In the media sector translation works within both legal and technical limits. While the copyright contract determines which rights are assigned, the subtitle file has to comply with character and duration limits. Although the two fields seem independent of each other, they are part of the same job.
Scope of copyright
The types of rights assigned are listed one by one, and rights that are not listed count as not assigned. The list is carried over in full. Nothing is extended.
Term and territory
For how long and in which territory the rights are valid is defined. Expressions of term and territory are preserved. No ambiguity is left.
Adaptation and derivative work rights
Altering the work is the subject of a separate right and is regulated explicitly. The distinction between the terms is preserved. The wording is translated with care.
Moral rights
Rights such as the author's name being credited may be non-assignable in nature. These provisions are carried over with care. No interpretation is added.
Subtitle character limits
The number of characters per line is limited and varies according to the platform. If the limit is exceeded, the text is cut off on screen. The constraint is established at the start of the job.
Reading speed
The time a subtitle stays on screen determines readability and is subject to limits. The text is condensed where necessary. The meaning is preserved.
Timecodes
The times at which subtitles appear and disappear are defined at frame level. The timecodes are not changed. The format is preserved.
Line break rules
Where sentences are broken affects readability and is defined in the guides. The rules are applied. Consistency is preserved.
Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
These subtitles also convey sounds other than speech and have separate rules. Sound descriptions are given in square brackets. The format is preserved.
Voice-over and dubbing scripts
Dubbing scripts carry lip-sync and duration constraints. The length is kept close to the source. The meaning is preserved.
Platform style guides
Platforms apply their own guides, and these are binding. The guide is obtained at the start of the job. The rules are applied.
Place and personal names
In works of fiction, whether names are translated is decided series by series. The decision is the same throughout the series. Continuity is preserved.
Continuity of terms
In multi-episode productions the terms stay fixed from episode to episode. A translation memory and a list are used. Inconsistency irritates the viewer.
Credits and title sequence texts
The production credits contain job titles, which have established equivalents in the sector. The job titles are translated consistently. The order is preserved.
Broadcasting rights documents
Rights documents are required for a piece of content to be broadcast, and they are kept in the file. The document numbers are carried over. The scope is preserved.
Age ratings and content warnings
Content classification and warnings are mandatory, and their formats are defined. The warnings are carried over in full. The levels are preserved.
Press releases
Promotional texts can be adapted, but factual information is not changed. Dates and names are carried over. The scope is determined.
The costliest mistake in this sector
If a right that is not listed in the copyright contract appears in the translation as though it were listed, a right that has not been assigned is shown as assigned. In these list-based articles a difference of a single line reverses the legal result. The lists of rights are compared one to one.