can’t translate those subtitles the way you want. You need to use the subtitles of the Acceptance file of the feature film. This way all of the subtitles on the DVD are consistent. In addition, all of the terms must be translated in the same way as they have been translated on the Acceptance file of the film.

You will receive the Acceptance file of the feature film from the Scheduling Coordinator who sends you the VAM assignment.Only in case the Added Values are translated before the Accepted file of a film is ready, you can translate the subtitles that are clips from the film. If you receive the Accepted file of the film prior to delivering your translation or Acceptance of the VAM, copy and paste the corresponding boxes into the Added Value.

In the English Master file all of the boxes that need to be copied from the Acceptance file are marked with a green check and a note indicating the box number of the film from which the text was copied. In example at the right, you would copy the text from box number 23 of the Accepted file of the feature and paste it into box 33 of the Added Value.

You may also find notes indicating that only the first or second line/sentence of a box was copied and pasted, and you must do the same in your file. If you see a note that says, “similar to box #…” that means that you have to translate the box in the English Master file so that it is similar to the box in the English file as indicated in the note.

Change Only change the text of a copied and pasted box if there is something objectively wrong. If

you find a huge mistake in the translation when copying and pasting a box, correct it and leave a red check and a note for our Quality Control Department.

If the text is alarmed due to length (red line), change the line division or shorten the text and leave a red check and a note for the QC Department.

You can change the final punctuation of a copied and pasted box if necessary. When copying and pasting text from a Rematch or Correlation file, change the punctuation

rules if necessary, in order to follow the Softitler® Language Rules.E.g. If a space is used after a speaker hyphen in the Rematch file and the Language Rules for your language do not require a space, remove it. In this case it is not necessary to add a green check and a blue note.

Titles that could fit on one line should be put on one line.

Leave If the box is alarmed due to duration, do not shorten the text.


53

Refer to the Glossary that was sent to you with the Softitler® Language Rules for your language. The Glossary contains terms that have been accepted by our clients.

Film TitlesFilm titles quoted in a VAM should be left in English and should not be translated, unless Softitler ®

provides you with the official title translation.Alternative:It's also possible to avoid inserting the film title in English and refer to it as "the film", "the book", "the song" etc. Of course you have to use your judgment because this is not always a good solution. We would recommend such a solution especially to those of you who use a different character set than English, as transliterating the title might be very difficult.


Final Checks

The final checks that have to be done at the end of a translation of an Added Value are the same as the final checks for any other translation: Prolong, Spell Check (also mandatory after proofreading), Syntax Check, Video Simulation, and Zoom.Each one of these checks corresponds to an initial, which is added to the file name before doing a check.


To do a Prolong, open your file in Eddie and click on TRANS1 or TRANS2 and select Prolong. Click on YES when asked if you want to prolong the duration of the subtitles. A confirmation message will appear listing all of the “fixed” (i.e. prolonged) and “not fixed” (i.e. not prolonged due to lack of space) subtitles.

Spell CheckSave your file by adding a 9 to the file name and run a Spell Check.

Syntax CheckOpen the file saved with the 9 in UNSTools and run a syntax check on your file. UNSTools will check the structure of your translation file. It will help you catch double spaces, missing punctuation, titles on two lines that could fit on one line, etc.When you have opened your translation file in UNSTools, save it by adding an X to the file name. Make all of your corrections in UNSTools and save the changes in the file saved with an X.

Video SimulationOpen the file saved with the X in the Subtitle Editor and resave it by adding a V to the file name. Load the video file and make sure to click on ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2 > Show on Video in the column where your translated file is. Watch the film with your own subtitles and search for mistakes that you may have made while translating the film. Make all of your corrections in the Subtitle Editor on the file that you previously saved with a V.


54

Doing a Video Simulation helps detect inconsistencies in the translation, wrong gender, misinterpretations, literal translations, etc. It will also improve the fluency of your translation. Often better solutions and expressions come to mind while you are doing a Video Simulation.

ZoomThe last check to be performed is a reading of your translation using the Zoom function in the Subtitle Editor. This function allows you to enlarge the view of the subtitles, and it helps detect typos, spelling and even grammatical errors.Open the file saved with the V in the Subtitle Editor and save it by adding a Z to the file name. Make all of your corrections in the Subtitle Editor and save the changes in the file saved with a Z.

Proofreading an Added Value

For proofreading an Added Value the same proofreading rules and procedures must be followed as for proofreading any translation, but be sure not to insert any changes in the copied and pasted boxes. If the Scheduling Coordinator provides you with the feature film file, double-check the copied and pasted boxes.

Software to be used Subtitle Editor (Eddie) Spell Check

Final ChecksWhen you have finished your proofreading, save your file again by adding a 9 to the file name and run a Spell Check.


55

Chapter VII – Rematch (for Universal and Warner ONLY)

A Rematch is a translation that is protected by copyright, provided to Softitler® by a client. The translation has rules which differ from normal Softitler® Language Rules, and may be based on an English file not prepared by Softitler®. As a result, there may be text in the translation file that is not in the Softitler® English file but is in the Audio. Also, some text from the Softitler® English file may not be in the translation file.

The text of a previously translated film is inserted into a blank UNS file that has the same time codes and number of boxes as our English file. The text of the translation is compressed and therefore it does not correspond to the text of the English Master file.

It is the Rematcher’s task to distribute the compressed text in order to match it with the English file completely. All the missing text should be added and extra or redundant text should be deleted. Such changes should not be marked with red, green or blue checks or blue notes.

All regular Softitler® rules regarding punctuation, line division, duration, speaker hyphens, italics and narratives, etc., should be followed.

Universal and Warner have less restrictive copyright policies than other clients. Text changes don’t need to be submitted to the client for approval. Therefore all the necessary changes can be made into the file without adding checks or notes.

Refer to the Rematch Procedures on the next page for file naming conventions and detailed instructions.

For some projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Consistency Sheet. This is a list of translations or rules that should be followed in order to maintain consistency within the file and with other files that belong to a series. Consistency sheets always take priority over the text in the original Rematch file. See also Chapter III – General Translation Rules – How to Create Consistency Sheets.

For some projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Rematch Report which includes instructions that are pertinent to this specific project. You must read the Rematch Report carefully before you begin working on the rematch. The instructions in the Rematch Report always take priority over the instructions outlined in this chapter.

A Rematch file can be recognized by the file name: After the initials of the working language the initials RD are added.

E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRM.UNS.


Number of files to be delivered to the Scheduling Coordinator: 1E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBB9xv.UNS

Note that you will be the only mother-tongue person working on the file. Rematches are not proofread.


56

Rematch Procedures (for Universal and Warner ONLY)

A Rematch for Universal and Warner requires the creation of one file. You should distribute the text of the translation throughout the file to correspond with the text in the English file and make all the necessary text corrections in order to match the English file completely.

Procedures Load the English file in ORIG. Load the Rematch file in TRANS1 and save it by adding your initials and the word ORIGINAL

to the end of the file name. E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBB.UNS

Redistribute the text in order to “match” it to the text of the English Master file.

To shift all text a few lines:- Use the F11 key to move the text up. Make sure the cursor is on

the line where you want the shifted text to be.- Use the F12 key to move the text down. Make sure the cursor is

at the beginning of the first line that needs to be shifted down.To shift part of a line:

- Use the Enter and Backspace keys. - It is also possible to select part of a line and drag and drop it to

the next subtitle.

Note that incorrect use of Enter and Backspace keys might lead to the accumulation of too much text in one subtitle. This might cause subtitle editors to crash and you might loose your work.

As far as the text division and formatting is concerned, you must follow the English file and the Softitler® Language Rules for your language.

You must make the necessary changes to the translation file in order to match the English file. You don’t have to add any checks or notes when making changes to the translation.

When matching the Rematch file to the English file, you can also make the following corrections without adding any checks or notes:

- Spelling errors and typos- Names that are misspelled- Grammatical mistakes- Punctuation - Quotes- Speaker hyphens- Incorrect numbers and measurements- Italic and narrative tags- Bad line divisions- Titles with two lines that could fit on one line- Boxes alarmed due to duration- Boxes alarmed due to length (red lines)


57

Rules to follow(for Universal and Warner ONLY)

Language Rules and Punctuation:When you are doing a Rematch, you often need to insert and delete punctuation, because you are shifting the text to different boxes. You must follow the Softitler® language rules when inserting or deleting punctuation.

Translation and style:Do not change the translation unless it is objectively wrong or different from the Softitler®

English file. If the translation of the whole file is not satisfactory, immediately inform the Scheduling Coordinator who sent you the assignment.If you need to change the translation in order to match the English file, you should do so without adding any checks or blue notes.

Missing text:All missing text (complete subtitles or part of a subtitle) must be added. You don’t need to add any checks or blue notes when adding missing text.

Extra text:All extra text should be deleted. This goes both for extra boxes of text that is not in the English file and audio and not important or repeated words such as “Eh…”, “Ha-ha!”, “Heeeeelp!” , “If… if… if…” etc.You don’t need to add any checks or blue notes when removing extra text.

Italics and Narratives:For the use of italics and narrative tags, follow the English file. If the translation of a green Burn In or a purple Principal Photography narrative is missing, you must add the translation, or copy the text from the English file if the translation is the same as in English. OUT should not be used. The QC department will remove the unnecessary narratives.

OUTOUT should not be used in Rematch files. All missing subtitles should be translated, even narratives that are the same as in English (or very similar).

Boxes alarmed due to duration:Shorten the text when a box is alarmed due to duration, following the regular duration standards for your language.

Boxes alarmed due to length (red lines)If the subtitle is alarmed due to length (red line), change the line division in order to remove the red line. If it isn’t possible to change the line division, you should shorten the text.


58

Final Checks

ProlongProlong should always be done on Rematch files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator tells you not to. This function automatically lengthens the duration of the alarmed subtitles if there is enough space between the subtitles. A notification message will appear, listing all the “fixed” subtitle boxes.

To do a Prolong, open your file in Eddie and click on TRANS1 or TRANS2 and select Prolong. Click on YES when asked if you want to prolong the duration of the subtitles. A confirmation message will appear listing all of the “fixed” (i.e. prolonged) and “not fixed” (i.e. not prolonged due to lack of space) subtitles.

Spell CheckResave your file open in TRANS2 by adding a 9 to the file name and run a Spell Check. It is not necessary to add green or red checks when you make a spelling correction.

E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBB9.UNS

Syntax CheckOpen your file in UNSTools, save it by adding an X to the file name and run a Syntax Check. It is not necessary to add a green/red check when you make a correction in UNSTools.

E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBB9x.UNS

Video SimulationOpen your file again in Eddie, save it by adding a V to the file name and run a Video Simulation with the subtitles of the file after Spell Check and Syntax Check.

E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBB9xv.UNS

ZoomResave the file with the V by adding a Z to the file name. Read through the file with the Zoom function.

E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBB9xvz.UNS

Important: Send the file back to the Scheduling Coordinator who sent you the Rematch assignment. Use the message you received from the Scheduling Coordinator and make sure to REPLY TO ALL when sending back the file.

Make sure that you follow the procedures given above. If you do not, the Scheduling Coordinator will have to request that you redo the file.

Rematch Summary (for Universal and Warner ONLY)

OUT OUT should not be used in Rematch files for Universal and Warner. All missing subtitles should be translated, even narratives that are the same as in English (or very similar).

Red Checks Red checks should not be used in Rematch files for Universal and Warner.

Green Checks Green checks should not be used in Rematch files for Universal and Warner.

Lang. Rules The Softitler® language rules must be followed.


