Subtitles
No ordinary translation
Timing is everything
Subtitling is a unique craft. It’s an extremely difficult discipline that combines written and spoken language. Moreover, the subtitler is limited in time (reading speed) and space (the screen). That’s why, for subtitling, you could say it takes a little talent and a lot of experience.
The art of subtitling
It requires not only a thorough command of language and the subtleties of communication, but also a keen eye for timing and spatial optimisation. The art of subtitling lies not only in translating words, but also in conveying the emotion, tone and context of the spoken dialogue, all within the limited space available on the screen. It’s a constant balancing act between preserving the essence of the content and meeting the technical requirements of readability and timing. Only through practice and dedication can a subtitler develop the skills it takes to successfully perform this challenging task.
Dice subtitles and translates:
- films
- series
- documentaries
- corporate videos
- video trainings
- voiceover scripts
Case Subtitles for De Mensen
In 2018, Karolien from the production company De Mensen presented us with a project that gave new meaning to the word ‘challenge.’ Could we subtitle the entire first season of Undercover in four languages within just a few months? Tom Waes in German? Frank Lammers in French? Oh, and could we create three different versions for Netflix, VRT, and ZDF, as each has its own requirements? No problem, Karolien. It became the most demanding project we’ve ever tackled, but our experienced experts rose to the occasion. Thanks to Karolien, who managed this Herculean task with a firm yet friendly hand. Subtitlers are the unique hybrids of the industry, blending the skills of a translator and an interpreter. The best among them always strike the perfect balance between spoken and written language. And we’re fortunate to have precisely those talents in-house. You can see the final result in this clip. Language is, after all, a profession.
