INDEX

Font: Arial, White
Minimum duration: 1 second
Maximum duration: 7 seconds
- 29.97 frames/second (fps) - 210 frames
- 23.98 frames/second (fps) - 168 frames
- 25 frames/second (fps) - 175 frames
Reading speed (include spaces and punctuation):
- Subtitles
  - Adult programs - 17 characters per second (cps)
  - Chidren's programs - 13 characters per second (cps)
- SDH (Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing)
  - Adult programs - 20 characters per second (cps)
  - Chidren's programs - 17 characters per second (cps)
Frame gap: 2 frames minimum
Note: Frame gap should be 2 frames or at least 5 frames
All frame gaps of 3-4 frames should be reduced to 2 frames
Character limit: 42 characters per line
DVD (all): 32 (if all uppercase) characters per line
DISNEY (DVD only): 40 characters per line
HBO: 40 characters per line
Max. Number of lines: 2 lines

2. Line Treatment

If an event can fit on one line, please keep it to one line. Do not split for grammatical reasons.
For two line events, ensure that you maintain a logical and grammatically correct line break (e.g. after punctuation).

3. Positioning

Always position either top or bottom center. Never have subtitles in any other position.
An event should be moved to the top if there is text in the lower third of the screen (e.g. credits)
In cases where the entire screen is covered with text, choose the option that causes the least disruption to the viewer.

4. Timing

If there is a supplied English Template, the timing for that should be followed. Events may be merged or split if the in-cues and out-cues are maintained. This rule supersedes all the below rules.
Subtitles should be timed to audio (within 3 frames).
- If extra time is needed for reading speeds, the out-time can be extended by 12 frames past end of audio.
If dialogue starts within 3 frames of a shot change, pull the in-time to the shot change.
There should always be a minimum of 2 frames between the out-time of an event and the shot change after it.
If dialogue ends within 3 frames or less of a shot change, pull the out-time to 2 frames before the shot change.
While the reading speed is 17 cps, this is not always possible, the following priority should be followed:
1. Time to audio and extend by 12 frames past end of audio (if it doesn’t cause the event to cross a shot change and look awkward).
2. Let the reading speed go up to 21 cps.
3. Merge or split events to help with reading speeds.
4. Truncate without losing the meaning of the audio.
5. If, after you have tried all of the above, the reading speed is still exceeding 21 cps then the file can be submitted as is, but all the above must have been tried.

5. Truncation

Subtitles should convey the context of the audio as accurately as possible, but do not need to be a word for word translation.
Omit superfluous and unnecessary information such as hesitation markers, repetitions, and redundancies (e.g. "You know", "you see" etc).
Common alterations:
1. Hypernyms:
  "Fox Terrier" (11 chars) > "hond"(4 chars)
2. Synonyms:
  "geen vin verroeren" (18 characters) > "stilstaan" (9 chars)
3. Univerbation:
  wekelijkse arbeidsduur van 40 uur (33 chars) > 40-urige werkweek (17 chars)
4. Noun-verb combinations:
  in overweging nemen (19 chars) > overwegen (9 chars)
  een kus geven (14 chars) > kussen (6 chars)
5. Short forms:
  mobiele telefoon (16 chars) > mobiel (6 chars)

6. Dual Speakers

Use a hyphen without a space to denote the second speaker in one subtitle, with a maximum of one speaker per line.

Hoe gaat het?
-Goed.

7. Names

Do not translate proper names (e.g. John, Mary) unless requested.
Only translate nicknames if they have a specific meaning or are well-known and have official Dutch equivalents. (e.g. Herr Hand Grenade / Herr Handgranaat )
Use local language translations for historical/mythical characters (e.g. Santa Claus / Kerstman).
Translate brand names to a generic term if the brand is unknown in the Netherlands and is relevant to context. (e.g. "bleekmiddel" for "Clorox")
Do not italicize proper names or company names.

8. Formality

Terms of address: Use formal or informal terms of address based on the relationship between characters and keep them consistent throughout (unless there is a change in the relationship). When in doubt, use informal terms.

9. Punctuation

No spaces before punctuation marks.
Use uppercase letter after a colon for quotes only.
Ze zei: 'Dat had ik kunnen zijn.’
Thoughts are never in quotation marks.

10. Italics

Italicize:
1. Unfamiliar foreign words and phrases (not commonly used)
2. Song lyrics when sung, not quoted (provided rights have been granted)
3. Titles of books / periodicals / works of art / albums / movies / tv or radio shows / plays / ship names
4. Genera and species' scientific names
Do not italicize:
1. Dialogue that is heard through electronic media, such as a phone, television, public announcement system or computer
2. Voice-overs such as out-of-scene narrators or visible characters expressing unspoken thoughts
3. During B-roll footage in a documentary. Avoid going back and forth between italics when the speaker is on and off screen. If the speaker is on-camera for part of the scene do not italicize
4. If the dialogue starts/ends out-of-scene, but the character is visible during the event (e.g. on a phone call between 2 people)
5. For emphasis

11. Continuity

For ellipses, use the single smart character (U+2026) instead of three dots/periods.