59

Chapter VIII – Rematch (for all clients, except Universal and Warner)

A Rematch is a translation that is protected by copyright, provided to Softitler® by a client. The translation has rules which differ from normal Softitler® Language Rules, and may be based on an English file not prepared by Softitler®. As a result, there may be text in the translation file that is not in the Softitler® English file but is in the Audio. Also, some text from the Softitler® English file may not be in the translation file.

The text of a previously translated film is inserted into a blank UNS file that has the same time codes and number of boxes as our English file. The text of the translation is compressed and therefore it does not correspond to the text of the English Master file.

Since a Rematch file is protected by copyright, Softitler® is required to follow very strict procedures. In fact, major text changes need to be submitted to the client for approval. In order to quickly identify the boxes where the translator wants to change the translation, the Rematch procedure is split into two different phases, during which two different files are created:

In the first Rematch phase, the translator must move the text of the Rematch file so that it corresponds to the correct English text. At this stage, all necessary changes must be made to the text, except for translation mistakes and the addition of missing text.The use of punctuation, speaker hyphens and italics and narrative tags should be consistent throughout the whole file and should be conformed to Softitler® standards and rules where necessary.No red/green/blue checks and blue notes need to be inserted during Phase 1.

In the second Rematch phase, the translator should make the necessary changes to the translation and add the translation of missing subtitles. Red checks must be inserted when making such changes or corrections. Green checks must be inserted when not important subtitles are missing and left un-translated.



For some projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Rematch Report which includes instructions that are pertinent to this specific project. You must read the report carefully before you begin working on the rematch. The instructions in the report always take priority over the instructions outlined in this chapter.

A Rematch file can be recognized by the file name: After the initials of the working language the initials RM are added.

E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRM.UNS.


Number of files to be delivered to the Scheduling Coordinator: 2E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBBoriginal.UNS

WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBBwithchangesV9x.UNS


60


Rematch Procedures (for all clients, except Universal and Warner)

A Rematch requires the creation of two files. The first file is created in Phase 1 and consists of the distribution of text throughout the file to correspond with the text in the English file. The second file is created in Phase 2 and consists of making the necessary text corrections to the file created in Phase 1.

Phase 1 Load the English file in ORIG. Load the Rematch file in TRANS1 and save it by adding your initials and the word ORIGINAL

to the end of the file name. E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBBoriginal.UNS






the next subtitle.


During this phase, you can correct the following mistakes and make the necessary formatting changes. Be sure to always follow the English file and the Softitler® Language Rules for your language. You don’t have to add checks nor notes when making corrections during Phase 1:

- Spelling errors and typos- Names that are misspelled- Grammatical mistakes- Punctuation - Quotes- Speaker hyphens- Italic and narrative tags- Bad line divisions- Titles with two lines that could fit on one line- Boxes alarmed due to duration- Boxes alarmed due to length (red lines)

All of incorrect translations and missing text should be left untouched in this phase. When you detect a translation mistake (a translation that is objectively incorrect), insert a red check and DO NOT make any changes to the text. During Phase 2 (see below) a blue note should be added and the text change should be made.


61

Rules to follow during Phase 1


Do not change:- Translation and style: Never change the translation unless it is objectively wrong and

the translation is relevant to the film.- Measurements: Do not convert any measurements, even if they have been left in the

translation as imperial values.- Numbers: If in the RM file the numbers are approximately the same as in the English

Master file, leave them as they are unless the discrepancy can be considered a mistake.If a number is different in the Rematch file, make sure to always verify with the audio. When you change a number, leave a red check and a blue note for the QC Department.

E.g.:English file = It’s 25 cm long. / RM file = It’s 23 cm long. – Do not change!English file = He was born in 1960. / RM file = He was born in 1964. – Change + add blue note!

Missing text:No missing text should be added during Phase 1. If important text is missing, such as a complete scene or several subtitles in a row, you should add it during Phase 2 (see below).

- Complete subtitle missingIf a complete subtitle is missing, you must insert OUT by pressing the F9 key.

- One sentence/speaker missingIf there are two sentences/speakers in the English file and only one sentence/speaker in the Rematch file, you should not add the missing text, nor insert OUT.

Extra text:All extra text should be deleted. This goes both for extra boxes of text that is not in the English file and audio and not important or repeated words such as “Eh…”, “Ha-ha!”, “Heeeeelp!” , “If… if… if…” etc.

Exception! Subtitles containing credits from other subtitling companies should not be deleted. Add a box and insert the credits and insert a green Burn-In narrative tag. The QC Department will check the timing.

Italics and Narratives:For the use of italics and narrative tags, follow the English file. If the translation of a narrative is missing, you must insert OUT by pressing the F9 key. If necessary, you can add the missing translation during Phase 2.



Remember to save your file often without changing the file name.


62

Phase 2 After completing Phase 1, load the same file (i.e. saved with your initials and the word

ORIGINAL) in TRANS2, so that you have the same file opened in both columns. Save the file in TRANS2 by removing the word ORIGINAL from the file name and by adding

the words WITH CHANGES and a V (for Video Simulation).E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBBwithchangesV.UNS

This way you will have two files opened in your language. The content is identical, only the file name is different. Make sure to make all further changes only in the file opened in TRANS2. The file opened in TRANS1 should not be changed any more, it is to be used as a reference only.

Run a Video Simulation with the subtitles of TRANS2 and proofread the file. When you detect an objective translation error, correct it in the file opened in TRANS2. Do

not make any changes to the text in TRANS1. Insert a red check and an explanatory note in English in TRANS2 to indicate the correction.

Pay careful attention to the boxes where text is missing. At this point you need to decide whether the missing text is important or not.

- Important missing textIf a complete scene or several important subtitles are missing in a row, translate the missing subtitles, mark each box with a red check, and insert a blue note "Added missing text".

- Unimportant missing textIf the translation of lines like “Hey, how are you?” or “Yeah, I do.” are missing, leave the OUT in the TRANS2 files, mark the box with a green check and insert a blue note “Missing text not important”.


63

Prolong should always be done on Rematch files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator tells you not to. This function automatically lengthens the duration of the alarmed subtitles if there is enough space between the subtitles. A notification message will appear, listing all the “fixed” subtitle boxes. To do a Prolong, open your file in Eddie and click on TRANS1 or TRANS2 and select Prolong. Click on YES when asked if you want to prolong the duration of the subtitles. A confirmation message will appear listing all of the “fixed” (i.e. prolonged) and “not fixed” (i.e. not prolonged due to lack of space) subtitles.

Resave your file open in TRANS2 by adding a 9 to the file name and run a Spell Check. It is not necessary to add green or red checks when you make a spelling correction.

E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBBwithchangesV9.UNS Open your file in UNSTools, save it by adding an X to the file name and run a Syntax Check.

It is not necessary to add a green/red check when you make a correction in UNSTools. E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBBwithchangesV9x.UNS

Important: Send both of the files back to the Scheduling Coordinator who sent you the Rematch assignment. Use the message you received from the Scheduling Coordinator and make sure to REPLY TO ALL when sending back the file.

We must receive both files from you so that we can check what has been changed in the file and create a report for the client. Remember that this translation is protected by copyright, so the client must be informed if and why any changes have been made.


Rematch Summary (for all clients, except Universal and Warner)

OUT Phase 1 To be inserted when the text of an entire subtitle is missingPhase 2 - OUT should be left if the missing text is not important.

- OUT should be removed and translation added if the missing text is important.

Red Checks Phase 1 No need to insert red checksPhase 2 Red checks should be inserted only when a translation mistake is

corrected or when missing translation is added.

Green Checks Phase 1 No need to insert green checksPhase 2 Green checks should be inserted only when OUT is left because the

missing text is not important.



64

Chapter IX – Rematch from Dubbed Script(for all clients, except Universal and Warner)

A Rematch from Dubbed Script is a printout of a dubbed version of a movie. The translation is protected by copyright and since it is a printout of spoken dialogue, the regular subtitle standards are not likely to be followed. One of the characteristics of a Rematch from Dubbed Script is that the file contains a lot of text that is not in the Softitler® English file and the translated sentences are considerably longer.

The printout of the dubbed version of the film contains a lot of redundant information and text that need to be removed from the file. As a first step, the text file is roughly cleaned by the Softitler® staff and inserted into a blank UNS file that has the same time codes and number of boxes as our English file. The text of the translation is compressed and therefore the text does not correspond to the text of the English Master file. It is the Rematcher’s task to take out the redundant text and shorten the translation where necessary in order to match the English file.


The copyright rules for a Rematch from Dubbed Script are less restrictive. Text changes don’t need to be submitted to the client for approval. Therefore all the necessary changes can be made into the same file.



For some projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Rematch Report which includes instructions that are pertinent to this specific project. You must read the Rematch Report carefully before you begin working on the rematch. The instructions in the Rematch Report always take priority over the instructions outlined in this chapter.

A Rematch from Dubbed Typing file can be recognized by the file name: After the initials of the working language the initials RD are added.

E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRD.UNS.


Number of files to be delivered to the Scheduling Coordinator: 1E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRDBB9xv.UNS



65

Rematch from Dubbed Script Procedures(for all clients, except for Universal and Warner)

A Rematch from Dubbed Script requires the creation of one file. You should distribute the text of the translation throughout the file to correspond with the text in the English file and make all the necessary text corrections in order to match the English file.

Procedures Load the English file in ORIG. Load the Rematch file in TRANS1 and save it by adding your initials and the word ORIGINAL

to the end of the file name. E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRDBB.UNS






the next subtitle.


As far as the text division and formatting is concerned, you must follow the English file and the Softitler® Language Rules for your language.

You can make the necessary changes to the translation file in order to match the English file. For dubbed movies different rules are followed, so in some cases the translation might be slightly or completely different from the English file. Since the audience will watch the movie with the English audio, you must change the translation in order to match the Softitler®

English file. You don’t have to add any checks or notes when making changes to the translation.

You should also make the following corrections without adding any checks or notes:- Spelling errors and typos- Names that are misspelled- Grammatical mistakes- Punctuation - Quotes- Speaker hyphens- Italic and narrative tags- Bad line divisions- Titles with two lines that could fit on one line- Boxes alarmed due to duration- Boxes alarmed due to length (red lines)


66

Rules to follow(for all clients, except Universal and Warner)


Do not change:- Translation and style: Never change the translation unless it is objectively wrong or

different from the Softitler® English file.- Measurements: Do not convert any measurements, even if they have been left in the

translation as imperial values.- Numbers: If in the RM file the numbers are approximately the same as in the English

Master file, leave them as they are unless the discrepancy can be considered a mistake.If a number is different in the Rematch file, make sure to always verify with the audio. When you change a number, leave a red check and a blue note for the QC Department.


Missing text:- Important missing text

If a complete scene or several important subtitles are missing in a row, translate the missing subtitles, mark each box with a red check, and insert a blue note "Added missing text".

- Unimportant missing textIf the translation of lines like “Hey, how are you?” or “Yeah, I do.” are missing, you must insert OUT by pressing the F9 key, mark the box with a green check and insert a blue note “Missing text not important”.


67

Extra text:All extra text should be deleted. This goes both for extra boxes of text that is not in the English file and audio and not important or repeated words such as “Eh…”, “Ha-ha!”, “Heeeeelp!” , “If… if… if…” etc.You don’t need to add any checks or blue notes when removing extra text.


Italics and Narratives:For the use of italics and narrative tags, follow the English file. If the translation of a narrative is missing, you must add the translation, mark the box with a red check and insert a blue note “Added missing narrative”.



