Table of contents
Defining Scope of Work
The Scope of Work (SoW) document provides Netflix’s general expectations and requirements for the Dialogue List (DL) commissioned from scripting partners.
Defining Dialogue List (DL)
Dialogue List is the transcription of the dialogue in the original language of the content. The Dialogue List also includes:
- In and out timecodes of events timed to video and verbatim
- Dialogue annotation to aid translation
- Metadata tags
Scope of Work
The Dialogue List is used by dubbing studios to create the dubbing script and dubbed audio for their target language. Adherence to requirements ensures consistency and high-quality output.
Source materials provided
Locked cut
A locked cut, or preliminary video, serves as the first video reference asset. Oftentimes, the timeline requires starting the dubbing process before Production is fully complete. Partners are expected to start translating, adapting, cast, and recording until the final video is available.
Final Cut
The final cut is the final picture reference asset. It is a proxy derived from the IMF (Interoperable Master Format) file. Once the final cut becomes available, the script must be updated (conformed) to account for changes made from previous versions.
Requirements
- All scripting partners commissioned to create a script for the original content must use Netflix’s Script Authoring tool to author a frame-accurate timing and transcription of the dialogue to the video provided.
- All work is allocated via Grand Bazaar.
- Scripting partners have to assign their resources to the tasks using Netflix’s Content Localization Portal (CLP), the central location to manage the authoring process.
- Fulfillment will include one delivery to a locked cut video (a preliminary picture) and conformance (update) to the final picture.
- Any additional versioning is subject to conformance rate and is requested at the Netflix representative’s discretion.
- The dialogue list authoring process involves two steps for each picture version, “Authoring” and “Proofing”.
- These two steps (Authoring and Proofing) will always be required; be it when a task becomes ready for Conformance, or when fixes need to be implemented to the DL.
Authoring
- One or more transcribers can do the authoring process (transcription).
- Multiple transcribers can be utilized to work on the same cut.
- For episodic content, episodes can also be assigned to multiple transcribers.
Proofing
- Only one person should do the proofing pass for all episodes to ensure consistency.
- You should only consider engaging extra proofers if tight timelines require an additional workforce to ensure timely delivery.
Scripting Authoring Tool
- In the Scripting Authoring tool, scripting partners will work using the most recent production-provided proxies (preliminary or final).
- Additional materials like shooting scripts may be available but are not required for fulfillment.
- Dialogue stems, when available, are accessible directly through the media player using the language selector menu. The stems are unavailable if the menu doesn’t offer this option.
- Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology is used to generate a base transcription of the English dialogue into script events, which include accurate in and out timecodes, along with a generic speaker identity.
- The timecode accuracy is almost always sufficient but may require adjustments.
- Transcribers should ensure that timecodes are within a 3-frame tolerance of the lip flap or spoken word start and end time.
- Once the Proofing pass is completed, the Authoring tool automatically submits the script to fulfill the Final Script source request in Backlot.
Additional Guidelines
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- Transcribers and proofers must follow the Dialogue List Style Guide.
- Transcribers and proofers should have access to Terminology.
- Transcribers should enter key source terms and phrases in Terminology using the KNP Source Term Creation Guidelines.
- KNP source terms are due within the runtime-based SLAs noted below.
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Timeline expectations
- The DL must deliver by the due date to be considered on time.
- If the DL fulfillment partner cannot meet the timelines for any reason, they should notify the Netflix representative immediately.
- Failure to meet requirements and style guide specifications will result in redelivery requests at the partner’s expense and will impact metrics.
- The timelines below are general expectations that could be adjusted based on the needs of each project.
- Requests for delivery in less time than specified below or outside business days may be subject to rush fees.
Business days: Monday through Friday.
Proxy: A video for an episode in a season or a standalone project. It can be a locked cut, servicing master, or the final cut.
FEATURES
UP TO 90 MINUTES
Upon receipt of video:
- Six (6) business days for the first proxy.
- Three (3) business days for each subsequent versioning or conform.
OVER 90 MINUTES
Upon receipt of video:
- Seven (7) business days for the first proxy.
- Three (3) business days for each subsequent versioning or conform.
SERIES
30-MINUTE EPISODIC
Upon receipt of video:
- Four (4) business days for the first proxy.
- Two (2) business days for each subsequent versioning or conform.
60-MINUTE EPISODIC
Upon receipt of video:
- Five (5) business days for the first proxy.
- Two (2) business days for each subsequent versioning or conform.
OVER 60 MINUTES
Upon receipt of video:
- Six (6) business days for the first proxy.
- Three (3) business days for each subsequent versioning or conform.
Batch Delivery Timelines
Netflix considers any fulfillment a “batch” when multiple proxies become available on the same date. The below demonstrates the timeline expectations for the batch delivery of Dialogue Lists.
30-MINUTE EPISODIC
Upon receipt of video:
- Four (4) business days for the first proxy.
- One (1) additional business day for each remaining available proxy.
60-MINUTE EPISODIC
Upon receipt of video:
- Five (5) business days for the first proxy.
- Two (2) additional business days for each remaining available proxy.
OVER 60 MINUTES
Upon receipt of video:
- Six (6) business days for the first proxy.
- Three (3) additional business days for each remaining available proxy.
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Change Log:
July 11, 2023
- Updated definition for “Locked Cut.”
- Switching “Final Proxy” nomenclature to “Final Cut” and updating its definition.
- Breaking down the “Requirements” section for clarity.
- Added “conformance SLAs” for Episodic deliveries.
- Added “Batch Delivery Timelines” for Episodic deliveries.
- Removed “Sample Timelines” table.
April 30, 2023
- Clarification on the timeline expectations and added a sample timeline as an example.