ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXDialogue list format. Any recommendations or pitfalls to avoid?
8 years, 10 months ago - Nicholas Vince
I've just been asked to create a dialogue list for a French festival, who have translators ready to go for my short film.
From Googling, I've learned this can be laid out with three columns:
- Time stamp
- Character name
- Dialogue
Using a new row for each change of character.
I guess I should also indicate that a couple of lines are O. C.
Anything else I may have missed?
Many thanks for any advice offered.
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8 years, 10 months ago - Dan Selakovich
That's basically it. If you've ever done a spotting list, it's the same as that.
You'd have column A for character. Column B: the start time for the line. Column C: the end time of the line. Column D: the duration of the line. Column E: the line itself. This would also include your title and crew cards (Produced by/directed by, etc).
You might be able to get away with not listing the duration, but it's handy for those doing the subtitles.
Response from 8 years, 10 months ago - Dan Selakovich SHOW
8 years, 10 months ago - Dan Selakovich
Just to make sure; did they ask for a window dubbed version? You might supply them with both a window dub and a non-window dub just incase.
Also, to be clear, you need a new row even if there isn't a new character for long gaps. For example, JAKE has a line at 00:02:33:14, then walks to the window, thinks a bit, pours a cup of coffee, the phone rings, he picks it up, then starts to speak again at 00:04:10: 12. That entire gap isn't him talking. Pauses and whatnot are fine, but large gaps need to be broken with a new start and end time.
Just imagine yourself typing in subtitles. What would make it easy for you? Nowadays, it you be super easy to add a picture of the character in the character row (as well as their name). If you do this, give them both a non-photo version as well. Some translators work differently. In the end, it doesn't hurt to ask THEM how they want it.
Response from 8 years, 10 months ago - Dan Selakovich SHOW
8 years, 10 months ago - Nicholas Vince
Hi Dan. Thanks so much for this. It's very helpful. Another suggestion I got fro other film makers was to supply a .srt file. Found a very handy program for Macs called 'Subtitle Edit Pro', which isn't cheap, but very easy to work with. I'll send across the .srt file (and .txt) and follow your suggestion of asking what they'd prefer.
Response from 8 years, 10 months ago - Nicholas Vince SHOW
8 years, 10 months ago - Dan Selakovich
I've never heard of Subtitle Edit Pro. I'll have to look into that. Thanks!
Response from 8 years, 10 months ago - Dan Selakovich SHOW