Final Checks

ProlongThis function automatically lengthens the duration of the alarmed subtitles if there is enough space between the subtitles. A notification message will appear, listing all the “fixed” subtitle boxes. Prolong should always be done on Dubbed Script files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator tells you not to. To do a Prolong, open your file in Eddie and click on TRANS1 or TRANS2 and select Prolong. Click on YES when asked if you want to prolong the duration of the subtitles. A confirmation message will appear listing all of the “fixed” (i.e. prolonged) and “not fixed” (i.e. not prolonged due to lack of space) subtitles.


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRDBB9.UNS


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRDBB9x.UNS


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRDBB9xv.UNS


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRDBB9xvz.UNS


68

Important: Send the file back to the Scheduling Coordinator who sent you the Rematch assignment. Use the message you received from the Scheduling Coordinator and make sure to REPLY TO ALL when sending back the file.


Rematch from Dubbed Script Summary (for all clients, except Universal and Warner)

OUT To be inserted when the text of an entire subtitle is missing in case the missing text is not important.

Red Checks Red checks should be inserted only when a translation mistake is corrected or when missing translation is added.

Green Checks Green checks should be inserted only when OUT is left because the missing text is not important.



69

Chapter X – Typing from a Dubbed Video (for Universal and Warner ONLY)

Typing from a Dubbed Version is required when a translation of a dubbed version of a film is to be typed into a blank UNS file by a mother-tongue translator.

When working on a Typing from Dubbed Video, all of the words that you hear in the audio of the dubbed version should be typed into the empty UNS file. While typing you must make sure that the text lines up with the corresponding text in the English Master file and follow the rules outlined below.

A dubbed version of a film might contain more text than the Softitler® English file and the spoken sentences might also be a lot longer. It is the translator’s task to make sure that all redundant text is removed and to shorten or change the translation where necessary in order to match the English file.

Dubbed files don’t necessarily follow the regular subtitling rules because they are audio files that need to respect different parameters. Therefore the translation might be different from what you can hear in the English audio. Since the viewer will watch the subtitles on the DVD with the English audio, you should change the translation and translate what is said in the English audio/English file.


For some projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Consistency Sheet. This is a list of translations or rules that should be followed in order to maintain consistency within the file and with other files that belong to a series. Consistency sheets always take priority over what you can hear on the dubbed video. See also Chapter III – General Translation Rules – How to Create Consistency Sheets.

For some projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Dubbed Video Report which includes instructions that are pertinent to this specific project. You must read the report carefully before you begin working on the file. The instructions in the report always take priority over the instructions outlined in this chapter.

You are provided with the following working materials: The video file with the dubbed version of the film (to be downloaded from SOL). The video file with the film in English (to be downloaded from SOL). The English Master UNS file (sent by email by the Scheduling Coordinator). An empty UNS file with your language’s initials that has the same structure and timing as the

English file (sent by email by the Scheduling Coordinator).

Software to be used Softitler®’s Subtitle Editor Eddie Spell Check UNSTools

Number of files to be delivered to the Scheduling Coordinator: 1E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9xvz.UNS

Note that two mother-tongue translators work on each Dubbed Typing assignment, a Translator and a Proofer.


70

Rules to follow

Language Rules and Punctuation:You must follow the Softitler® language rules.

Translation:You should shorten and change the translation where necessary in order to match the English file. You don’t need to add any checks or blue notes when changing the translation.


Extra text:Extra text should be deleted. This goes both for extra boxes of text that is not in the English file (a few subtitles or complete scenes) and not important or repeated words such as “Eh…”, “Ha-ha!”, “Heeeeelp!” , “If… if… if…” etc.You don’t need to add any checks or blue notes when removing extra text.

Italics and Narratives:For the use of italics and narrative tags, follow the English file. If the translation of a green Burn In or a purple Principal Photography narrative is missing, you must add the translation, or copy the text from the English file if the translation is the same as in English. OUT should not be used. You don’t need to add any checks or blue notes when translating missing narratives. The QC department will remove the unnecessary narratives.

OUTOUT should not be used in Typing from a Dubbed Video files. All missing subtitles should be translated, even narratives that are the same as in English (or very similar).


Dubbed Typing: Procedures

Load the English subtitle file in ORIG, and load the blank UNS file in TRANS1. Rename the file by adding your initials.

E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB.UNS Load the video with the dubbed version of the film.

The dubbed version doesn’t have an incorporated sync file. You should click on Cancel when you are asked to load the sync file.

Note: Because there is no sync file to load, you cannot work with some of the video functions, such as choosing the subtitle to which you would like to go. The timing may also be different from the English file.

Press Play on the video window and listen to a section of the audio. Type what you hear into the file. Type the text so that it corresponds to the boxes in the English Master file.

If you need to go backwards or forwards in the video, you can use the +/- 1 second button. We suggest typing the audio in short segments so that you can easily go backwards and forwards with the 1 second button.

When you have filled out all of the boxes while following the rules outlined above, you should complete all of the Final Checks before sending your file back to the Scheduling Coordinator.


71

Dubbed Typing: Final Checks

ProlongThis function automatically lengthens the duration of the alarmed subtitles if there is enough space between the subtitles. A notification message will appear, listing all the “fixed” subtitle boxes. Prolong should always be done on Dubbed Typing files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator tells you not to. To do a Prolong, open your file in Eddie and click on TRANS1 or TRANS2 and select Prolong. Click on YES when asked if you want to prolong the duration of the subtitles. A confirmation message will appear listing all of the “fixed” (i.e. prolonged) and “not fixed” (i.e. not prolonged due to lack of space) subtitles.


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9.UNS


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9x.UNS


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9xv.UNS


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9xvz.UNS

Dubbed Typing Proofreading: Procedures

Load the English Master file in ORIG, and load the Dubbed Typing file in TRANS1. Save the file by adding your initials.

E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9xvzBA.UNS You should use the video with the English audio during the proofreading. The video with the

audio in your language should be used as a reference only. Follow the regular proofreading procedures. If you find a mistake, correct the text and

indicate the correction with a green check and a blue note. Resave your file by adding a 9 and run a Spell Check.

Dubbed Typing Acceptance: Procedures

Load the English file in ORIG, your Dubbed Typing file in TRANS1 and the proofed file in TRANS2.

Save the file in TRANS2 by adding your initials prior to making any changes to the file.E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9xvzBA9BB.UNS

Resave the file in TRANS2 by adding a 9 and run a Spell Check.


72

Typing from Dubbed Video Summary (for Universal and Warner ONLY)

OUT OUT should not be used in Typing from a Dubbed Video files for Universal and Warner. All missing subtitles should be translated, even narratives that are the same as in English (or very similar).

Red Checks Red checks should not be used in Typing from a Dubbed Video files for Universal and Warner.

Green Checks Green checks should not be used in Typing from a Dubbed Video files for Universal and Warner.

Lang. Rules Softitler® language rules must be followed.


73

Chapter XI – Typing from a Dubbed Video (for all clients, except Universal and Warner)

Typing from a Dubbed Version is required when a translation of a dubbed version of a film is to be typed into a blank UNS file by a mother-tongue translator.

When working on a Typing from Dubbed Video, all of the words that you hear in the audio of the dubbed version should be typed into the empty UNS file. While typing you must make sure that the text lines up with the corresponding text in the English Master file and follow the rules outlined below.

A dubbed version of a film might contain more text than the Softitler® English file and the spoken sentences might also be a lot longer. It is the translator’s task to make sure that all redundant text is removed and to shorten or change the translation where necessary in order to match the English file.

Dubbed files don’t necessarily follow the regular subtitling rules because they are audio files that need to respect different parameters. Therefore the translation might be different from what you can hear in the English audio. Since the viewer will watch the subtitles on the DVD with the English audio, you should change the translation and translate what is said in the English audio/English file.


For some projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Consistency Sheet. This is a list of translations or rules that should be followed in order to maintain consistency within the file and with other files that belong to a series. Consistency sheets always take priority over what you can hear on the dubbed video. See also Chapter III – General Translation Rules – How to Create Consistency Sheets.

For some projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Dubbed Video Report which includes instructions that are pertinent to this specific project. You must read the report carefully before you begin working on the file. The instructions in the report always take priority over the instructions outlined in this chapter.

You are provided with the following working materials: The video file with the dubbed version of the film (to be downloaded from SOL). The video file with the film in English (to be downloaded from SOL). The English Master UNS file (sent by email by the Scheduling Coordinator). An empty UNS file with your language’s initials that has the same structure and timing as the



Number of files to be delivered to the Scheduling Coordinator: 1E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9xvz.UNS

Note that two mother-tongue translators work on each Dubbed Typing assignment, a Translator and a Proofer.


74

Rules to follow


TranslationYou should shorten and change the translation where necessary in order to match the English file. You don’t need to add any checks or blue notes when changing the translation.







75



76

Dubbed Typing: Procedures


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB.UNS Load the video with the dubbed version of the film.

The dubbed version doesn’t have an incorporated sync file. You should click on Cancel when you are asked to load the sync file.


Press Play on the video window and listen to a section of the audio. Type what you hear into the file. Type the text so that it corresponds to the boxes in the English Master file.

If you need to go backwards or forwards in the video, you can use the +/- 1 second button. We suggest typing the audio in short segments so that you can easily go backwards and forwards with the 1 second button.


Dubbed Typing: Final Checks

ProlongThis function automatically lengthens the duration of the alarmed subtitles if there is enough space between the subtitles. A notification message will appear, listing all the “fixed” subtitle boxes. Prolong should always be done on Dubbed Typing files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator tells you not to. To do a Prolong, open your file in Eddie and click on TRANS1 or TRANS2 and select Prolong. Click on YES when asked if you want to prolong the duration of the subtitles. A confirmation message will appear listing all of the “fixed” (i.e. prolonged) and “not fixed” (i.e. not prolonged due to lack of space) subtitles.


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9.UNS


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9x.UNS


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9xv.UNS


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9xvz.UNS


77

Dubbed Typing Proofreading: Procedures

Load the English Master file in ORIG, and load the Dubbed Typing file in TRANS1. Save the file by adding your initials.

E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9xvzBA.UNS You should use the video with the English audio during the proofreading. The video with the

audio in your language should be used as a reference only. Follow the regular proofreading procedures. If you find a mistake, correct the text and

indicate the correction with a green check and a blue note. Do not remove any of the checks and notes inserted by the translator when missing

text was added. Resave your file by adding a 9 and run a Spell Check.

Dubbed Typing Acceptance: Procedures

Load the English file in ORIG, your Dubbed Typing file in TRANS1 and the proofed file in TRANS2.

Save the file in TRANS2 by adding your initials prior to making any changes to the file.E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9xvzBA9BB.UNS

Do not remove any of the checks and notes for missing text during the Acceptance phase. Resave the file in TRANS2 by adding a 9 and run a Spell Check.

Typing from Dubbed Video Summary (for all clients, except Universal and Warner)


Red Checks TRANSLATION: Red checks should be inserted when missing text is added. They should not be removed during the Proof or Acceptance phase.

Green Checks TRANSLATION: Green checks should be inserted only when OUT is left because the missing text is not important.PROOF: Green checks should be added when translation mistakes are corrected. Green checks inserted by the translator (for OUT) should not be removed by the proofer.

Lang. Rules Softitler® language rules must be followed.


78

Chapter XII – CD Typing (for Universal and Warner ONLY)

A CD Typing is performed when you receive a video file (CD) with English audio and translated burn-in subtitles on the video. You must type the text of the subtitles on the video screen into a blank UNS file that has the same structure as the English Master file.

