Less is more.
But only when done right.
01 — Intro
Subtitling might seem simple at first glance. After all, you’re just placing translated dialogue at the bottom of the screen, right?
Not quite. Subtitling is one of the most technical and restrictive forms of audiovisual translation — and one of the most invisible when done right.
The challenge lies in balancing clarity, compression, timing, and style — so that the viewer barely notices there’s a translation at all. It’s a subtle craft, and I treat it with the precision it deserves.
02 — The Goal
I deliver subtitles that feel effortless, read naturally, and never distract from the story. They should support the narrative, not compete with it.
Subtitles must be short enough to read, long enough to convey meaning, and smart enough to preserve voice and emotion.
Every viewer, whether reading casually or relying fully on subtitles, deserves a smooth and coherent experience.
02 — Creative process
Understanding the rhythm
I begin by studying the source material — its tone, speed, rhythm, and character dynamics. Subtitling is as much about ear as it is about eye.
I pay close attention to delivery speed, overlapping dialogue, scene changes, and emphasis.
Compression without compromise
Most subtitle lines must be shortened — sometimes drastically — to match reading speeds. I use smart reduction: stripping what’s redundant while keeping what matters. The voice, mood, and intention of the speaker must survive even when the word count doesn’t.
Keeping it readable
I adapt for natural flow and readability. No forced line breaks, no clunky syntax, no awkward phrasing. Every line should be something the viewer could say out loud and believe.
Timing and QA
If I’m handling the timing, I adjust subtitles to fit scene transitions and sync with speech, while avoiding overlaps or late pop-ins. If timing is handled externally, I check that it aligns with the pacing and make adjustments when possible.