Subtitling Services

Localization, Not Just Translation

While most competent translators can provide a literal translation into the desired language, our subtitle translators understand that their job is not just to translate, but to ‘localize’.  This requires fluency in the appropriate dialects and the use of culturally relevant idioms.

Although native language subtitles are typically presented verbatim, translated subtitles are often paraphrased to provide the essential meaning of the dialogue within the time constraints of the on-screen video, maintaining a comfortable reading pace for the viewer.  This solves the problem of ‘expansion’, where a literal translation of the source language results in significantly more words in the target language.  Without paraphrasing, the viewer would be required to read the subtitles at a pace far in excess of the spoken rate of the dialogue.  English to Spanish subtitling is one of the most common language pairs which typically result in expansion: depending on the topic, a literal academic translation of English dialogue can result in 20% – 50% more Spanish words.  That would mean that programming with an average speaking rate of 180 words per minute could require a viewer to read the Spanish subtitles at a rate of 270 wpm, a rate far in excess of what most people would find comfortable.

Our translators are native speakers of the target language, completely fluent in the source language, and highly experienced in the art of subtitle translation.  To maintain the absolute highest quality control for our subtitling services, each of our translations is reviewed by at least two translators.

Video Subtitles or Subtitle Files

Video Caption Corporation is a full-service subtitling company.  We can provide your subtitles in any format you require.

We can render your subtitles onto your master video so that they’re always visible, or embed them into the video so that they’re visible only when selected in the player.  Our experienced technicians create video subtitles using state-of-the-art equipment and can transcode your master video to any specifications required.  We can also modify your graphics to include translations and add custom design elements to your video, such as a contrasting background for your subtitles.

We also offer subtitle files for the web, Streaming VOD, DCP or IMF packages, DVD or Blu-ray Authoring, as well as for most non-linear editing systems.  Whether you’re distributing your program on YouTube, Netflix, iTunes, or Amazon Instant Video, or authoring your own DVD or Blu-ray disc, we can provide you with subtitle files that will work for you.  We’re familiar with the particular formatting and style requirements of all of the major Streaming VOD platforms and can easily incorporate any unique requirements you may have for your project.

We also offer professional DVD and Blu-ray Authoring services, from basic autoplay to complex multi-feature projects.

Choice of Formats and Styles

We offer both standard format translated subtitles and native-language Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH).  Using the most advanced technology, we can customize the style of your subtitles with your choice from a wide range of options in fonts, type size and text color, as well as background, edging, drop shadow and anti-aliasing.  We can also recommend a style based on your particular programming.

Fast Turnarounds

Video Caption Corporation offers the fastest guaranteed subtitling turnarounds in the industry.  Using state-of-the-art workstations, we can assign multiple editors and translators to work on the same program simultaneously, enabling us to offer fast turnarounds while maintaining the highest level of quality possible.  If you need your subtitling project done fast and done right, don’t wait – Contact Us Now.

Our Subtitling Process

Our subtitling process begins and ends with our people. Our professional subtitle editors accurately transcribe, format and time the dialogue and any forced narratives (text burned onto, or otherwise displayed in, the video), diligently researching all unfamiliar terms for proper spelling. After a full review of the source language file by a senior editor, a translation template is generated and provided to the translation team, together with a low resolution version of the source video.

In addition to being experienced in the translation of the relevant language pair, the translation team is carefully chosen for their expertise in the subject matter of the program.  Our extensive network of subtitle translators includes subject matter experts in a wide variety of fields.  Using culturally relevant idioms, the primary translator completes the translation template — paraphrasing as necessary to provide the essential meaning of the dialogue within approximately the same number of lines of the source language.  A second translator fully reviews the translation and makes any necessary changes to the translation template.  The completed template is returned to the subtitle editor for final formatting.

Using the style choices specified by the client, the subtitle editor generates target language subtitles and sets screen placement to ensure that graphics and other important video features are not obscured.  A senior subtitle editor then performs a final review and makes any necessary changes to the subtitle file. Our experienced technicians then use the completed subtitle file to generate the client’s final deliverables. Learn more about our Subtitling Process.

Your Translation or Ours

Naturally, we believe that our subtitle translations are the best available, but if you already have a translation or if your client’s workflow requires that you obtain the translation from another source, we’re happy to work with your translation.  We would just encourage you to contact us as early in the process as possible so that we can recommend the most efficient and cost effective workflow for your project.

Premium Customer Service

Never underestimate the value of high-quality customer service!  Our friendly and knowledgeable sales and customer service representatives are there for you throughout the process.  Whether they’re letting you know about a problem we’ve found in your video, or accommodating a last minute request for a change in your deliverables or delivery date, our customer service team will do whatever it takes to make sure that your project is delivered to your complete satisfaction, and without any unnecessary drama or stress.

Our Clients

We’ve been providing subtitling services since 1997 to a broad range of organizations, including corporations, independent producers, post houses, schools, libraries, and government agencies.  Wherever there is a need for high quality subtitle services, we are there to meet it.  Learn more about Our Clients.

Subtitling Sample