A CD Typing requires the creation of one final file. You must type the text as it is written on the video into the UNS file, making sure to divide the text in the boxes so that it corresponds to our English Master file. If necessary, you can make additional text changes to match the translated file to the English file.


The copyright rules for a CD Typing are less restrictive, because text changes don’t need to be submitted to the client for approval. Therefore all the necessary changes can be made into the same file.

For some projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Consistency Sheet. This is a list of translations or rules that should be followed in order to maintain consistency within the file and with other files that belong to a series. Consistency sheets always take priority over what you see on the burn-in subtitles. See also Chapter III – General Translation Rules – How to Create Consistency Sheets.

For some special projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a CD Typing Report which includes instructions that are pertinent to this specific project. You must read the report carefully before you begin working on the file. The instructions in the report always take priority over the instructions outlined in this chapter.

You are provided with the following working materials: The video file with English audio and translated burn-in subtitles (to be downloaded from

SOL). The video file with English audio without burn-in subtitles (to be downloaded from SOL). The English Master UNS file (sent by email by the Scheduling Coordinator). An empty UNS file with your language’s initials that has the same structure and timing as the



Number of files to be delivered to the Scheduling Coordinator: 1E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNCTBB9xvz.UNS

Note that you will be the only mother-tongue person working on the file. A CD Typing is not proofread.


79

Rules to follow






OUTOUT should not be used in CD Typing files. All missing subtitles should be translated, even narratives that are the same as in English (or very similar).

Boxes alarmed due to duration:Shorten the text when a box becomes alarmed due to duration, following the regular duration standards for your language. You don’t need to add any checks or blue notes when shortening text.

Boxes alarmed due to length (red lines):If the subtitle becomes alarmed due to length (red line), change the line division in order to remove the red line. If it isn’t possible to change the line division, you should shorten the text. You don’t need to add any checks or blue notes when shortening text.

CD Typing: Procedures


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNCTBB.UNS Load the video with the burn-in subtitles.

The video with burn-in subtitles doesn’t have an incorporated sync file. You should click on Cancel when you are asked to load the sync file.


Press Play on the video window and watch a section of the movie. Type the burn-in subtitles into the blank UNS file. Divide the text and make the necessary adjustments so that it corresponds to the boxes in the English Master file. Make sure to follow the rules outlined above when typing the text.

If you need to go backwards or forwards in the video, you can use the +/- 1 second button.


80


CD Typing: Final Checks

ProlongThis function automatically lengthens the duration of the alarmed subtitles if there is enough space between the subtitles. A notification message will appear, listing all the “fixed” subtitle boxes. Prolong should always be done on CD Typing files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator tells you not to. To do a Prolong, open your file in Eddie and click on TRANS1 or TRANS2 and select Prolong. Click on YES when asked if you want to prolong the duration of the subtitles. A confirmation message will appear listing all of the “fixed” (i.e. prolonged) and “not fixed” (i.e. not prolonged due to lack of space) subtitles.


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNCTBB9.UNS


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNCTBB9x.UNS

Video SimulationOpen your file again in Eddie, save it by adding a V to the file name and run a Video Simulation using the video without burn-in subtitles and the subtitles of the file after Spell Check and Syntax Check.

E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNCTBB9xv.UNS


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNCTBB9xvz.UNS

Important: Send the file back to the Scheduling Coordinator who sent you the CD Typing assignment. Use the message you received from the Scheduling Coordinator and make sure to REPLY TO ALL when sending it back.


CD Typing Summary (for Universal and Warner ONLY)

OUT OUT should not be used in CD Typing files for Universal and Warner. All missing subtitles should be translated, even narratives that are the same as in English (or very similar).

Red Checks Red checks should not be used in CD Typing files for Universal and Warner.

Green Checks Green checks should not be used in CD Typing files for Universal and Warner.



81

Chapter XIII – CD Typing (for all clients, except Universal and Warner)

A CD Typing is performed when you receive a video file (CD) with English audio and translated burn-in subtitles on the video. You must type the text of the subtitles on the video screen into a blank UNS file that has the same structure as the English Master file.

A CD Typing requires the creation of one final file. You must type the text as it is written on the video into the UNS file, making sure to divide the text in the boxes so that it corresponds to our English Master file.


The copyright rules for a CD Typing are less restrictive, because text changes don’t need to be submitted to the client for approval. Therefore all the necessary changes can be made into the same file.

For some projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Consistency Sheet. This is a list of translations or rules that should be followed in order to maintain consistency within the file and with other files that belong to a series. Consistency sheets always take priority over what you see on the burn-in subtitles. See also Chapter III – General Translation Rules – How to Create Consistency Sheets.

For some special projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a CD Typing Report which includes instructions that are pertinent to this specific project. You must read the report carefully before you begin working on the file. The instructions in the report always take priority over the instructions outlined in this chapter.

You are provided with the following working materials: The video file with English audio and translated burn-in subtitles (to be downloaded from

SOL). The video file with English audio without burn-in subtitles (to be downloaded from SOL). The English Master UNS file (sent by email by the Scheduling Coordinator). An empty UNS file with your language’s initials that has the same structure and timing as the



Number of files to be delivered to the Scheduling Coordinator: 1E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNCTBB9xvz.UNS

Note that you will be the only mother-tongue person working on the file. A CD Typing is not proofread.


82

Rules to follow






Extra text:All extra text should be deleted. This goes both for extra boxes of text that is not in the English file (a few subtitles or complete scenes) and not important or repeated words such as “Eh…”, “Ha-ha!”, “Heeeeelp!” , “If… if… if…” etc.You don’t need to add any checks or blue notes when removing extra text.



Boxes alarmed due to duration:Shorten the text when a box is alarmed due to duration, following the regular duration standards for your language. You don’t need to add any checks or blue notes when shortening text.

Boxes alarmed due to length (red lines):


83

If the subtitle is alarmed due to length (red line), change the line division in order to remove the red line. If it isn’t possible to change the line division, you should shorten the text. You don’t need to add any checks or blue notes when shortening text.

CD Typing: Procedures


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNCTBB.UNS Load the video with the burn-in subtitles.

The video with burn-in subtitles doesn’t have an incorporated sync file. You should click on Cancel when you are asked to load the sync file.


Press Play on the video window and watch a section of the movie. Type the burn-in subtitles into the blank UNS file. Divide the text and make the necessary adjustments so that it corresponds to the boxes in the English Master file. Make sure to follow the rules outlined above when typing the text.

If you need to go backwards or forwards in the video, you can use the +/- 1 second button. When you have filled out all of the boxes while following the rules outlined above, you should

complete all of the Final Checks before sending your file back to the Scheduling Coordinator.

CD Typing: Final Checks

ProlongThis function automatically lengthens the duration of the alarmed subtitles if there is enough space between the subtitles. A notification message will appear, listing all the “fixed” subtitle boxes. Prolong should always be done on CD Typing files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator tells you not to. To do a Prolong, open your file in Eddie and click on TRANS1 or TRANS2 and select Prolong. Click on YES when asked if you want to prolong the duration of the subtitles. A confirmation message will appear listing all of the “fixed” (i.e. prolonged) and “not fixed” (i.e. not prolonged due to lack of space) subtitles.


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNCTBB9.UNS


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNCTBB9x.UNS

Video SimulationOpen your file again in Eddie, save it by adding a V to the file name and run a Video Simulation using the video without burn-in subtitles and the subtitles of the file after Spell Check and Syntax Check.

E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNCTBB9xv.UNS



84

E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNCTBB9xvz.UNS

Important: Send the file back to the Scheduling Coordinator who sent you the CD Typing assignment. Use the message you received from the Scheduling Coordinator and make sure to REPLY TO ALL when sending it back.


CD Typing Summary (for all clients, except Universal and Warner)






85

Chapter XIV – Script Typing(for Universal and Warner ONLY)

A Script Typing is performed when you receive a script (electronic or hard copy) that contains the dialogue of the film. You must type the dialogue from the script into a blank UNS file that has the same structure and timing of the English Master file.

A Script Typing requires the creation of one final file. You must type the text as it is written in the script into the UNS file, making sure to divide the text in the boxes so that it corresponds to the English Master file.


The copyright rules for a Script Typing are less restrictive, because text changes don’t need to be submitted to the client for approval. Therefore all the necessary changes can be made into the same file.

For some projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Consistency Sheet. This is a list of translations or rules that should be followed in order to maintain consistency within the file and with other files that belong to a series. Consistency sheets always take priority over what you read in the script. See also Chapter III – General Translation Rules – How to Create Consistency Sheets.

For some special projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Script Typing Report which includes instructions that are pertinent to this specific project. You must read the report carefully before you begin working on the file. The instructions in the report always take priority over the instructions outlined in this chapter.

You are provided with the following working materials: The video file with English audio (to be downloaded from SOL). The electronic or hard copy of the script of the film The English Master UNS file. An empty UNS file with your language’s initials that has the same structure and timing as the

English file.


Number of files to be delivered to the Scheduling Coordinator: 1E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNSTBB9xvz.UNS

Note that you will be the only mother-tongue person working on the file. A Script Typing is not proofread.


86

Rules to follow


TranslationWhen you type the text from the script into the blank UNS file, you should shorten and change the translation where necessary in order to match the English file. You don’t need to add any checks or blue notes when changing the translation.




OUTOUT should not be used in Script Typing files. All missing subtitles should be translated, even narratives that are the same as in English (or very similar).

Boxes alarmed due to duration:Shorten the text when a box becomes alarmed due to duration, following the regular duration standards for your language. You don’t need to add any checks or blue notes when shortening text.


Script Typing: Procedures


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNSTBB.UNS Type all of the text from the script into the blank UNS file. Make sure to follow the rules

outlined above. When you have filled out all of the boxes, you should complete all of the Final Checks before

sending your file back to the Scheduling Coordinator.

Script Typing: Final Checks


87

ProlongThis function automatically lengthens the duration of the alarmed subtitles if there is enough space between the subtitles. A notification message will appear, listing all the “fixed” subtitle boxes. Prolong should always be done on Script Typing files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator tells you not to. To do a Prolong, open your file in Eddie and click on TRANS1 or TRANS2 and select Prolong. Click on YES when asked if you want to prolong the duration of the subtitles. A confirmation message will appear listing all of the “fixed” (i.e. prolonged) and “not fixed” (i.e. not prolonged due to lack of space) subtitles.


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNSTBB9.UNS


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNSTBB9x.UNS


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNSTBB9xv.UNS


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNSTBB9xvz.UNS

Important: Send the file back to the Scheduling Coordinator who sent you the Script Typing assignment. Use the message you received from the Scheduling Coordinator and make sure to REPLY TO ALL when sending it back.


Script Typing Summary (for Universal and Warner ONLY)

OUT OUT should not be used in Script Typing files for Universal and Warner. All missing subtitles should be translated, even narratives that are the same as in English (or very similar).

Red Checks Red checks should not be used in Script Typing files for Universal and Warner.

Green Checks Green checks should not be used in Script Typing files for Universal and Warner.



88

Chapter XV – Script Typing(for all clients, except Universal and Warner)

A Script Typing is performed when you receive a script (electronic or hard copy) that contains the dialogue of the film. You must type the dialogue from the script into a blank UNS file that has the same structure and timing of the English Master file.

A Script Typing requires the creation of one final file. You must type the text as it is written in the script into the UNS file, making sure to divide the text in the boxes so that it corresponds to the English Master file.


The copyright rules for a Script Typing are less restrictive, because text changes don’t need to be submitted to the client for approval. Therefore all the necessary changes can be made into the same file.

