Another free subtitle template

Last weeks in my spare time I tried to build a title template which reflects the grid settings used in broadcast and and web broadcast.
Unfortunately I didn't succeed to build one with "dynamic line width". So I finally decided to make one for HD and above.

The template uses the European grid settings of 30 cells per height of the picture. But even for non European user it can be a help.
This template has a switchable "horizontal line" pattern display ( a action/title safe zone to). So you can adjust your subtitles to mimic the final broadcasted appearance.

Currently broadcasters use 2 types for the height of the subtitle lines.
2 cell height:
A. a subtitle lines including leading and descenders are in between 3 horizontal lines.
B. a subtitle lines including descenders are in between 3 horizontal lines.

1 cell height:
A. a subtitle lines including leading and descenders are in between 2 horizontal lines.
B. a subtitle lines including descenders are in between 2 horizontal lines.

For web based broadcast vertical alignment differs by broadcaster. Some keep the old rule of keeping the switchable subtitles in the title safe zone, others say the action safe zone is the new digital title safe and some others say there is no need for that for any displayed video without overscan/underscan - I personally agree. But even for latter you never should touch the top or bottom cell.

How the Title Template works:
The template finally is a modified version of my TextUp template and you can use it as a normal subtitle template with the grid lines switched off.
You can also delete the text and lengthen the template to the time of the project to adjust your used or favorite subtitle templates for the needs of the delivery.

Example for a 2 cell subtitle.
www.finalcutprofi.de/phpboard/userpix/287_Subtitle_Setup_1.jpg

Download the EBU TextUp installer here.
www.spherico.com/filmtools/TitleExchange/XTI/EBU%20TextUp.dmg

-Andreas

Andreas, I think you need a dedicated section in the Templates forum. Seriously, you pump out some amazing stuff, are always updating it in fantastic ways. FCP.co really needs to give you your own space here. Seriously, man.

Thanks for the great work!

If you have set your security preferences to not open applications from everywhere:



Then you might not be able to run Andreas' EBU TextUp installer.

To temporarily get around this restriction, Control- or right-click the 'EBU TextUp.pkg' file and choose 'Open' from the popup menu and then click the 'Open' button in the resulting dialogue box.

I came up against this problem with the installers for my plugins, so for more information, visit my old blog.


@Alex4D

@ Alex
Many thanks for pointing that out! And sorry to bother you last week.

@ Ben
Thanks for the kind words.
I don't think there is a need for "my dedicated section" but would love to see a dedicated section for subtitling.
There are many documentaries which need good, fast and uncomplicated subtitle handling. There are also big production houses who want to have a fast turnaround when they need subtitles. And there is anything in between and above those.
None of these people do have a "group" where they can ask or discuss. It is always a matter of "I just found something here ... but I need need it finished by tomorrow". A lot of these problems end up in my mail box with "please help...". I can't cover that all the time – some times I need to make some money

Two recent examples:
Three weeks ago an editor gave me a call from Beijing that all her (1500+) subtitles have to be changed overnight for a viewing noon next day. She wasn't a techie at all – only a good director and editor. We solved that within a few minutes.
A bit later was another director/editor from Egypt who "dared" to step into the "FCP X Adventure" was lost somehow to get his dailies/scenes already subtitled with files from a translator on the other side of the globe. The Chinese editor recommend to contact me on a private group on Yahoo. He tried my workflow, was happy and even more happy that FCP X does give him these options.

I can sum up endless examples from over 20 years. All of these will show that "non techie people" involved in subtitling do need some place to exchange questions and solutions.

FCP X is on a good way meanwhile. The Interactive Media Group (IMG) at Apple is on their way to create an OS (iOS) wide support of subtitling (for modern subtitle formats) for all devices. So FCP X finally will follow these upcoming "rules" while it still will be left to 3rd parties to handle all these hundreds of subtitle flavors.

Regarding my template. I will update it some time this week to show a DCP grid. That could help editors to get a feeling how the subtitles will look in a digital cinema – without having a DCP server.

- Andreas