Dubbing Scope of Work

The Scope of Work (SoW) document provides general guidelines about Netflix’s expectations and requirements for the dubbed audio work and its ancillary assets commissioned from dubbing fulfillment partners.

Types of Materials Provided by Netflix

The source materials that Netflix provides to dubbing fulfillment partners are classified as In-Production Assets or Ready Assets. The project set up in Grand Bazaar will indicate whether your project will be In-Production Assets or Ready Assets.

In-Production Assets

In-Production Assets are source materials that are not final, and dubbing fulfillment partners should expect changes to the source material that impact dubbing. As such, the rate and expectation for when non-final materials are provided is that dubbing production work—including but not limited to casting, translation and adaptation, and recording—should start without delay to meet the set due dates.

Ready Assets

Ready Assets are source materials in a final state for localization, and dubbing fulfillment partners should not expect any changes to the source material that impact dubbing.

Source Materials Provided by Netflix

All source materials listed below are available for download in Backlot via the Download Materials tab on the assigned source request. Not all materials are available for download simultaneously. We strongly recommend subscribing to receive Backlot notifications.

Locked Cut

Locked cut typically serves as the first video reference asset. It may also be referred to as the production locked proxy.
As production is still unfinished, editorial changes may happen between the locked cut and the final version that may or may not affect dubbing.
A locked cut may be considered a ready asset, which will be communicated by your Netflix representative.
Dubbing fulfillment partners should bypass any other locked cut versions unless otherwise specified by your Netflix representative.

Final Proxy

Final Proxy is the final cut picture, it is also referred to as IMF (Interoperable Master Format).
Netflix may deliver an IMF or a final ProRes (also referred to as Servicing Master or Production Servicing Proxy in Backlot). Either an IMF or final ProRes should be considered final for dubbing purposes.
All assets commissioned by Netflix to the dubbing fulfillment partner must conform to Final Proxy before delivery.
Netflix may upload other versions of the Final Proxy to fix image-related issues. Dubbing fulfillment partners should bypass any other versions unless otherwise specified by your Netflix representative.

Dialogue List (DL) / Pivot Language Dialogue List (PLDL)

Dialogue List is the transcription of the dialogue in the original language of the content. For titles where English is not the original language, an English translation of the dialogue is included to serve as a pivot language. This is referred to as Pivot Language Dialogue List (PLDL). The Dialogue List (DL) or Pivot Language Dialogue List (PLDL) also includes:
- In and out timecodes of events timed to video and verbatim
- Dialogue annotation to aid translation
- Metadata tags
When there is a need to work with multiple video versions, an updated Dialogue List including a change list will be provided.
The Dialogue List requirements and expectations are outlined in the Dialogue List Scope of Work, Pivot Language Dialogue List Scope of Work and their style guide.
In addition to Backlot, the DL/PLDL is available for download through the Authoring tool in Content Localization Portal (CLP).

Print Master Audio

Print Master Audio is the final, original language mix.

Music & Effects (M&E) Audio

M&E Audio is the Music and Effects package that reflects the original version mix.
There may be editorial changes that occur between the initial M&E mix and the final version. The dubbing mix should reflect the final M&E mix. The ready for mix status is your signal that the current M&E version is final.
For documentaries and unscripted titles, M&E audio may not be available. In some cases, a Mix Minus Narration or in-progress D/M/E stems may be provided. The Netflix representative will communicate this.
The decision to use Optional tracks, if provided, is at the discretion of the dubbing fulfillment partner unless specifically instructed otherwise.

Show Guide

Show Guide includes title-specific information relevant to localization.
The level of information in a show guide will vary from title to title.
In addition to Backlot, the show guide is available for download on the project’s overview page in CLP, on the Show Guide tab.

Scope of Work for Dubbing Fulfillment Partners

Project Setup

Dubbing fulfillment partners must adhere to all Netflix Creative Excellence guidelines.
Dubbing fulfillment partners must utilize Netflix’s suite of tools, including but not limited to the following. You may refer to e-learning courses in Production Academy for overviews of tool interfaces and how to use respective tools
- Backlot - The Netflix Partner Portal for managing source requests, facilitating delivery, downloading source materials, and quality control reporting.
- Content Localization Portal - Netflix’s localization project management tool that combines all scripting, dubbing, and Audio Description (AD) partner-facing communications and functions in a single location. All dubbing fulfillment partners' project managers must follow the project in the Content Localization Portal within five business days of being hired to ensure prompt receipt of all notifications and communication.
- Authoring Suite of tools - Netflix’s proprietary toolset for authoring Dialogue Lists/PLDLs, dubbing scripts, and AD scripts using an interoperable file format.
- Content Hub - Netflix’s digital archive and production asset hub.
- Terminology - Key Names and Phrases tool. Netflix’s interface and database for streamlining the process of creating and maintaining glossaries and consistency sheets. List of sensitive terminology is also available to reference.
- Starship - Netflix’s centralized platform for partner onboarding and tool access.
- Grand Bazaar - Netflix’s proprietary project bidding and hiring platform.
- Asset QC - Netflix’s tool to evaluate assets intended to go on service.
- Casting Tool - Netflix’s casting approval platform.
When casting, Netflix Creative Excellence Guidelines must be observed in what refers to established talents unless there is a specific instruction from your Netflix representative.
- If the selected talent is unavailable or requires additional compensation, discuss with your Netflix representative before costs are incurred.
Netflix may require voice talent approvals for key roles via voice tests. Voice test deliveries must follow Netflix Voice Testing Specifications. The Netflix representative will indicate when they are required and will provide feedback within five business days from receipt of voice tests.
All episodes within a season must maintain consistency in translation. When possible, utilize the same translator and adapter for all episodes of a season.
All dubbing fulfillment partners subcontracting work to other companies must disclose all sub-assignees via the Source Management subcontracting feature.
- When subcontracting work, the sub-assignee must be a dubbing fulfillment partner within the Netflix Post Partner Program (NP3) or otherwise approved by Netflix for this project.
All dubbing fulfillment partners must record within the territory of their target language. A Netflix representative must approve any exceptions.
Netflix may require Premix QC. The Netflix representative will communicate this requirement at project assignment. For more context, please read the article Dub Audio QC.
Show Guide directions must be followed when available. In the absence of a show guide, adhere to the Netflix Creative Excellence Guidelines.
All dubbing fulfillment partners assigned to work on a title will be hired via Grand Bazaar.
- Any overages must be discussed with the Netflix representative prior to costs being incurred.
- Final costs must be submitted in Grand Bazaar at least ten calendar days before delivering the last secondary audio asset.
- Refer to the Grand Bazaar and Localization Billing Instructions - Full-Length Content for guidance on billing and invoicing.