For some projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Consistency Sheet. This is a list of translations or rules that should be followed in order to maintain consistency within the file and with other files that belong to a series. Consistency sheets always take priority over what you read in the script. See also Chapter III – General Translation Rules – How to Create Consistency Sheets.

For some special projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Script Typing Report which includes instructions that are pertinent to this specific project. You must read the report carefully before you begin working on the file. The instructions in the report always take priority over the instructions outlined in this chapter.

You are provided with the following working materials: The video file with English audio (to be downloaded from SOL). The electronic or hard copy of the script of the film The English Master UNS file. An empty UNS file with your language’s initials that has the same structure and timing as the

English file.


Number of files to be delivered to the Scheduling Coordinator: 1E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNSTBB9xvz.UNS

Note that you will be the only mother-tongue person working on the file. A Script Typing is not proofread.


89

Rules to follow


TranslationWhen you type the text from the script into the blank UNS file, you should shorten and change the translation where necessary in order to match the English file. You don’t need to add any checks or blue notes when changing the translation.






Boxes alarmed due to duration:


90

Shorten the text when a box becomes alarmed due to duration, following the regular duration standards for your language. You don’t need to add any checks or blue notes when shortening text.



91

Script Typing: Procedures


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNSTBB.UNS Type all of the text from the script into the blank UNS file. Make sure to follow the rules

outlined above. When you have filled out all of the boxes, you should complete all of the Final Checks before

sending your file back to the Scheduling Coordinator.

Script Typing: Final Checks

ProlongThis function automatically lengthens the duration of the alarmed subtitles if there is enough space between the subtitles. A notification message will appear, listing all the “fixed” subtitle boxes. Prolong should always be done on Script Typing files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator tells you not to. To do a Prolong, open your file in Eddie and click on TRANS1 or TRANS2 and select Prolong. Click on YES when asked if you want to prolong the duration of the subtitles. A confirmation message will appear listing all of the “fixed” (i.e. prolonged) and “not fixed” (i.e. not prolonged due to lack of space) subtitles.


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNSTBB9.UNS


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNSTBB9x.UNS


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNSTBB9xv.UNS


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNSTBB9xvz.UNS

Important: Send the file back to the Scheduling Coordinator who sent you the Script Typing assignment. Use the message you received from the Scheduling Coordinator and make sure to REPLY TO ALL when sending it back.



92

Script Typing Summary (for all clients, except Universal and Warner)






93

Chapter XVI – Remastering(for Universal and Warner ONLY)

A Remastering is a movie that has already been delivered to the client in the past, but that needs to be redone because the client has sent a new tape with a different version of the same film. Such re-edits might be requested for the home video circuit or in-flight airing. To accommodate the different audiences, some text or scenes might have been changed or deleted.

You need to adjust the translation of the first version of the movie to reflect the changes in the new English file, translate all missing subtitles and delete all extra text. Do not change the rest of the text, unless you detect serious translation mistakes.

For some projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Consistency Sheet. This is a list of translations or rules that should be followed in order to maintain consistency within the file and with other files that belong to a series. Consistency sheets always take priority over the text in the original Remastering file. See also Chapter III – General Translation Rules – How to Create Consistency Sheets.


Number of files to be delivered to the Scheduling Coordinator: 1E.g. WE_6705Barry_ITNRSAA9xv.UNS

Note that you will be the only mother-tongue person working on the file. Remasterings are not proofread.

Procedures

Load the English file in the ORIG column. Load your language’s file in the TRANS1 column and save it by adding your initials to the end

of the file name. Proofread the translation file, paying close attention to the English file. Several changes might

have been made to the English file and the translation needs to be adjusted accordingly. Make sure that the new translation file exactly matches the English file. If not, redistribute the

text in order to “match” it to the text of the English Master file.





the next subtitle.



94

Adapt the use of punctuation, quotes, italics and narratives to the current Softitler® standards. You don’t need to add any checks or blue notes when making such changes.

Translate all green Burn-In and purple Principal Photography narratives, even if the translation is the same as the English file (or very similar). You don’t need to add any checks or blue notes when adding narratives.

Translate all subtitles that contain spoken text that have been added to the English file. You don’t need to add any checks or blue notes when adding translation.

OUT should not be used in Remastering files for Universal and Warner. If some text has been deleted from the English file, delete it also from your language’s file. If

it’s a whole subtitle, delete the box. You don’t need to add any checks or blue notes when deleting extra text.

When matching the text to the English file, you can make the following corrections to the existing translation without using any checks or blue notes:

- Typos, spelling and grammatical mistakes- Translation mistakes- Punctuation mistakes and inconsistencies- Missing italic or narrative tags (following the English file)- Bad line divisions- Titles with two lines that could fit on one line

Final Checks

ProlongThis function automatically lengthens the duration of the alarmed subtitles if there is enough space between the subtitles. A notification message will appear, listing all the “fixed” subtitle boxes. Prolong should always be done on Remastering files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator tells you not to. To do a Prolong, open your file in Eddie and click on TRANS1 or TRANS2 and select Prolong. Click on YES when asked if you want to prolong the duration of the subtitles. A confirmation message will appear listing all of the “fixed” (i.e. prolonged) and “not fixed” (i.e. not prolonged due to lack of space) subtitles.


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRSBB9.UNS


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRSBB9x.UNS


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRSBB9xv.UNS


E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRSBB9xvz.UNS


95

Remastering Summary (for Universal and Warner ONLY)

OUT OUT should not be used in Remastering files for Universal and Warner. All missing subtitles should be translated, even narratives that are the same as in English (or very similar).

Red Checks Red checks should not be used in Remastering files for Universal and Warner.

Green Checks Green checks should not be used in Remastering files for Universal and Warner.



96

Chapter XVII – Remastering(for all clients, except Universal and Warner)

A Remastering is a movie that has already been delivered to the client in the past, but that needs to be redone because the client has sent a new tape with a different version of the same film. Such re-edits might be requested for the home video circuit or in-flight airing. To accommodate the different audiences, some text or scenes might have been changed or deleted.

You need to adjust the translation of the first version of the movie to reflect the changes in the new English file. Do not change the rest of the text, unless you detect serious translation mistakes.

For some projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Consistency Sheet. This is a list of translations or rules that should be followed in order to maintain consistency within the file and with other files that belong to a series. Consistency sheets always take priority over the text in the original Remastering file. See also Chapter III – General Translation Rules – How to Create Consistency Sheets.


Number of files to be delivered to the Scheduling Coordinator: 1E.g. WE_6705Barry_ITNRSAA9xv.UNS

Note that you will be the only mother-tongue person working on the file. Remasterings are not proofread.

Procedures


of the file name. Proofread the translation file, paying attention to the green checks in the English file. The

changes to the English file are marked with green checks. Adjust the translation accordingly. Make sure that the new translation file exactly matches the English file. If not, redistribute the

text in order to “match” it to the text of the English Master file.





the next subtitle.



97

Translate all green Burn-In narratives, even if the translation is the same as the English file (or very similar). Mark all added narratives with a red check and add a blue note that says “Added narrative”.

Translate all purple Principal Photography narratives, unless the translation is the same as the English file (or very similar). Mark all added narratives with a red check and add a blue note that says "Added text". If you leave OUT a narrative that is the same as the English file (or very similar), add a red check and a blue note that says “Narrative the same as in English (or very similar).

Translate all subtitles that contain spoken text that have been added to the English file. Mark all translated subtitles with a red check and add a blue note that says "Added text".

If some text has been deleted from the English file, delete it also from your language’s file. If it’s a whole subtitle, delete the box.

When you detect any serious translation mistakes, you should correct them. Mark the subtitle with a red check and add a blue note that says “Translation mistake corrected”.

When matching the text to the English file, you can make the following corrections to the existing translation without using any checks or blue notes:

- Typos, spelling and grammatical mistakes- Missing punctuation- Missing italic or narrative tags (following the English file)- Changes to reflect the current Softitler® standards for the use of quotes, italics, etc.- Bad line divisions- Titles with two lines that could fit on one line

Final Checks

ProlongThis function automatically lengthens the duration of the alarmed subtitles if there is enough space between the subtitles. A notification message will appear, listing all the “fixed” subtitle boxes. Prolong should always be done on Remastering files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator tells you not to. To do a Prolong, open your file in Eddie and click on TRANS1 or TRANS2 and select Prolong. Click on YES when asked if you want to prolong the duration of the subtitles. A confirmation message will appear listing all of the “fixed” (i.e. prolonged) and “not fixed” (i.e. not prolonged due to lack of space) subtitles.










98

Remastering Summary (for all clients, except Universal and Warner)

OUT To be inserted when the text of a purple Principal Photography narrative is the same as the English file (or very similar).

Red Checks Red checks should be inserted when missing text is added, when translation mistakes are corrected and when a purple Principal Photography narrative is left OUT.

Green Checks Green checks should not be used.


99

Chapter XVIII - CorrelationA Correlation is a translation that is protected by copyright provided to Softitler® by a client. The difference between a rematch and a correlation is that in a Correlation, the client’s translation already has linear time codes (LTC) for the subtitles.

The translation has rules which differ from normal Softitler® Language Rules, and may be based on an English file not prepared by Softitler®. As a result, the spotting of the file might be different from the Softitler® English file. There also might be text in the translation file that is not in the Softitler® English file but is in the audio. Some text from the Softitler® English file might not be in the translation file.

Since a Correlation file is protected by copyright, Softitler® is required to follow very strict procedures. In fact, major text changes need to be submitted to the client for approval. In order to quickly identify the boxes where the translator wants to change the translation, the Correlation procedure is split into two different phases, during which two different files are created:

In the first Correlation phase, the translator must check whether the text in the boxes of the Correlation file corresponds to the text in the boxes of the English file. At this stage, all necessary changes must be made to the text, except for translation mistakes and the addition of missing text. The use of punctuation, speaker hyphens and italics and narrative tags might be different from the Softitler® standards. You should not conform the punctuation and speaker hyphens to the Softitler® standards and rules. You should only check whether the use is consistent throughout the whole file and change in case there is no consistency. As for the use of italics and narratives, please see the rules outlined below.

In the second Correlation phase, the translator should make the necessary changes to the translation and add the translation of missing subtitles. Red checks must be inserted when making such changes or corrections.

Refer to the Correlation Procedures on the next page for file naming conventions and detailed instructions.

For some projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Consistency Sheet. This is a list of translations or rules that should be followed in order to maintain consistency within the file and with other files that belong to a series. Consistency sheets always take priority over the text in the original Correlation file. See also Chapter III – General Translation Rules – How to Create Consistency Sheets.

For some projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Correlation Report which includes instructions that are pertinent to this specific project. You must read the report carefully before you begin working on the file. The instructions in the report always take priority over the instructions outlined in this chapter.

The file name contains the initials CL after the initials of the working language.E.g.: WE_5073MagicSword_ITNCL.UNS

Software to be used Softitler®’s Subtitle Editor Eddie Spell Check

Number of files to be delivered to the Scheduling Coordinator: 2E.g.: WE_5073Magicsword_ITNCLBBoriginal9v.UNS

WE_5073Magicsword_ITNCLBBwithchanges.UNS

Note that you will be the only mother-tongue person working on the file. Correlations are not proofread.


100

Correlation Procedures

A Correlation requires the creation of two files. The first file is created in Phase 1 and consists of the video simulation of the file to check if the subtitles in the Correlation file correspond with the text in the English file. The second file is created in Phase 2 and consists of making the necessary text corrections to the file created in Phase 1.