Use ellipses at the end and beginning of subtitles when an ongoing sentence is split between subtitle events.

Event 1:
Elke keer dat je het ziet of het koopt...

Event 2:
...krijgen wij daar een deel van.

AMAZON Use ellipses at the end of the first event but not at the beginning of the next event when an ongoing sentence is split between subtitle events.

Event 1:
Z'n milt is gescheurd...

Event 2:
door harde klappen op z'n torso.

Use an ellipsis to indicate a significant pause (2 seconds or more) or dialogue trailing off. For a pause (2 seconds or more), there should be a space after the ellipses.

Event 1:
Ja... laat maar zien.

Event 1:
Dus...

Use an ellipsis without a space for an event starting mid-sentence.

…en een vooraanstaande plek in de App Store.

Use an ellipsis for abrupt interruptions.

Event 1:
Dat is...
-Vooral als je je foto erop zet.

12. Titles

Follow instructions from Pixelogic regarding Main Titles. If instructions were not provided, double check.
AMAZON Do not include Main Titles. If mentioned in dialogue, check with Pixelogic.
NETFLIX Do not include Main Titles. If mentioned in dialogue, check with Pixelogic.
Episode Titles: Do not subtitle if they do not appear onscreen, if they do, check with Pixelogic.
NETFLIX Do not include Episode Titles. If mentioned in dialogue, check with Pixelogic.
Use uppercase letters for titles..
ALULA Full uppercase ALWAYS. Disregard casing in Localization Library.
DISNEY+ Match the case of the onscreen text.
Titles of movies, TV shows or published works: Use official / accepted translations. If none are available, leave in the original language.

13. Forced Narratives / Narrative Subtitles

Only include plot-pertinent Forced Narratives.
Delete redundant Forced Narratives (e.g. identical to onscreen text/covered in dialogue/appears repeatedly in the video).
Forced Narratives should be ALL CAPS.

Exceptions:
Excerpts from books / magazines / newspapers
Handwritten notes
Social Media Messages
Text messages
All the above should match the text as it appears on screen.

Long passages of on screen text (e.g. prologues / epilogues) can use mixed case to improve readability.

PARAMOUNT Forced Narratives should always match the case of the onscreen text.
DISNEY+ Forced Narratives should always match the case of the onscreen text.

Ensure that Forced Narratives do not cover onscreen text. In the event, there is onscreen text at the top and bottom, place the Forced Narrative in the location easiest to read. If both locations are identically difficult, then place the event at the bottom.
Never combine a Forced Narrative with dialogue in the same event.
If a Forced Narrative interrupts dialogue, use an ellipsis at the end of the preceding event and at the beginning of the following event.

Event 1:
Je hebt 60 seconden op de roltrap...

Event 2(FN):
OPRICHTER

Event 3:
...om hen te laten kiezen voor jouw project.

Speaker’s title for documentaries: Only translate the title. Do not include speaker’s name, company name or character name.
Only translate a speaker’s title once, the first time the speaker appears in the documentary.

14. Foreign Dialogue

Foreign dialogue should only be subtitled if the viewer was meant to understand it per creative intent in the original version. Please check with Pixelogic to see if you are using a Subtitled or Subtitle-less version of the video.
Always verify spelling and grammar when using foreign words.
Foreign words should be italicized, unless they have become part of normal usage (e.g. In English, the following do not need italicization: bon voyage, bona fide, alfresco, kaput).
Avoid using Anglicisms, but do not translate English words commonly used in Dutch. (e.g. lucky shot should not be translated to gelukstreffer)
Do not italicize proper names or company names.

15. Numbers, Time & Currency

From 1 to 10, spell the numbers: "één", "twee", "drie", etc.
Above 10, numbers can be written numerically: "11", "14", "15", etc.
If a number starts a sentence, it should be spelled out.
Numbers above 9999 should be grouped using a period. (e.g. "12.345")
Exceptions to the above can be made for space limitations or correct usage (e.g. "2 km", phone numbers, "She was 10 before she turned 11").
Use a comma as a decimal separator (e.g. "9,99")
Time format hh.mm uur. Unless specified in audio, use the 24-clock. (e.g. "Tussen 17.00 en 21.00 uur.")
Never convert currency.
Unit of currency - If used in audio should be spelled out or represented by the appropriate symbol after the number (e.g. "Ik zou de app voor 99 cent of 1,29 dollar verkopen.")
Use a space between the number and the abbreviation or symbol ("8 km", "8 °C", "8 %")
If a currency symbol is used, place it in front of the numeral with a space. (e.g. "$ 129")
Convert to metric system: kilometers (km), Celsius (°C), Kilograms (kg).

16. Quotation Marks

Use single quotation marks (' ') without spaces for regular quotations.

Event 1:
Ze zei: 'Dat had ik kunnen zijn.’
AMAZON Use double quotation marks (" ") without spaces for regular quotations.
Use double quotation marks (" ") without spaces for quotes within quotes.

