QC tasks can be picked up via SASS and are performed in the Originator Tool.
When QCing in Originator, you have the capability to use all advanced editing functions found in Originator, including changeable keyboard shortcuts, offsetting files, expanding the wave form, accessing reference and KNP automatically, etc.
Netflix expects DTT Loc QC-ers to deliver assets that are free of errors, in particular:
● Objective translation errors, i.e. incorrect, inconsistent, unidiomatic, or unnatural translations, mistranslations, literal or otherwise incorrect translations for the context, word choice that would not be used or understood by a native speaker, and words or phrases that are offensive to a local viewer or damaging to the Netflix brand
● Missing translations
● Spelling, grammar or punctuation errors
● Key Names and Phrases (KNP) and show guide inconsistencies
● Formatting errors (line breaks, text style, positioning)
● Redundant events
● Netflix Timed Text Style Guide violations including:
○ Reading speed
○ Timing to shot change
○ Timing to audio
● Language-specific Netflix style guide violations
Netflix Timed Text Style Guide (TTSG) and Language Specific Style Guides define our standards and preferences so that certain linguistic choices are consistent and objective. They are put in place to ensure a high-quality viewing experience, respectful of regional and linguistic differences. The responsibility of a DTT Loc QC-er is to be an expert in the Netflix TTSGs in order to enforce our localization standards and apply them correctly and consistently during Loc QC review.
The Timed Text Netflix Style Guide sets the general subtitling conventions relevant to all languages and may differ from the rules followed in the AV industry. As such it’s important for Loc QC-ers to learn them well and understand how to apply them in practice. We expect Loc QC-ers to be capable and competent at creating and amending timing of subtitles. If that’s not the case, Loc QC-ers should work with their vendor for support/technical training to be successful in completing Loc QC tasks to the highest standards.
Language Specific Style Guides set subtitling and linguistic conventions for different languages and we expect Loc QC-ers to make changes to the files in accordance with these guidelines.
Loc QC-ers should be extra vigilant about spotting terminology that may be offensive for the language and culture. Sometimes the use of offensive language is part of the creative intent and aimed at representing a certain context or historical period, and Globalization does not suggest censoring.
The files received for QC may vary in translation quality. While we are striving to work with our DTT Partner vendors to raise the performance of translators, we understand that from time to time Loc QC-ers might receive a file of a substandard quality. In such cases, or if critical errors are spotted in the file, please submit a Zendesk ticket in addition to correcting them. The relevant Project Managers will review your comments and pass along the feedback.
In order to ensure the audience can enjoy the best possible viewing experience, we ask Loc QC-ers to prioritize the major and objective errors - such as inappropriate context, offensive terminology, obvious or plot changing mistranslations or missing translations, inconsistencies and spelling mistakes - over the less impactful changes. Loc QC-ers should never assume they remember all the punctuation, spelling and grammar rules - check and check again in the trusted sources or nominated dictionary and grammar style guides listed in the TTSG to make sure you are not making incorrect edits.
The same goes for the technical errors. Please prioritize those which are obvious to an untrained eye and which compromise the viewing experience, notably reading speed violations. To rectify reading speed, always try to use a strategy such as text reduction/condensing in the first instance. If it cannot be resolved that way, then use the technical edit functionalities, such as merging and splitting subtitling events to improve the reading speed and the narrative flow. Remember to follow best practice of segmenting text at clause level. Avoid insignificant improvements, such as edits of 1-2 frames to adjust time to audio and minor or subjective time edits. However, prioritizing the major and objective errors does not mean you should not flag minor or subjective errors at all. But please remember that we expect Loc QC-ers to be impartial and accept creative interpretations when they support the overall meaning or artistic intent and are contextually appropriate. In every case, the overall quality of a file must be the main priority of a Loc QC task.
A note of caution: Loc QC-ers should proofread any text edits made in Originator after applying the error codes and re-perform the spell check. We’ve observed a number of mistakes introduced to the files by the QC-ers. Our recommendation is to read all subtitles before submitting the file to ensure the file is free of typos. Please walk through the error categories examples and descriptions to understand how to prioritise their impact on viewing experience.
Summary
● Before starting a QC task please familiarize yourself with all the references in Originator, including the show guide and the KNP.
● Loc QC-ers are expected to correct all the mistakes that fall into the categories listed above and in accordance with Netflix Timed Text Style Guides.
● With every edit made in Originator Loc QC-ers will be prompted to file an error code such as listed here.
● Loc QC-ers are expected to prioritize making major changes that are crucial to improving the viewing experience, such as spelling, mistranslations, consistency and reading speed.
● Be extra vigilant about potentially offensive language and terminology.
● After making a text edit please proofread your changes - Loc QC-er is the last person that looks at the file before it goes live.
● Employ all technical editing strategies, such as merging and splitting subtitle events, to improve the reading speed and the narrative flow, but avoid insignificant improvements, such as edits of 1-2 frames to adjust timing to audio and minor or subjective edits.
● The QC’d file is available to Translation vendor / translator for visibility and feedback. Be fair with your judgement.
● Please note that Loc QC work will be regularly monitored post title launch on the service to collect data about QC quality.
● Please reach out to your DTT vendor if you have any questions about your QC task and training needs.
For additional questions on Originator functionality, please view the Originator section of the Help Center.
For additional questions on QC tasks, please view the QC section of the Help Center, including: