Audio Description Scope of Work

The Scope of Work (SoW) document provides general guidelines about Netflix’s expectations and requirements for the audio description (AD) work commissioned from AD fulfillment partners.

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 AD.
AD work may need to begin off of this cut when time is of the essence or for screening purposes, which will be communicated by your Netflix dubbing contact.

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).
Netflix may upload other versions of the Final Proxy to fix image-related issues. All AD assets commissioned by Netflix to the AD fulfillment partner must conform to the latest Final Proxy available before delivery.
When audio, timing or picture changes (such as VFX updates) to the Final Proxy happen after delivery and have an impact on AD, the Netflix dubbing contact will communicate that changes are required.

Scripts: Dialogue List / Dubbing Script / Audio Description

Dialogue List (DL) 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).
When there is a need to work with multiple video versions, an updated Dialogue List including a change list will be provided.
When creating Audio Description for a language other than the original language (i.e. AD that is mixed with a dub), the relevant language Dubbing Script will function as the DL.

The Audio Description in the original language of the content may be used as a reference when creating Audio Description for a language other than the original language. However, please note that the original language AD is generally created at the same time as all other languages and might not be available for reference.
In addition to Backlot, the DL/PLDL or Dubbing Script is available through the Authoring tool in Content Localization Portal (CLP). The original language AD script is available through the Authoring tool only, under “Audio Description”.

Print Master Audio / Secondary Audio

Print Master Audio is the final, original language mix.
When creating Audio Description for a language other than the original language (i.e. AD that is mixed with a dub), the relevant language Secondary Audio will function as the Print Master.

Forced Narratives (FNs)

Forced Narratives (FNs) are subtitling events translating alternate dialogue or visible on-screen text, or transcribing difficult to hear dialogue that is meant to be understood by the audience.
In addition to Backlot, the FNs are available through the Authoring tool in Content Localization Portal (CLP).
Not all content requires FNs. When in doubt, check with your Netflix dubbing contact.

Dub Card

Dub Cards credit the dub talents and personnel involved in the dubbing production for a specific language.
These assets are currently not available for download in Backlot. If creating Audio Description for a language other than the original language (i.e. AD that is mixed with a dub), ask your Netflix Dubbing contact to share the dub card for your language. Inclusion of the Dub Credits in the AD script is not mandatory and can be bypassed until Dub Cards become available for download in Backlot.

Show Guide

Show Guide includes title-specific information relevant to localization and AD.
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.

Production/Shooting Scripts

Production/Shooting Scripts may be available for scripted content and in the language of the content. While these are generally pre-production scripts and dialogue might not be final, they provide helpful details around scenes and settings that may be leveraged for the AD creation.
These assets are available through the Authoring tool in Content Localization Portal (CLP). If unable to locate them, check with your Netflix Dubbing contact if production scripts are available.

Scope of Work for Audio Description Fulfillment Partners

Project Setup

AD fulfillment partners must adhere to the Audio Description Style Guide.
AD 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 AD 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.
All AD 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 an AD fulfillment partner within the Netflix Post Partner Program (NP3) or otherwise approved by Netflix for this project.
All AD studios must record within the territory of their target language. Your Netflix Dubbing Contact must approve any exceptions.
The same AD writer and the same AD narrator should be utilized for all episodes across a season and, unless otherwise impossible, all seasons of a show. If this cannot be achieved within the given project timeline or if you believe using a different voice would provide a better experience, you must notify your Netflix dubbing contact.
Netflix may require voice talent approvals for the narrator role either via library samples or voice tests. Voice test deliveries must follow Netflix Voice Testing Specifications. The Netflix dubbing contact will indicate when they are required and will provide feedback within five business days from receipt of voice tests.
Netflix may require review of the AD script. The Netflix dubbing contact will communicate this requirement and its approval timeline.
Show Guide directions must be followed when available. In the absence of a Show Guide, adhere to the Audio Description Style Guide.
All AD 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 by the AD due date.
- Refer to the Grand Bazaar and Localization Billing Instructions - Full-Length Content for guidance on billing and invoicing.

Audio Description Production

Source materials should be reviewed in a timely manner after receipt. Any issues impacting AD production should be flagged to the Netflix dubbing contact.
- Update Backlot with the appropriate Materials Status and Service Type after the review is complete.
Key Names & Phrases (KNP) entries within the Netflix Terminology tool must be referenced during the AD writing process if creating Audio Description for a language other than the original language (i.e. AD that is mixed with a dub).
- Please flag to your Netflix dubbing contact if a discrepancy is identified between a locked term translation and the respective dubbed audio.
Any changes to the source materials must be updated in the AD audio. Any necessary pick-up recordings or conform work must be completed and delivered by the due date of the source request.
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.

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 script assets commissioned by Netflix must deliver in TTAL format.
All AD scripts must be timed to Final Proxy and delivered on the same day as the AD request.
The AD fulfillment partner must perform a full QC of the asset 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 dubbing contact.
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 AD fulfillment partner cannot meet any of the timelines for any reason, please notify the Netflix dubbing contact immediately.

Business days refer to Monday through Friday.

Start following a project in CLP

Within five business days of being hired.

AD Script

Audio Description script timed to Final Proxy should deliver on the same day as the AD request.

Audio Description

By the source request due date.

Final Itemized Cost Breakdown

Final costs must be submitted in Grand Bazaar at least by the AD due date.

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.

Change Log

2023-05-26

Final costs SLA updated

Was this article helpful?

4 out of 8 found this helpful