On July 20, I presented the workshop Subtitling ― An Introduction to members of the Association of Translators and Interpreters in the San Diego Area (ATISDA).
We review the basics of subtitles (number of lines and characters, duration on screen, reading time, etc.), how to break lines to improve readability, how to indicate dialogs, and the how regular subtitles, closed captions, and subtitles for the hard of hearing (HOH) are different.
We also went over some subtitle formats and different free programs beginners could use, whether they would like to install software to their computer or try out a web-based tools.
Here are some links beginner subtitlers can use to practice:
SOFTWARE
Photo by Yolanda Secos
WEB-BASED TOOLS
Additionally, we discussed the different steps that may be included in a subtitling request―transcription, translation, and synchronization―and how subtitlers may negotiate prices differently.
Finally, we went through a hands-on live demonstration using DotSub, so attendees could see how videos are uploaded and processed, how the original subtitle file can be uploaded, and how the translation step takes place.