Dubbing Production

Source materials should be reviewed in a timely manner after receipt. Any issues impacting dubbing production should be flagged to the Netflix representative.
- Update Backlot with the appropriate Materials Status and Service Type after the review is complete.
Key Names & Phrases (KNP) translations must be entered into the Netflix Terminology tool and locked by the due date provided by the Netflix representative or by the start of the recording, whichever date comes first. Dubbing partners must follow existing locked KNP translations.
- Source terms are pre-populated in the Terminology tool during the creation of the Dialogue List, and dubbing fulfillment partners should not add any new source terms.
- If a change is required to a locked translation or if a new source term needs added, please contact the Netflix representative and communicate the rationale for the change.
When working with In-Production assets, dubbing production work—including but not limited to casting, translation and adaptation, and recording—should start without delay to meet the set due dates.
Estimated Delivery Dates (EDD) must be kept accurate throughout the project's lifecycle.
- Alert the Netflix representative when modifying the EDD only if moving it past the due date.
- Changes to source request due dates will be exception-based only.
If the title is receiving Premix QC, we will require an interim deliverable to be uploaded immediately after the recording is complete. Please read our Dubbing Pre-Mix Recording and Delivery Guidelines for more information.

Final Delivery

All commissioned assets must be delivered to Backlot by the set due date and adhere to Netflix Technical & Delivery Specifications.
- If the set due date cannot be met, please notify the Netflix representative and update the EDD accordingly.

All scripts commissioned by Netflix must deliver in TTAL format.
As recorded dubbing scripts must be timed to Final Proxy and delivered 5 calendar days before the secondary audio. Refer to the Dubbing Script Scope of Work for more information.
Netflix requires that all events not covered in the dubbed audio and need forcing to be tagged and translated in the As Recorded Dubbing Script.
The dubbing fulfillment partner must perform a full QC of the assets before delivery.
- Egregious errors negatively impacting the viewer experience must be addressed prior to delivery.
Quality Control notes are usually available 72 hours after delivery to Backlot.
- If arbitration is required, feedback must be provided in Asset QC within 48 hours of QC completion.
- If no arbitration is required and there is feedback on the QC notes, please reach out directly to the Netflix representative.
Netflix reserves the right to perform additional rounds of QC and request redelivery at any point in time.
Redelivery requests should be fulfilled no later than five business days from the redelivery request date.
- QC blockers must be addressed within 48 hours.
- The EDD must be accurately maintained for all redelivery requests.
Archival assets must deliver to Backlot and adhere to the Netflix Dubbing and Audio Description Archival Asset Specifications.
- Unless directed by the Netflix representative, proceed with delivery without question on the set due date.

Lead Time Expectations

All assets that deliver to a source request must deliver by the source request due date. The timelines below reflect the expectations for each milestone within the lifecycle of a project. If the dubbing fulfillment partner cannot meet any of the timelines for any reason, please notify the Netflix representative immediately.

Business days refer to Monday through Friday.
Calendar days refer to every day on the calendar, including weekends and public holidays.

Start following a project in CLP

Within five business days of being hired

Translation of KNP Terms

By the due date provided by the Netflix representative or by the start of the recording, whichever date comes first.

Translation and adaptation (as recorded dubbing script)

As recorded dubbing script with forcing events tagged, timed to Final Proxy, should deliver at least five calendar days before the secondary audio (or Localized Edit Project Files if not delivering mixed audio).

Secondary Audio / Localized Edit Project Files (when commissioned only to record)

By the source request due date.

Mixing (when commissioned only to mix)

By the source request due date.
- Localized Edit Project Files will be available at least five business days in advance of the due date.

Dub cards

Before or at the same time as the secondary audio.

Final Itemized Cost Breakdown

Final costs must be submitted in Grand Bazaar at least ten calendar days before delivering the last secondary audio asset.

QC Fix Notes (or arbitration)

Arbitration of QC notes should be done within 48 hours of QC completion.

Redelivery Fulfillment

Redelivery requests should be fulfilled no later than five business days from the redelivery request date.
QC blockers must be addressed within 48 hours.

Archival Materials

On the source request due date without question.

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