Phase 1 Load the English file in ORIG. Load the Correlation file in TRANS1 and save it by adding your initials and the word

ORIGINAL to the end of the file name.E.g.: WE_5073Magicsword_ITNCLBBORIGINAL.UNS

You should check whether the translation in the Correlation file corresponds to the subtitles in the English files. Since the Correlation file hasn’t been originally created by Softitler®, the boxes are not always aligned with the boxes of the English file. The easiest way to check whether the subtitle appears on time onscreen is by watching the video with the subtitles of the file opened in TRANS1.

Load the video with the subtitles of the file opened in TRANS1. Save the file opened in TRANS1 by adding a V to the file name.

E.g.: WE_5073Magicsword_ITNCLBBORIGINALv.UNS Do a Video Simulation and proofread the whole file. Make all of your changes on the file

loaded in TRANS1. During this phase, you can correct the following mistakes and make the necessary formatting changes. Remember that you should not follow the Softitler® Language Rules for your language, but the internal consistency of the file. For example, if there is always a space before a ? ! : ... and you find a sentence where this space is missing, you must insert the space.You don’t have to add checks nor notes when making the following corrections:

- Spelling errors and typos- Names that are misspelled- Grammatical mistakes- Inconsistent punctuation - Inconsistent use of quotes- Inconsistent use of speaker hyphens- Italic and narrative tags (follow the English file)- Bad line divisions- Titles with two lines that could fit on one line- Boxes alarmed due to duration- Boxes alarmed due to length (red lines)

When you detect a translation mistake (a translation that is objectively incorrect), insert a red check and DO NOT make any changes to the text. During Phase 2 (see below) a blue note should be added and the text change should be made.

Prolong should never be done on a Correlation file!


101

During the video simulation, when you detect subtitles that don’t appear at the right moment, the timing of that box must be corrected by our Quality Control Department. Insert a blue check and add a blue note that says “Wrong LTC-In” (if the subtitle enters too early or too late on the screen) or “Wrong LTC-Out” (if the subtitle stays too long or not long enough on the screen) as well as the box the subtitle corresponds to in the English file.Important: You should only add a blue check if the timing is off for more than 1 second.

Resave your file open in TRANS1 by adding a 9 to the file name and run a Spell Check. It is not necessary to add green or red checks when you make a spelling correction.

E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBBoriginalv9.UNS

Rules to follow during Phase 1

Language Rules and Punctuation:In a Correlation file, the use of punctuation, quotes and speaker hyphens, etc. might be different from the Softitler® language rules and standards. You should check the internal consistency of the file, not adapt the file to the Softitler® language rules and standards.

Do not change:- Translation and style: Never change the translation unless it is objectively wrong and

the translation is relevant to the film.- Measurements: Do not convert any measurements, even if they have been left in the

translation as imperial values.- Numbers: If in the Correlation file the numbers are approximately the same as in the

English Master file, leave them as they are unless the discrepancy can be considered a mistake.If a number is different in the Correlation file, make sure to always verify with the audio. When you change a number, leave a red check and a blue note for the QC Department.


Missing text:No missing text should be added during Phase 1. If important text is missing, such as a complete scene or several subtitles in a row, you should add it during Phase 2 (see below).

Extra text:Boxes that contain extra text should be marked with a blue check and a note explaining in English the meaning of the subtitle and whether it is in the English audio or not.



102

Italics and Narratives:For the use of italics and narrative tags, follow the English file. Missing green burn-in Narrative should be added during Phase 2 (see below). Missing purple Principal Photography narratives should be added during Phase 2, except when the translation is the same as in English (or very similar).

Boxes alarmed due to duration:Boxes alarmed due to duration should only be shortened if the duration is –01:20 or more.


Phase 2 After completing Phase 1, load the same file (i.e. saved with your initials, the word ORIGINAL

and V) in TRANS2, so that you have the same file opened in both columns. Save the file in TRANS2 by removing the word ORIGINAL from the file name and by adding

the words WITH CHANGES.E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBBwithchanges.UNS

This way you will have two files opened in your language. The content is identical, only the file name is different. Make sure to make all further changes only in the file opened in TRANS2. The file opened in TRANS1 should not be changed any more, it is to be used as a reference only.

In TRANS2, go to the red checks inserted during Phase 1 when you detected an objective translation error. Correct it in the file opened in TRANS2. Insert a red check and an explanatory note in English in TRANS2 to indicate the correction. Remember not to make any changes to the text in TRANS1.

If a complete scene or several important subtitles are missing in a row, add empty boxes and translate the missing subtitles, mark each box with a red check, and insert a blue note "Added missing text".

To add a box, place the cursor in the subtitle box after which you want to add it and click on TRANS1 > Subtitle > Insert.

Note that inserted boxes have a standard duration on minimum 1 second. The distance between two subtitles must be minimum 2 frames.

If there is not enough space to insert a box, place the additional text in the preceding box. Add a red check and a note explaining the meaning of the text.


103

Important: Send both of the files back to the Scheduling Coordinator who sent you the Correlation assignment. Use the message you received from the Scheduling Coordinator and make sure to REPLY TO ALL when sending back the file.

We must receive both files from you so that we can check what has been changed in the file and create a report for the client. Remember that this translation is protected by copyright, so the client must be informed if and why any changes have been made.



104

Correlation Summary

Red Checks Phase 1 Red checks should be inserted when you detect a translation mistake.

Phase 2 Red checks should be inserted when a translation mistake is corrected or when missing translation is added.

Blue Checks Phase 1 Blue checks should be inserted when the subtitle appears too early or too late on the video or if the subtitle stays too long or not long enough on the video.

Phase 2 Blue checks should not be added during Phase 2.


105

Chapter XIX – Time Format Conversion

A client might ask for the translation of a movie in one time format, for example NTSC, and a few months later ask for the translation of the same movie in another time format, for example PAL.

A new English file in the new format is prepared based on the new video file and the translation is converted from one format into the other by Softitler®. The translator needs to make sure that no errors were introduced during the conversion and that the subtitles appear on the screen at the correct moment. No additional changes should be made to the translation, as it has already been consigned to our client.


Number of files to be delivered to the Scheduling Coordinator: 1E.g. WE_6705Barry_ITNTFAA9xv.UNS

Note that you will be the only mother-tongue person working on the file. Time Format Conversions are not proofread.

Procedures


of the file name. Proofread the translation file. Translate all green Burn-In narratives, even if the translation is the same as the English file

(or very similar). Mark all added narratives with a red check and add a blue note that says “Added narrative”.

Translate all purple Principal Photography narratives, unless the translation is the same as the English file (or very similar). Mark all added narratives with a red check and add a blue note that says "Added text". If you leave OUT a narrative that is the same as the English file (or very similar), add a red check and a blue note that says “Narrative the same as in English (or very similar).

Translate all subtitles that contain spoken text that have been added to the English file. Mark all translated subtitles with a red check and add a blue note that says "New translation".

If some text has been deleted from the English file, delete it also from your language’s file. If it’s a whole subtitle, delete the box.

You don’t need to add any red checks or notes when you make the following corrections to the existing translation:

- Typos, spelling and grammatical mistakes- Missing punctuation- Missing italic or narrative tags (following the English file)- Changes to reflect the current Softitler® standards for the use of quotes, italics, etc.- Bad line divisions- Titles with two lines that could fit on one line


106

Final Checks









Time Format Conversion Summary

OUT To be inserted when the text of a purple Principal Photography narrative is the same as the English file (or very similar).

Red Checks Red checks should be inserted when missing text is added or when a purple Principal Photography narrative is left OUT.

Green Checks Green checks should not be used.


107

Chapter XX - SDH Files

SDH files are Subtitles that are created for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing. These files have the name of the speakers if they are not visible onscreen at the time they are speaking, as well as cues for sounds made by characters, background sounds, and music. The cues are added to help people who are hearing-impaired gain a better understanding of the film. The added material is a means of communicating to the hearing-impaired the atmosphere that the audio offers to the audience. The cues are quite short and should describe only sounds, not what is happening onscreen.

The sound cues are often the same in different films. We have created a list of Recurring Terms for your reference. You are not required to translate the cues exactly as they appear in the Recurring Terms list, but they should be helpful as a reference. Contact the Help Desk if you have not received the Recurring Terms list.

Partial SDH TranslationOften we are required to deliver both the SDH and the non-SDH file. In this case, once the original (non-SDH) file is translated and has been accepted, the SDH file is created by the Softitler®

Scheduling Coordinator: The non-SDH translation is inserted into the blank SDH UNS file and empty boxes are inserted into the original translation based on where sound cues have been inserted into the English file when the English SDH file was created. If a change is made to any of the preexistent boxes of the English file, a red check is added to help you see where you must modify the translation of a box that is from the original (non-SDH) translation. When translating or proofing an SDH file, you must follow the English SDH file.Please refer to the Partial SDH Translation Procedures outlined below for more details.

Complete SDH TranslationOccasionally we are required to deliver the SDH translation of a movie, without the non-SDH translation. In this case, you should translate the entire English SDH file into your language.Please refer to the Complete SDH Translation Procedures outlined below for more details.

Software to be used TetatetPlus – FOR SDH TRANSLATION AND PROOF Subtitle Editor (Eddie) – FOR SDH PROOF ONLY Spell Check UNSTools


108

Difference between SDH and non-SDH Files

The file name of the SDH file has a different language abbreviation than that of the translation file: It finishes with an H.

E.g.: WE_2345Shaft_ENH.UNS WE_2345Shaft_ITH.UNS

The name of the speaker is added in front of the text if you cannot clearly see who is speaking. The character name is written in capital letters and is followed by a colon and one space.

E.g.: JOHN: Hi, how are you? There are extra boxes in comparison to non-SDH files that contain sound cues. They are

written between squared brackets and which have no final punctuation. You should always follow the English file when translating sound cues as far as the use of upper cases, punctuation and style tags is concerned.

E.g.: [Footsteps] There are more boxes with italics in comparison to non-SDH files. Italics are used when an

off-camera speaker, whose name has already been written, continues speaking uninterrupted for several consecutive boxes. You should always follow the English file.

How To Insert Speaker NamesIn order to quickly insert speaker names in a file, follow these steps:

Put the cursor at the beginning of the line where you would like to insert the speaker name. Press the F1 key. The dialogue box Film names: TRANS will appear. Click on New and type the speaker name in all capital letters (note the number 1 at the upper

right-hand corner of the box).E.g.: JOHN

Place the cursor in the Final box and type a colon plus one space. (: ) Click on Save. Click on Apply and the name as well as the colon and one space will automatically be

inserted into the box where you have your cursor.From this point on, the name JOHN: will be associated with the number 1. Whenever you need to insert the speaker name JOHN: just press 1 + F1.

To insert more speaker names, follow the same procedure. The program automatically assigns progressive numbers for each name that you insert. If, for example, after John you want to insert the name Mary, MARY: will be associated with the number 2. Press 2 + F1 to insert MARY:

Remember to write down which names are associated with which numbers. For practical reasons, we suggest that you insert a moderate number of names, the ones most often used in the film.

Note: This feature can only be used in the Subtitle Editor TetatetPlus, not in Eddie.


109

Partial SDH Translation

Translation You don’t need to read through the entire file. You only have to read the boxes that have to

be/have been changed. These subtitles have been marked with a red check by the Scheduling Coordinator. Use the Go To function to quickly find all of the red checks.

The standard translation rules outlined in Chapter III should be followed.

