Localization/Translation

Translation of film subtitles

The process of translating a film from its native language into a target market language is done by creating a highly detailed document known as a COMBINED CONTINUITY AND SUBTITLE LIST, or CCSL for short. A CCSL is a requirement for any broadcast media as well as many independent productions.

A CCSL is basically a very detailed list of all everything that happens within a film - from the layout of a scene to the camera angles and motions used by the camera; to character actions and character dialogue. This information is always written in the films native language first and then translated - much like any other written form of media. So for films shot in English the CCSL will be written in English.

The first step in translating a film is always to export your FINAL CUT OF THE MEDIA with a burned in MASTER TIMECODE visible somewhere on the screen, usually in the upper right third of the view able area so as to not conflict with any on screen titles. The media, in this case a film, must be the final version of the film and should not undergo further editing to avoid loss of sync - more on that shortly.

Once the film has been exported with a master timecode the process of writing a CCSL can begin. This process takes anywhere from one to several weeks depending on the client's requirements for the CCSL. The film is usually imported into an editing program such as FINAL CUT PRO (available only on a Mac) or ADOBE PREMIERE PRO (available on both PC and Mac). By using the master timecode, a CCSL can accurately log all character dialogue with in and our points as well as the dialogue duration. Subtitles can never exceed 40 characters per line with two lines maximum. The minimum length of a subtitle is either 1 second (24 frames or 1 foot and 8 frames), and the maximum length is generally 10 seconds (240 frames or 150 feet). There must always be three frames between subtitles.

A subtitle is created by using your editing software to stop the film on the FIRST FRAME of a character's dialogue, then using the master timecode to log the in point in the CCSL (e.g. MARK SAYS "HELLO, DARREN"). The film is then paused after the dialogue has ended with enough buffer so that the subtitle can be read twice - so long as it doesn't clip with any subsequent dialogue. The out point of the dialogue is then input into the CCSL as well as the duration and the dialogue itself. The CCSL subtitle will then look something like this:

IN POINT: OUT POINT: DURATION: DIALOGUE: 01:10:20:12 01:10:22:16 2.04 MARK TO DARREN)

                                          Hello, Darren

With the subtitle logged in the CCSL using the master timecode - this line can now be translated into any language and, so long as the master timecode is unchanged, the translation will appear at the same place. A Completed CCSL is then sent back to the client who then generally hires translators in a films target country for translation. Using local translators allows for a more accurate translation as many aspect of dialogue are colloquial or nuanced.

Game translation

When it comes to translating games, translators will have to look at linguistic and cultural differences between game and locale. Translators may take a more technical approach when translating manuals & instructions, interactive menus and help files. As for dialog and text, translators will have a more creative approach and transcreate text that flows and makes sense for that target locale. Transcreation allows translators to creatively re-write the text while maintaining the important details conveyed in the source text. This is especially helpful when the text within a text box.

A translating team should receive a localization kit from the game producers that includes reference material, resources, and general information about the game. Queries are also used to raising issues and asking for specific things. It's an effective communication tool between translator and producers that increases translation accuracy.