Subtitling

Subtitling is one of the best alternatives to translating movies. In addition, subtitling is less expensive than most other options, with the exception of off-screen dubbing.

POLYGLOT offers subtitling among its many services. If this is required, working with the video materials, we can provide textual accompaniment to film. Subtitling can vary by specification. We offer several options, starting with simply translating the actors’ lines, to translation with all possible extras (for example translation of inscriptions or sounds). Textual accompaniment can be used for several reasons. Text can be in the same language as the film – for example for a hearing-impaired audience - or translated subtitles can be used, so that information, transferred through the text, can be a substitute for dubbing. In the latter case the audience hears the original speech in the foreign language and at the same time is able to read the translation.

When translating film subtitles can be presented in different forms. For example, there are sewn-in subtitles which are superimposed on the film and cannot be switched off.  Alternatively, we can translate subtitles which are stored separately from the video material. Such an approach provides the opportunity to create translations in several languages, so that the viewer might have a choice of language, as well as the opportunity to disable subtitles altogether.

The superimposition of subtitles is undertaken in accordance with generally accepted standards in terms of the number of characters on screen, duration of text, correct frame positioning, etc. The peculiarities of superimposing subtitles differ depending on the type of data carrier and the video material that the subtitles will be recorded onto.

To translate a film is to continue the work of its creators. It means bringing the author’s idea, the meaning of his creation, to the audience, in a different language. Dubbing a movie is not like translating documentation or an official speech, it is a translation of emotions. Therefore you have to ensure the reproduction of the whole gamut of feelings and emotions from love to anxiety, fear to pride and joy to passion. All the aforementioned are concerns when translating feature films. And translating popular science fiction has yet further subtleties. Here, accuracy in the translation of specialist terms and names is vital. Therefore, the execution of such translation requires translators who have very specific specialisations in the required subject. We are confident that we can provide the individual creative technique which is essential to the translation or dubbing of films or other video material.

POLYGLOT can also provide translation and dubbing for:

TV commercials

Presentations

Broadcasts

Educational films