Procedures Open TetatetPlus and load the English file in ORIG and the translation file in TRANS. Before translating or making any changes to the file, you must check with the video file the

subtitles that are marked with a red check. Before adding any names or making any changes to the file, you must check the consistency

throughout the file. If a name is already used somewhere in the file, you should make sure to spell it in the same way throughout the file. You can use the Go To function to search for words or expressions in a file.

Do not delete any of the red checks inserted by the Scheduling Coordinator. If a box becomes alarmed due to duration or length when you add speaker names, you must

shorten the text, insert a green check and a note for the proofer (“modified for duration/length”).

If you notice any mistakes or inconsistencies in the translation file, you should make the correction and add a red check and a blue note explaining what you have changed. This way the QC Department will make sure that the mistake is also corrected in the non-SDH version.

If you notice any mistakes or inconsistencies in the English file, you should post a suggestion on Softitler®’s database. Refer to Chapter III for detailed instructions on how to post a suggestion.

Final Checks



E.g.: WE_2345Shaft_ITHBB9.UNS

Syntax CheckOpen your file in UNSTools, save it by adding an X to the file name and run a Syntax Check. Pay special attention to the SOUNDS and SPEAKERS sections. They give a complete list of all the sound cues and speakers used in the UNS file, and can be used to find inconsistencies in SOUND and SPEAKER spellings. It is not necessary to add a green/red check when you make a correction in UNSTools.

E.g.: WE_2345Shaft_ITHBB9x.UNS


110

Proofreading Only one proofreading will be performed on the file. You don’t need to read through the entire file. You only have to read the boxes that have

been changed by the translator. Use the Go To function to quickly find all of the green and red checks.

The standard translation rules outlined in Chapter III should be followed.

Procedures Open TetatetPlus or Eddie and load the English file in ORIG and the translation file in

TRANS(1). You must check the subtitles that are marked with red and/or green checks with the video file

before making any corrections. For boxes with green checks: If you agree with the change made by the translator, remove

the green check. If you have additional changes to make to the subtitle, leave the green check and add a blue note.

Do not delete any of the red checks inserted by the Scheduling Coordinator.

Acceptance

Create the Acceptance file from the file on which the proofer worked: Open TetatetPlus or Eddie and load the English file in ORIG, your translation file in TRANS1

and the file from the proofer in TRANS2. Save the file opened in TRANS 2 (proof 1) by adding your initials to the file name. Use the Compare Files function in the TRANS2 Column Menu to find all of the changes that

were made to your translation. Compare TRANS2 (proof 1) with TRANS1 (your translation). All of the subtitle boxes with changes will be automatically marked with red checks. Go through the red checks using the Go To > Red Checks function and make the necessary changes in TRANS2.

After you have done a Compare Files, go to all of the green and red checks on the proofer’s file. By doing this you can see if the proofer has accepted your translation suggestions as well as view all of the changes made by the proofer.

When you have finished your Acceptance, clear all of the green checks. Do not remove any of the red checks and notes that might be helpful for the QC Department. If you need to leave a message for the QC Department, insert a red check and write a blue

note. You have to do the final checks (Spell Check, Syntax Check) one more time to avoid sending

the file to us with unnecessary mistakes. Save the file with the appropriate initials before doing each check. Zip and send only the Accepted file back to the Scheduling Coordinator who sent you the

assignment. Use the message you received from the Scheduling Coordinator and make sure to REPLY TO ALL when sending back the file.


111

Complete SDH Translation

Translation The client does not require the non-SDH file, so you should translate the entire English SDH

file into your language. Refer to Chapter III – General Subtitling Rules and Chapter IV – Translation for detailed instructions on how to proceed.

As far as the special SDH features such as sound cues and speaker names are concerned, refer to the first page of this SDH chapter.

Since the file needs to completely translated, you must perform all of the final checks (Prolong, Spell Check, Syntax Check, complete Video Simulation, Zoom). Make sure to save the file with the correct initials for every check.

E.g.: WE_2345Shaft_ITHBB9xvz.UNS

Proofreading Two complete proofreadings will be performed on the file. Refer to Chapter III – General Subtitling Rules and Chapter V – Proofreading for detailed

instructions on how to proceed.

Acceptance Refer to Chapter IV – Translation for detailed instructions on how to proceed.


112

Chapter XXI – Image QCAfter a UNS file has been translated, proofed, and accepted by the translator, we run our standard quality checks on it, in our QC Department. The file is converted into the final Image format that will be burned onto a DVD. An Image file is composed of the pictures of the subtitles that appear on the screen when the film is played.

A mother-tongue translator must do an Image Quality Check (Image QC) on every film or Added Value on which Softitler® works in order to find any conversion errors that may have occurred when the file was converted from the UNS format into the Image format. This type of assignment is coordinated by our Image QC Department. The translator also reads through the Image file to check for spelling errors, missing accents, extra spaces, unusual characters, or any unusual detail in a subtitle. While doing an Image QC, the translator should not correct the style of the translation. If something "doesn't sound good,” you should leave it as it is.

When doing an Image QC, you do not have the same tools as the translator or the proofers, such as the video and the audio. You must take into consideration that some “mistakes” may have been deliberately put into a file based on the audio (a play on words, puns, etc.). The Image file you receive may also be a copyright-protected translation (usually a Correlation or a Rematch) from one of our clients. In such cases, you can only correct what is objectively wrong. Since the Image QCer is generally the third mother-tongue translator that works on a file, you should not be looking for translation mistakes. No stylistic corrections are allowed at this phase. Image QC is not a proof.

Receiving an Image QC AssignmentImage files are too large to send via email, they must be downloaded from Softitler®’s database. Therefore, Image QC will be assigned only to translators that have a fast download connection (DSL, ADSL, cable, broadband or a T1 Internet connection).

You will be contacted by the Image QC Department a few days before the assignment, to check your availability and coordinate the assignment. There won’t be any attachments to the email, as the files will need to be downloaded from the database on the date specified in the email.The necessary Image files will be made available for download from the database on the day of the assignment. Make sure to note the assignment in your agenda, as you won’t be receiving any reminders.

Make sure to carefully read the assignment email your receive from the Image QC Department, as it will contain all the necessary information regarding when the files will be available for download and when you need to consign the corrected file (usually on the same day they are available for download).

Make sure to download the Image files on the date mentioned by the Image QC Scheduling Coordinators (not before or after) and to send the corrected files back within the delivery time outlined in the email. You don’t need to download the ASF (video) file for Image QC assignments, even though it is available for download on your assignment page.

If the Image check is taking you more time than expected and you think you might not be able to meet the deadline, you must contact the Image QC Scheduling Coordinators immediately.

In case unexpected difficulties or special requests come up on the day of the assignment, the Image QC Department will let you know by email. Therefore you are asked to check your email regularly on the day of the assignment.

Software to be used QC_Image Subtitle Editor (Eddie)


113

Image QC Procedures

Downloading the Image files from Softitler® Online

Visit our site at http://sol.softitler.com to download the necessary Image and UNS files.

A Security Warning might pop up asking you to install the newest version of the Softitler® download software. You must always click on Yes, otherwise you won’t be able to download any files from our site.

If you experience any problems during file download, you must immediately contact the Image QC Department and send a copy of your email to the Help Desk.

On your Active Work Assignments Page, click on the TIFF QC link. Don’t click on the ASF link.

A window will open with several files listed:

You must download the file with extension .zip and both UNS files (one in your language and one in English). Select the folder where you want the files to be downloaded. When you click on Save, the download will start.You don’t need to download the ASF file.


114


Loading the Image file

Do not unzip the Image file, as only zipped Image files can be loaded in QC_Image.Note that Image files can only be loaded in the QC_Image application, not in any other Softitler® programs. It isn’t possible to load .UNS files in QC Image.

Open the QC_Image application. Insert your name, the file’s title and ID number into the dialogue box and click on OK. The program window will open:

Double click on “Double click to load Script file”. Click on Yes when asked to continue without sync file. Browse for the folder where you have saved the downloaded zip with the Image file and

select the zip file. Click on Open.

(The text and background colors may be different from the ones in the examples below).


115

Checking the Image file To move forward one image, click on the right arrow or press number 6 on the number pad. To move backward one image, click on the left arrow or press number 4. You can also use the mouse wheel to scroll back and forth.

Pay attention not to accidentally scroll with the mouse wheel or press the number 4 or 6 key too long, as you will skip subtitles without reading them.

To go to a specific subtitle number, click on the subtitle number field, insert the number and click on GO TO or press Enter.

If you need to check more than one subtitle file, make sure to close the application and then open it again. If you load a second file without closing the application, make sure that the first subtitle displayed is box number 1.

If the yellow rectangle around the Image subtitle (and in the upper part of the screen) is larger than usual, the subtitle is split into two groups: The first group will appear in the upper part of the screen and the second group at the bottom of the screen. Use the slide bar to scroll down and read the text of the second subtitle group.

Corrections AllowedImage QC is not a proofreading, therefore only objective errors should be corrected:

Conversion errors Spelling mistakes Missing or extra punctuation that alters the meaning of the subtitle Very bad grammar and translation mistakes Missing or repeated words

Corrections Not Allowed Translation suggestions and stylistic changes, unless the subtitle is objectively wrong. Structural changes to the file, such as adding or removing subtitles. If you think a subtitle

should be added or removed, do not change the file, but inform the Image QC Scheduling Coordinators.

Creating and Saving a Log file If you find a mistake in a subtitle and would like to make a suggestion, check the box next to

the type of error found (Spelling, Grammar, Conversion, Translation) and write a note in English in the white notes section.Note: It is not possible to edit the text of the Image file. Text changes must be made in the UNS file in the Subtitle Editor (see below).


116

Every time you make a suggestion, click on the “Save Log” button in order to save your error log and notes. The first time you do so a prompt will appear. Add CORR to the file name as shown in the example below and click on Save. The file will be saved in the same folder from which you loaded the Image file.

E.g.: BackToTheFuture_Trailer_ITNCORR.logAfter you save the log file for the first time, all of the other suggestions will be automatically saved in this file when you click on Save Log.

You must always inform the Image QC Department whenever you find:- a subtitle in your file that is in any other language that is not your language.- a subtitle in your file that contains OUT

Provide the box numbers of any subtitle you might find containing a different language in your file. The Image QC Department will then check to make sure that the foreign language use was intentional.It is extremely important that you inform us about this issue in order to make sure that these boxes have not been inserted by mistake.

Closing QC Image

To exit the application, click on the X in the upper right-hand corner of the screen and click on “Yes”.

Note: In the upper portion of the screen, you will see three yellow rectangles and red lines; this is

normal. Do not worry about the upper portion of the screen. If you have a 15-inch screen, every time that you use QC_Image, you must change the settings of

your display, otherwise you will not be able to see the full view of the application window. To change the display settings, go to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Display > Settings.Under Screen Area, slide the bar to increase the resolution to 1072 by 768 pixels.

After having finished a QC_Image assignment, you can restore your old settings.

Making Corrections in the UNS file

After checking the Image file and adding the corrections in the Log file, you must make your corrections in the UNS file in the Subtitle Editor (Eddie).

Open your language’s UNS file that you have downloaded from SOL in the Subtitle Editor (Eddie) and resave the file by adding the abbreviation CORR. Make sure not to add any hyphens, spaces or other characters to the file name.Do NOT add your personal initials to the filename, only CORR. This is a final Quality Control, not a proof or translation, so no personal assigned initials should be used.

Make all of your corrections in the CORR.UNS file. Whenever you make a correction, leave a red check and a note (in English) explaining the type of correction you have made (spelling, typo etc.). If there is something objectively wrong with the translation, write a note explaining what was initially written and the change you have made.

