Decoding subtitles or a multi-stage approach

I’ve been updating my portfolio, and it feels like a trip back in time.

In 2024, I completed my longest subtitling project yet: a 110-minute documentary.

These are the things I consider when starting a new project to estimate the workload:

1. ANALYZE AND PLAN:

– Video type and subject: What is the video type (interview, documentary, movie) and topic?
– Accent and audio quality: Assess audio quality and speaker accents.
– Research: Is there a lot of research needed?
– Audience: Who am I subtitling for?
– Support: There are any scripts or transcriptions?
– Duration: What is the video length?
– Deadline: Set realistic daily goals to meet the deadline.

2. WORKFLOW AND WELL-BEING:

TIME MANAGEMENT:
– Factor in watch time before starting.
– Estimate my subtitling speed (minutes per hour).
– Allocate time for final review.

* Breaks: Short, regular breaks are crucial for focus and preventing burnout.
* Ergonomics: Create a comfortable workspace with an ergonomic chair, mouse, and wrist support. Don’t forget to invest in quality headphones.

What are your greatest challenges when working on a large subtitling project?