More languages
Translated subtitles open film and video content to international audiences. The original voices remain.
Video · Film · Languages · Access
Original voices.
New perspectives.
Your production keeps its original voices and becomes understandable in other languages. We create and translate subtitles, align them with picture and reading speed, and can add captions with important sound information.
A standalone service or part of multilingual media production
Languages. Service. Quality. Technology.
- Turnaround
- Hours–days
depending on project volume and requirements
- Experience
- 30+ years
localization experience at zappmedia GmbH, since 1993
- Projects
- 90,000+
completed localization projects
- Client testimonials
- 1,047
published feedback from our clients
- Languages
- 80+
for translation, voice recording, subtitling and transcription
- Certification
- ISO 9001
TÜV-audited quality management at zappmedia GmbH, since 2006
Subtitles matched to the audience
Understand more.
Reach more people.
Translated subtitles and captions for people with hearing impairments serve different purposes. We agree the required scope together.
Captions & sounds
Beyond speech, captions can include important sounds, speaker changes and other relevant audio information.
Picture & readability
Typeface, size, colour, line length and display time are matched to the picture, text and output.
From soundtrack to subtitle
The words fit.
The picture too.
Our team coordinates transcription, native-language translation and subtitle production where required. Existing scripts or dialogue lists can provide the basis; if no text exists, we recover it from the soundtrack.
We coordinate readability, text length and display time so viewers can understand the message and follow the picture. Cuts, speaker changes and particular visual situations are handled to suit your production.
What we agree beforehand
- Video and existing script
- Source and target languages
- Subtitles or captions
- Character and line requirements
- Display times and cuts
- Output format and target medium
Subtitle production in detail
Every line
has its place.
From translation to final display: we include the following tasks in the agreed service scope.
Translate subtitles and retain the original voices
Subtitles enable film and video productions to reach audiences in additional languages and can offer a cost-effective alternative to a new voice track. The original voices are retained.
The translation must convey meaning and tone while remaining understandable within the agreed reading time. Subtitles can also support language learning.
Captions for people with hearing impairments
Dialogue alone may not provide enough information for deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers to follow the action. Important sounds, music cues and speaker identification can convey additional meaning.
The content and intended output determine what is needed. Relevant off-screen sounds, such as a ringing phone or approaching traffic, are described in the appropriate form.
Typeface, length, display time and cuts
Subtitles should be quick to read and leave sufficient space for the picture. We coordinate typeface, size, colour, formatting and text length. Different colours can identify voice roles where appropriate.
Reading speed is often slower than speaking speed, so display duration and synchronisation need to be considered together. Where necessary, we agree treatment of cuts with the production team.
Subtitle files, switchable output and target media
Subtitles can be delivered as a separate file and switched on or off where the target system supports it. SRT is a common example. We agree output, integration and technical requirements for your platform.
Language selection and switchable subtitles are familiar from DVD and other media productions. Special output systems, such as subtitle glasses, also require suitable technical coordination.
Subtitles and audio description serve different purposes
Subtitles and captions convey language and sound information. Blind or partially sighted people may instead need audio description, which describes relevant visual elements in an additional audio track.
Descriptions are fitted into the programme without obscuring important dialogue or sounds. Your brief establishes which forms of media access are needed; subtitles alone do not address every requirement.
Software support and quality control
Suitable software can support transcription, translation and timing. Language review and in-context checks remain part of the agreed production process.
Find technology services and their terms at zappmedia.io. We advise which steps suit your material.
From film to readable text
Well coordinated.
To the final line.
We combine text work, timing and review in a coordinated project.
Brief & material
We agree the video, existing texts, languages, output and captioning requirements.
Text & translation
Where needed, we transcribe and create the language versions with native-language specialists.
Timing & presentation
Text is segmented; display times, length and presentation are matched to the medium.
Review & delivery
We review the subtitles in context and deliver the agreed format for your target medium.
Subtitling prices
Matched to the film.
Priced to the work.
Running time, language pair, existing text, required captions and output determine the work involved. You receive an individual fixed-price quote for the agreed scope.
This includes project management, incoming file checks, analysis, scheduling and resource planning, communication, quality control and delivery.
Request a quote ↗From our reference portfolio
The logos represent documented work with clients in our reference portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
A quick question.
A clear answer.
How do subtitles and closed captions differ?
Translated subtitles convey speech in another language. Captions also contain important audio information, such as sounds and speaker identification. “Closed” describes an output that can be switched on or off.
Can production start without a script?
Yes. We can transcribe the soundtrack, then translate and subtitle the text. Existing scripts or dialogue lists may reduce the work involved.
What requirements should I provide?
Target languages, captioning requirements, target platform and output format, plus existing character, line and display-time specifications. We agree the implementation after reviewing your material.
Let’s talk about it
Your film.
A wider audience.
Send us the production, target languages and required output format. We will recommend the right subtitling scope.