Introduction to Subtitling

Source Recording → Translation → Timing → Proofreading (Traditionalization) → Effects → Compression → Release

1.     Preparatory Work 

Before a subtitle group starts adding subtitles to a video, some preparatory work needs to be done. Firstly, the subtitle group needs to determine the language of the video to select appropriate translators. Secondly, the subtitle group needs to decide on the format and style of the subtitles to ensure uniformity. Finally, the subtitle group needs to identify the platform and release time for the subtitles to schedule work progress.

2.     Translation and Proofreading

After completing the preparatory work, the subtitle group begins the translation and proofreading process. Translators work based on the video's language type, ensuring the subtitles' duration and word count sync with the video. Proofreaders review and modify the translated subtitles to ensure accuracy and fluency.

3.     Timing Creation

Following translation and proofreading, the subtitle group creates timings. This involves synchronizing the subtitles with the video, precisely controlling each subtitle's appearance and disappearance times. Professional subtitling software like Aegisub is used for timing creation.

Subtitle Effects Creation

4.     In addition to timing, the subtitle group also creates effects to enhance readability and visual appeal, including color, size, position, background, etc. Professional subtitling software like Aegisub is used for effects creation.

5.     Final Review and Release

After timing and effects creation, the subtitle group conducts a final review and releases the subtitles. The final review ensures quality and accuracy, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc. Subtitles are uploaded to platforms like Bilibili, Youku, etc. Feedback is used for further improvements to enhance quality and user experience.

Translation: Once the source material is downloaded via P2P, it is handed over to translators.

Timing: After translation is completed, the script (usually not requiring bilingual subtitles for animations) is given to timing editors to start timing. Popsub, a subtitling tool, is commonly used in the industry to create timing, resulting in an ass file.

Effects: Between timing and compression, there may be processes such as proofreading, traditionalization, and effects creation. Traditionalization is usually handled by colleagues from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, while simple effects are directly created using Pop's ass code. More complex effects are developed using Aegisub or Adobe After Effects.

Compression: Once the ass file is complete, an AVS file is written to load the video, audio, and subtitles, which can then be compressed using Megui.

Release: After the final product is compressed, a BT seed is created using utorrent and released on various platforms. Grassroots subtitling groups typically do not have FTP distribution and rely on contributors to share the content through small pipelines.

Using a 20-minute episode as an example:

Source: Downloaded using an Online YouTube Downloader in 720p/1080p mp4 format. The 1080p version usually has no sound and requires adding audio tracks using Vegas, taking 5 minutes.

Transcription: Using Global PotPlayer, transcribing content into a text document takes 150 minutes with shortcuts "X" for slow speed and "Z" for normal speed.

Timing: Using Time Machine tutorial, importing the transcription text to generate an ass subtitle file, modifying the code, and checking the effect in PotPlayer takes 30 minutes.

Compression: Using Little Maru Toolbox, compressing the finalized ass subtitle file into an mp4 file takes 15 minutes. After compression, the file is uploaded for review, totaling 200 minutes.

◀️：Introduction to TRADOS

▶️：Introduction to Translation Devices