There are two categories of Supplementals for Netflix:

Marketing Trailers

  • These are off-service assets: they will be shown on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TV, and so on.

  • The screen size will be reduced. Marketing Supplementals will have 1:1 safe subtitles

  • Translators will notice a green square onscreen and text must remain within the limits of that box. The reduced screen size can be challenging and some truncation may be required.

  • FNs do not need to be included in Marketing Supplementals unless specifically instructed. Any onscreen text will be localized onscreen by the QC stage. At the origination stage, translators will usually see the onscreen text in English (so please do not include placeholder subtitles for any onscreen text), but by QC, the media should have been updated and onscreen text will have been localized and should be checked against the GFX List which should be provided along with the KNP. 

  • Do not include a Translator Credit.

  • Because these are uploaded to other platforms, it is vital that the translations, timing and GFX are more or less perfect. If there are errors in the translation it is either impossible or very hard for Netflix to take these down to make corrections, and they could also lose valuable time and traffic when trying to promote upcoming programming. Make sure you check and double-check your work and clarify any issues that you may not be sure about via Zendesk or with Keywords before you submit. 

  • You can use “submit with blockers” to reject a file but please specify exactly what the issue is when you do so.

  • Please include all content, including profanity but refer to guidelines for your specific language when it comes to offensive words. 

  • If the sub task is also dubbed, please treat it as a SUB/DUB combo and match the subtitles to the dubbed audio while still maintaining the timed text guidelines (reading speed, character limitation, etc.).
  • When subtitling same-language or dub-matching assets within a prescribed safe area, aim to include as much of the original or dubbed dialogue as possible, i.e. a near-verbatim style, even if this means exceeding usual reading speed limits.

  • If any burned-in subtitles are present in the video while working on an Origination task:

    • Ignore all instances and originate subtitles as you normally would

    • Place subtitles at the bottom (overlaps are fine)

    • DO NOT use them as a reference, and only refer to the EN template and/or audio

Service Trailers

  • These will appear on Netflix’s own platform. Lengths can be flexible and vary from 30 second preview trailers to longer Character or Thematic trailers. Unlike Marketing trailers, the screen size will be “normal.” The same as regular Netflix programming.

  • Please include all onscreen text as FNs including Main Title and refer to the KNP for official translations. If you need to loosen timing in order to fit onscreen text that may appear for less than 20 frames, please go ahead (you may need to cross shotchanges). It can sometimes be a challenge to fit in all the information and trailers tend to be very tightly edited.

  • Do not include Translator Credit.

  • Because the translator will often be working on unfamiliar content, please refer to the KNP and check the English template for annotations which might explain the context in some cases. A trailer is designed to entice the viewer, so it’s vital that your translations make sense. If you are unsure about anything please open a Zendesk ticket or check with Keywords for help.

  • Service trailers need to be “living-room friendly.” Because these will usually pop up automatically when the viewer is browsing on Netflix’s platform, any profanity must be softened or “bleeped.” Stylize “bleeps” or dips in audio with asterisks (e.g. **** you!) Again, if you not sure, please check via Zendesk or with Keywords before you submit. 

For general information, please make sure to refer to this Timed Text Style Guide and the Timed Text Style Guide for your specific language. Also, please refer to the Supplemental section of Pre-Delivery Cheat Sheet for the mandatory steps that need to be completed before delivery.