This IS the Avid L2: Re: [Avid-L2] subtitling guidelines

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Re: [Avid-L2] subtitling guidelines

Hi Bouke:

We have been using SubBits for titling rushes, actually. Let me throw a
few more questions at you!

I imagine we will want both a burned in and textless version with
subtitle file, so will need to grapple with fonts and sizing.

As I look at your render engine default, it appears everything is
defined in pixels, rather than points, is that right? So your default
is Arial Narrow Bold, with a text size of 70 pixels, an outline width of
4 pixels and a 1 pixel dropshadow?

Are the 5 asterisked fonts at the top of the font window the defaults
you suggest? (Arial, Frutiger, Futura, Zurich)

Why would you move the subtitles higher in the image than needed to
clear safe title?

The Channel-4 specs range from 38-42 characters per line. Does that
sound in the ballpark?

Thanks,
--Michael

On 13-07-03 12:47 AM, Edit B wrote:
>
> If it's for broadcast, normally the broadcaster wants a subtitle file
> (Pac or 890) and will do the insertion itself.
> If you must burn in, most broadcasters will provide you with a
> screenshot if you ask.
> If you want to see some examples, get Subbits from my site. The render
> engine has a couple of templates (and there is a template image in HD
> with subs in a form i like.)
>
> General rules of thumb to make it look good:
> Centered, Sans serif condensed font, outline, very tiny or no drop
> shadow, NO box, Way bigger line spacing than you would expect, way
> higher in the image than you would expect,
> No color (avoid top white as well, 220 220 220 is white enough), max
> two lines.
>
> There is a huge difference between specs nowadays. Subs tend to get
> smaller and smaller, but don't let the font size fool you.
> The amount of chars as in the specs seems silly now, and it is when it
> comes to screen space / title safe, but it is NOT when it comes to
> read speed.
>
> Bouke
>
> VideoToolShed
> van Oldenbarneveltstraat 33
> 6512 AS NIJMEGEN, the Netherlands
> +31 24 3553311
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Michael Brockington
> To: Avid-L2
> Sent: Wednesday, July 03, 2013 9:18 AM
> Subject: [Avid-L2] subtitling guidelines
>
> I'm getting towards the end of an HD project with lots of subtitles, and
> figuring it's time to try to lock down their format. Currently they are
> readable, but not terribly attractive. I'm wondering if there are
> guidelines floating around for subtitle formatting -- perhaps
> broadcaster specifications. Things like max characters per line,
> recommended fonts and sizes, colours, outline vs text box -- ideally
> spec'd in a form compatible with Avid's subcap tool.
>
> I've found Channel 4's guidelines, for instance:
>
> http://www.channel4.com/media/documents/corporate/foi-docs/SG_FLP.pdf
>
> But when I try the font sizes they suggest in Avid's SubCap, they look
> very small. Is there anything floating around from Canadian or American
> broadcasters?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> --Michael Brockington
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>

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