Save your file, zip it and send it, together with the Log file, back to the Image QC Department.

Make sure to always insert a red check and a blue note when making a correction. Make sure not to make unnecessary structural changes to the UNS file, such as adding

or deleting boxes.


117

Chapter XXII - DVD Menus

One of the great advantages of watching DVDs is that you can view the film with subtitles, you can watch a specific scene, and you can see Added Value material. All of these options are displayed on a list, usually in your language. We call this list a DVD Menu.

Software to be used Microsoft Word Spell Check Internet Explorer (For First and Final QC only)

Translating a DVD Menu Refer to the Glossary that is sent to you with the Softitler® Language Rules for your language.The Glossary contains terms that have been accepted by our clients for the translation of DVD Menus. Do not change these terms, and apply them throughout your translation. Carefully read the Glossary and consult it while translating a DVD Menu. If you do not receive this document, immediately inform the Scheduling Coordinator that sent you the assignment.

Some terms in your language have already been inserted in the Translation column and are highlighted in yellow. They can also be found in the Glossary. Do not change these as they have been specifically requested by the client. Notes are written in blue. Notes are information for the translator and are not to be translated.

DVD Menu Translation Procedures Double-click on the Word document you have received and save it by adding your initials. You will see five columns: the English column, the Translation column, the Proof 1 column,

the Notes column and the Acceptance column. You will work in the Translation column. If you would like to write any notes for the proofers, do so by adding your comments in the

Notes column. You should remove these notes during the Acceptance phase. Do not change any of the terms that are highlighted in yellow. These terms are included in

the Glossary and have been specifically requested by the client. Add a 9 to the file name and run a Spell Check after you have completed the translation.

Note: Pay special attention to the notes regarding any titles of reference films, TV shows, theater pieces, etc. Do not translate them, unless asked otherwise.

Proofreading a DVD Menu

If you need to correct something, refer to the Glossary that is sent to you with the Language Rules for your language.Do not change any of the terms that are highlighted in yellow. These terms are included in the Glossary and have been specifically requested by the client.

DVD Menu Proofreading Procedures Double-click on the Word document you have received and save it by adding your initials. You will see five columns: the English column, the Translation column, the Proof 1 column,

the Notes column and the Acceptance column. You will work in the Proof 1 column.


118

Read the entire translation and check for objective grammar, spelling, and translation mistakes. If you need to correct something, write your correction in the Proof 1 column in the box corresponding to the one you want to correct in the Translation column. Otherwise leave it blank.

In the Notes column insert a note explaining the type of correction that you have made (for example, “grammar” or “punctuation”). In the same column you may answer questions asked by the translator.

Resave the file by adding a 9 and run a Spell Check.

The Acceptance of a DVD Menu

DVD Menu Acceptance Procedures Double-click on the Word document you have received and save it by adding your initials

again. You will see five columns: the English column, the Translation column, the Proof 1 column,

the Notes column and the Acceptance column. You will work in the Acceptance column. Check the corrections inserted by the proofer. Copy and Paste all of the translation into the Acceptance column, including the accepted

corrections made by the Proofer. The final, corrected and complete version of your translation should appear in this column. Do not insert any notes in this column.

Resave the file by adding a 9 and run a Spell Check.

First QC and Final QC of a DVD Menu

Two mother-tongue translators have to check the DVD Menus after the translations have been inserted into the image files.

Note: You must be connected to the Internet while performing a First or Final QC of a DVD Menu.

DVD Menu QC Procedures Double-click on the Word document you have received and save it by adding your initials. You should see a chart with links to an Internet site on the right side. The links will take you

to a web page that has the images of the DVD Menu pages. Click on these links. Internet Explorer will be launched and a dialogue box will open. Insert the login and password given to you by Softitler®. Check the Menu pages for spelling mistakes.

- If you do not find any mistakes, put an X on the Word file chart under the Correct column.

- If you find a mistake, put an X under the Incorrect column, write the type of error that you found, and indicate how it should be corrected in the appropriate column. If necessary, you can insert a comment under the Comments Column.

Save the Word file and send it back to Softitler®.


119

Glossary

Added Value: Bonus materials that are included with a film on DVD, such as Director’s Commentaries, Featurettes, Making Ofs, Trailers, etc.Alarmed box: A box that is alarmed due to duration. This is when there is not enough time to read the subtitle text relative to the amount of time that it appears on the screen. You will see that a box is alarmed when the numbers in the upper right-hand corner of the box are red and are highlighted in yellow.ASF: The format of video files.Bad Line Division: Inappropriate division of the text within a box.BCK: The format of a backup UNS file (automatically created by the subtitling editor Eddie).Bitmap: The image file of a subtitle that is printed on the movie.Blue check: A blue marker that is inserted on a box in the subtitle editor Eddie and UNSTools.Box: Subtitle box.Burn-in Narrative: A subtitle that contains text added after filming that is written on-screen and is pertinent to the plot of the film. The text of Burn-In Narratives is colored green. CD Typing: The transcription of subtitles that appear in a movie on the video into an UNS file.Correlation: The procedure of proofing a copyright-protected subtitle file with its own time codes that is provided to Softitler® by a client.Deleted Scenes – DLS: A type of Added Value; the scenes that were cut from the final version of the film, but were put onto a DVD as bonus material.Scheduling Coordinator: A member of Softitler®’s staff. The person who is in charge of dealing with and distributing all of the materials for a particular client (Universal, Warner, Sony etc.).Director’s Commentary – DRC: A type of Added Value that allows you to view the film while hearing the director’s comments.Dubbed Version Typing: Transcription of the speech heard in a dubbed version of the film into an UNS file.Duration: The total duration of time that a subtitle appears on the screen. The duration is indicated by the number between the LTC IN and the LTC OUT (in the upper gray part of the box in the Subtitle Editor).DVD: The DVD medium (Digital Versatile Disk).DVD Menu: A text file that corresponds to the interactive menu of a DVD-ROM.Eddie (short for Editor): The name of Softitler®’s proprietary program to create and edit subtitle files.English Master Department: The Softitler® department that creates and edits all of the English Master files.English Master File: A UNS file created and edited by the English Master Department that contains the subtitles of the feature in English. Feedback: An objective evaluation of a translator or proofer’s work. Feedback is requested on the work of all new translators and in the continuing education of translators to help improve the quality of their work. Feedback is to be considered as training, not criticism. Featurette - FTE: A type of Added Value. A small feature on a DVD that relates to the feature film.Frames: Units forming seconds. There are 25 frames per second in PAL format, and 30 frames per second in NTSC format.Green check: A green marker that is inserted on a box in the subtitle editor Eddie and UNSTools.Initials: Personal initials that are assigned to each translator by the Softitler® Human Resources Department. These initials must be inserted in the file name every time a translator or proofer works on a file.Italic: A type of text style. The text of Italics is colored blue.Language Rules: A table that contains information about particular features in each language.LTC: Linear Time Code. The LTC-In is the exact moment in which the subtitle will appear on screen, the LTC-Out is the exact moment in which the subtitle will disappear from the screen.Making Of: A type of Added Value about how the film was made.Menu Page: A DVD Menu that contains a significant amount of text to translate or proof, such as actors' biographies, titles of related films, information about the director, etc.


120

Mode: The format of a feature film (PAL, NTSC and NTSC DROP). Notes (Blue Notes): Notes that are inserted in the lower part of the header of a box to aid the translator. They are also called “blue notes” because the color of the text is blue; Notes that are inserted by the translator who works on the file to leave a message for Softitler®’s staff or for colleague translators.NTSC: The format of films for the American and Asian market. This format is characterized by having 30 frames per second.NTSC Drop: A type of NTSC format, typical of films and shows for television, where “drop spaces” have been inserted to accommodate commercials. This format is characterized by having 30 frames per second.Off Screen: When the speaker is not shown on screen, or when the dialogue is not a part of the scene that is on screen, such as the voice of a narrator or a voice-over.OLD: The file format of a backup file automatically created by the Subtitle Editor.OUT: The word inserted when a translator decides that a particular purple Principal Photography subtitle does not need to be translated. Any subtitle containing an OUT will be deleted by our Quality Control Department and will not appear in the final product.PAL: The format of films for the European market. This format is characterized by having 25 frames per second.Principal Photography Narratives: A subtitle that contains the title of the film or text that is captured during filming, such as street signs, newspapers, restaurant names, etc. The text of Principal Photography Narratives is purple.Proof: The act of proofreading and editing a translation.Proof 1: The first proofreading of a translation file.Proof 2: The second proofreading of a translation file.QC: Quality Control. Our Quality Control Department does a final check on all of the files to make sure that there are no discrepancies within a file and between all of the translation files for a particular title. For example, the QC Department checks to make sure that all of the character names are consistently spelled in the same way throughout a file as well as in the other translations of the same file. The QC Department also checks for discrepancies in the representation of numbers, the structure of the file, and the subtitle tags.QC Image: A final Quality Check of the Image file done by a mother-tongue translator. This check is done in order to find any conversion errors that may have occurred when the file was converted from the UNS format to the Image format.Red check: A red marker that is inserted in the subtitle editor Eddie and UNSTools..Rematch: The procedure of conforming and proofing a copyright-protected translation that is provided to Softitler® by a client.Remastering: The procedure of adapting an existing translation file to a new version of the English file.Script Typing: Transcription of the dialogue written on a paper script into a UNS file.SDH: Subtitles for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing.Spell Check: An automatic check that allows one to find any spelling mistakes in a file.Split Groups: A subtitle split into two groups. The first group appears at the top of the video screen and the second group at the bottom of the video window. Style: Four different kind of styles can be used for subtitles: normal (black), italics (blue), principal photography narratives (purple) and burn-in narratives (green).Sync File: A file that synchronizes the subtitles with the video/audio when working in the subtitle editor Eddie. This sync file is embedded in the video file, except for Dubbed and CD Typings. If you are working on a Dubbed or CD Typing and an application asks you to select a sync file, click on No or Ignore. If you are loading an Image file in the QC Image application and you are asked if you want to continue without the sync file, click on Yes.Syntax Check: A structural check done on a file using the program UNSTools.Tag: Colored flags inserted by Softitler staff used to identify subtitles with certain characteristics. Positioning tags are blue, special/song tags are red and forced tags are green.Time Format Conversion: The procedure of adapting the spotting of a file from one time format (e.g. PAL) into another time format (e.g. NTSC or NTSC DROP).


121

Translator Agreement (TA): A document that must be signed every assignment a translator does for Softitler®, except for proofreading assignments or Acceptances. This document assigns the copyright of the subtitles to Softitler® Net, Inc.Tiff: Tagged Image File Format. An image file format of a subtitle that is printed on the DVD.Title: Subtitle.Trailer – TRL: A type of Added Value that is a promotional advertisement for the movie.Two Lines Fit on One Line: A subtitle containing two lines of text that could fit on one line.Typing: Typing from Dubbed Version; CD Typing; Script Typing.UNS: Softitler®’s proprietary Unicode subtitle file format.UNSTools: The name of Softitler®’s proprietary program used to find and fix incorrect or missing punctuation as well as inconsistencies in the translation, including the spelling of proper names and the representation of numbers.VAM: Value Added Material (an Added Value)Video Simulation: Watching the film with the translated subtitles loaded on the video and synchronized with the audio.Voice-Over: The voice of a narrator or the voice of a character that is not on screen.


122

manual for subtitling - march 2005

Documents

video file

blue notes

video text color

internal use

greenredblue checks

main menu

common menu

copyright softitler