Automatic Title/Subtitle Creation Survey
by Brandt Krueger
on
Jun 25, 2008 at 2:17:19 pm
Hello all,
I've been working on a project that's had me bouncing around from application to application, playing with PDF's, XML data, FCP, and Flash. In the midst of it all, I think I've figured out how I could create some things that might be useful to others, but not really to myself. I thought I'd check the demand before I created a supply...
Does this workflow sound appealing?
1. Send a subtitle PDF to a coworker or client with fields to fill in for In, Out, and Text.
2. They email it back to you.
3. Use a small program to translate that data into FCP XML.
4. Import the XML into FCP.
5. Bingo. Instant subtitles. Go in and tweak them.
Personally I'm using a similar workflow to generate custom titles for a program where the video stays the same but the titles have to change from week to week.
Any thoughts? Anything similar to this you'd like to see?
Re: Automatic Title/Subtitle Creation Survey by Matt gerard on Jun 25, 2008 at 7:00:42 pm
Yes, that wouldinterest me, we are starting to do alot of translations for our videos, and are putting together some killer pricing on adding non-english subtitles to new and old videos. So anything to ease the workflow would be greatly appreciated. We currently have a workflow, but it is a bit arcane-
1. Drop markers into timeline to indicate start/stop of subtitles-
2. Export XML of sequence
3. Extract marker data with a a little application (can't recall the name of it right now)
4. Paste the marker data (name, in and out TC's) into an excel spreadsheet
5. Copy/Paste English text from script into corresponding cell in spreadsheet
6. send off to translator who fills in the cell next to the english with other language translation
7. Delete English column
8. Save as tab deliminated text file
9. Search/Replace with commas, save with .stl extension
10. Import compressed video (with embedded markers) into DVDSP
11. Import STL into track and see if subtitles line up with markers.
12. Repeat for next language.
Whew!! This is what I came up with without purchasing any other software, which I might just to ease my pain!!!!
I am open to suggestions with this workflow, but I am interested in yours and that might save me a couple of steps.
Matt
Its more fun to ride a slow motorcycle fast than a fast motorcycle slow...
Re: Automatic Title/Subtitle Creation Survey by Brandt Krueger on Jun 25, 2008 at 7:23:02 pm
That's an interesting one, Matt. Seems like there should be some way to streamline that up a bit. My current direction winds up with the titles being re-imported and rendered in FCP, while it sounds like you're actually using the proper subtitle channels on the DVD.
Tell you what, though, when I'm done sorting out my own particular problems, I'll put some thought into it.
Re: Automatic Title/Subtitle Creation Survey by Matt gerard on Jun 25, 2008 at 8:47:43 pm
Yes, I am using the "Proper Subtitle" thingies in DVDSP. Its basically a cheaper way than having to do 8 voiceovers in different languages. It works pretty slick, because with the markers that get imported into dvdsp with the video, you can check to make sure that the subtitle start/end in the DVDSP timeline lines up with the markers, which came from FCP. Good way to ensure that everything is lining up before the final goes out.
I'd be interested in hearing your take on it, or anyone else's. We are having big demand for this for several of our clients (especially with videos already completed!!) so, any way to make it easier for me (selfish, ain't I?) the better!!!!
MAtt
Its more fun to ride a slow motorcycle fast than a fast motorcycle slow...
Re: Automatic Title/Subtitle Creation Survey by Matt Gerard on Aug 6, 2008 at 9:35:05 pm
Just bumping this thread, I am starting my first big subtitle job here next week, will be english and Spanish audio track,s and 16 additional subtitled languages.
Just seeing if there was anything that came out of this discussion beyond what is here. I think that I have my workflow hammered out, so the hard work will be done by the translation company.
See my other post about how to change the marker type in batches. My sequnces will have lots of markers, and having to change each one manually to a dvd chapter marker will be painful. If there is another way to do it, I would like to know!!!
Thanks!
Matt
Its more fun to ride a slow motorcycle fast than a fast motorcycle slow...
