Subtitling Basics

Introduction

• Dr. Jolly at Missouri State University presents an overview of subtitling videos.
• Increase in screen usage has heightened the demand for subtitles.

Importance of Subtitles

• Subtitles are prevalent across various platforms:
  • Airports (e.g., CNN monitors)
  • Television shows
  • Streaming services (e.g., Netflix)
  • Social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram)
• 85% of Facebook videos viewed with sound off.
• Subtitles benefit not only the hearing impaired but are standard for all viewers.

Types of Captions and Subtitles

1. Closed Captions

   • Designed for the deaf and hearing impaired.
   • Include descriptions of sounds (e.g., ominous music).
   • Can be turned on/off via device settings.
   • Produced in post-production or in real-time by stenographers.

2. Open Captions

   • Cannot be turned off; embedded in the video.
   • Commonly used on social media for accessibility.

3. Subtitles

   • Same language subtitles (transcription in the same language).
   • Foreign language subtitles (translation of dialogue).
   • Serve as a form of written translation of dialogue/narration.

Challenges in Subtitling

• Informal language and slang in modern content make it difficult to translate.
• Constraints include:
  • Screen width and character limits (35 characters per line).
  • Readers process visual text slower than spoken dialogue.
• Creative solutions required for effective translation.

Technical Specifications for Subtitles

• Placement: Typically centered and low on the screen (lower one-fifth or one-sixth).
• Readability: Subtitles should stand out (e.g., shadowing, ghost boxes).
• Font: Use sans serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Helvetica).
• Duration: Varies based on content, typically short:
  • 1-1.5 seconds for 1-2 words.
  • Up to 7 seconds for longer dialogues.
• Timing: Subtitles appear slightly before dialogue starts and linger after.

Punctuation and Typefaces

• Use of dashes for different speakers.
• Ellipses indicate continuation of dialogue.
• Italics for off-screen voices.

Production of Subtitles

• Studios and services hire qualified translators.
• Various software available for creating subtitles.
• "Fansubbing": Community effort to create subtitles for content without official translations.
• YouTube auto-generates subtitles, facilitates translation.

Conclusion

• Demand for captions/subtitles has risen significantly with digital content.
• Important for social media and video production.
• Subtitling requires skill, creativity, and understanding of technical specifications.
• Technology facilitates easier subtitle production for both amateurs and professionals.