Event 1:
'Tino zei het: "Alles is in orde."'
AMAZON Use single quotation marks (" ") without spaces for quotes within quotes.
Punctuation should be included within the quotation marks if the quote is an independent clause and outside if it’s not.
Quotes should be used at the start and end of a quote, not at the start of every subtitle.
Put song titles in quotes.

17. Abbreviations

Meneer: "Mr / M"
Mevrouw: "Mrs / mevr or mw"
Juffrouw: "Miss / mej or mv"
Doctor: "dr."
Professor: "prof."
More information:
http://publications.europa.eu/code/nl/nl-5000300.htm
https://onzetaal.nl/taaladvies/afkortingen-algemene-regels

18. Acronyms

Write acronyms without periods between letters: "FBI", "BBC", "LA".
Translate an acronym when there is a localized version. e.g. UN, The United Nations = VN, Verenigde Naties
AMAZON If the acronym does not have an Czech equivalent, translate the meaning of the acronym and put the untranslated English acronym in parenthesis. e.g. North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA) = Noord-Amerikaanse Vrijhandelsovereenkomst (NAFTA).
If the English acronym reoccurs throughout the content, only translate it once and just use the English acronym for the rest of the content.

19. Repetitions

Do not translate words or phrases repeated more than once.
If the word or phrase is said twice in a row, time to audio but do not repeat the translation.
This rule can be ignored if the context uses repetition for emphasis or comedic effect.

20. Censored words

If a word has been censored in the audio use four asterisks to indicate the censored word.

Ter****!

21. Songs

If the song is original to the show/movie, check with Pixelogic if translation is required. For all other instances do not translate.
LIONSGATE This rule is for characters singing only. Do not translate background songs.
Songs in which the lyrics have been altered or parodied for comedic effect can generally be titled.
Italicize lyrics.
Start each line with an uppercase letter.
NETFLIX Use a lowercase letter at the beginning of each line, unless the first word is a proper noun.
PARAMOUNT Use a lowercase letter at the beginning of each line, unless the first word is a proper noun.
Use an ellipsis if the song continues in the background but is interrupted by dialogue.
Only question marks, exclamation marks and ellipses can be used at the end of a line. Commas can be used within the lyric line, if required.
Song titles are in quotation marks.
AMAZOn Song titles are in single quotation marks.
Album titles are in italics.

22. Translator Credit

Include if present in provided English template, otherwise do NOT include a translator credit.
Exceptions:
ALULA (Features/Episodes only) Include a translator credit - "Vertaling: ".
DISNEY Include a translator credit - "Vertaling: ". Do not include for VAM.
NETFLIX Include a translator credit (DO NOT INCLUDE for VanDam & Backlot Trailers) - "Ondertiteld door:"
PARAMOUNT (Theatrical) Include a translator credit - "Ondertiteld door:"
SONY (Feature/Episodes only) Include a translator credit - "Ondertiteling Vertaald door: "
FOX Include a translator credit.
NBCUNIVERSAL (Features/Episodes only) Include a translator credit.
If a client requests a translator credit and does not specify a format use one of the above prioritizing top to bottom.
Company names are not allowed as Translator Credit. Only the individual translator.
In the cases where the file is a reformat of an older subtitle file, there may be no translator credit required as it may not be present on the original file.

21. Language Tag

If the following event is present at the end of the template:

[LANGUAGE TAG - Do not Translate]

do not omit or translate, but simply copy the English text into your language file. This is an identifier in English for BD/DVD authors.

24. SDH Instructions - Speaker IDs / Sound Effects

Speaker IDs/Sound Effects

Use [ ] brackets for speaker IDs or sound effects.
Use lowercase, except for proper nouns.
Only use speaker IDs or sound effects when they cannot be visually identified.
If a person who is on-screen continues talking off-screen, do not add another identifier for their off-screen dialogue. We assume it's the same person talking until another person is visible or until there is an identifier for a different speaker.
Do not identify a speaker until their character name has been introduced. Until they are introduced, use generic IDs (e.g. [man], [man 2], [cop], [doctor])
For documentaries, commentaries, bonus material (VAM) etc. do not identify interviewees by their first name. Only use their last name. You can use first names for the characters from the program, assuming they have been identified that way in the full program.
Use a generic ID to indicate and describe ambient music (e.g. [rock music playing on radio]).
Only include plot-pertinent sound effects.
Never italicize speaker IDs or sounds effects, even if the dialogue is italicized.

Exclamations

Include single utterances and exclamations (e.g. Oh, Um..., Wow!)

Foreign Dialogue

If translated – Use [in language] (e.g. [in het Russisch] )
If not meant to be understood – Use [speaking language] (e.g. [spreekt Engels] )
Always research the language. Do not use [speaking foreign language] or [in foreign language].

Songs (additional to Section 19)

Song lyrics should be enclosed with a music note (♪)
Songs heard within the scene should be identified if possible.
['Cat People (Putting Out Fire)' van David Bowie speelt]

Censored Words

If a word has been censored in the audio use four asterisks to indicate the censored word.