Creating international textless elements

Hello,

I have always wondered about the logic and procedures behind the creation of "international" versions of programs, particularly when it comes to providing a broadcaster with a "textless" show (in other words a show where all of the titles and graphics have been removed so that the international broadcaster can put in their own titles or graphics in their own language). Perhaps someone here is familiar with the process and can shed some light on the subject for me.

First, Im wondering how anyone who has does this goes about assembling the textless elements at the end of the tape? How much footage (handles) to give them? Is one second on either side of a graphic enough? What if there are dissolves in and out of the shot that has a graphic? Will the editor on the other end be match cutting the textless footage back into the show? It seems like a lot of work. Wouldnt it be simpler to just give them the whole show without any graphics?

Are there any standards here or is each broadcaster unique?

Hopefully someone here has been through this process and can answer my questions.


Thanks,

Sterling

Sterling Noren
Owner/Writer/Producer/Editor
WideWorld HD Productions
Seattle, WA