Making Changes to an Existing CCSL (for VIDEO)

CCSL

Video content is the most popular and fastest-growing form of media today since people can easily share it online and view it on their mobile devices. Captions are likewise becoming commonplace, both for the hearing impaired and so that people can watch videos on mute.

Scriptwriting software is a market that is growing by more than 15%, which is evidence of just how popular video content is today. If you’re working out some captions, it’s important that you understand the different types of captioning available so that you can use software to your benefit.

These tips will teach you more about CCSL and CDSL, the benefits, and how you can make changes.

What Is CCSL?

CCSL is an acronym for Combined Continuity Spotting List. It refers to a detailed transcript of dialogue that is created for a piece of video content. This transcript is created in post-production so that networks and other broadcasting channels can take advantage of it.

Closed captioning launched in earnest in the mainstream in 1980, when major broadcast networks began using it. CCSL videos make it easy for someone to follow the dialogue for a program, and there are several benefits to exploring these options.

It Satisfies Legal Requirements

For mass-produced media, exploring CCSL options is important. Having a CCSL script helps to satisfy compliance and legal needs since you can count on the script being accurate and thorough.

The script will include all of the major elements of what appears on screen, making sure to match the audio presentation with the text. This accuracy is guaranteed since it comes direct from the source.

CCSL Streamlines Your Processes

By creating a CCSL, you will manage your continuity with more accuracy. Everything will be documented correctly and you will have a breakdown of every detail that you have to monitor.

Having this done in the form of an accurate checklist lets you coordinate efforts between several different departments without missing a beat.

You Can Lower Your Risks With CCSL

The importance of accuracy can’t be overstated when it comes to CCSL. This accuracy lowers risks and helps you reduce your business liabilities.

CCSL is a comprehensive way of handling your continuity and carves out details for the entire operation.

Making Changes to CCSL

The first thing to do when creating and making changes to a CCSL is to get detailed and organized. Make a list of your shots, the 2D or 3D visuals, dialogue, music score, sound effects, and other assets.

Create notes for every single aspect so that you are as descriptive as possible. This will keep your captions accurate and reliable. Take thorough technical notes and include them your software platform so they can help you as you go through your revisions.

What Is CDSL?

The Combined Dialogue and Spotting List (CDSL) is another way that subtitles are handled. They combine spotting and dialogue lists but do not contain visual elements.

There are several reasons why a CDSL could be just what you need.

It’s Heavily Dialogue-Focused

When you are releasing a piece of media that is dialogue-heavy, CDSL is a great idea. These scripts focus primarily on dialogue, so you can count on these parts of the script to be accurate.

Speakers are listed with every line of dialogue when these scripts are created.

The Process Becomes Easier for Creators

Having access to CDSL makes it easier for directors, talent, sound, and everyone in post-production to stay on the same page. They will have access to all of the information needed on the same sheet.

With all of this information listed in the same place, it can ease the process and give you the best chance to streamline your whole process.

You Get Accurate Timestamps and Lyrics

Since you’re interested in subtitles, you’ll be better able to handle your audio elements when you use CDSL. These scripts come equipped with accurate timestamps for every bit of dialogue that you are adding captions for.

These scripts also come with accurate song lyrics for the musical elements that you use.

Making Changes to CDSL

The most important part of CDSL creation and editing is making sure that you get character names and timestamps correctly. Compile all of these elements and go line by line when creating the dialogue for your script.

Make sure that your timestamps are accurate down to the millisecond so that it plays at the correct time as your video broadcasts.

Explore Your Video Options

Whether you need CCSL or CDSL services, always make sure that you find the company that can help you out the most. Learn more about their process, software, and experience in the industry so that you feel comfortable having them handle this work for you.

Prioritize accuracy and efficiency above all, and ask for examples of previous work that they’ve done. Make sure that you also explore your pricing options and that you get a quote for your upcoming project. This lets you know how much you need to factor in for your project and will let you move forward to streamline it in the way that makes the most sense for your production company.

Subtitles Made Simple

These tips clear things up if you need high-quality CCSL or CDSL services. It’s an important investment to make and one that requires the helping hand of the best professionals that you can find.

Back to the Paper Post Production Scripts can assist you with whatever services you’re looking for. For samples and pricing, contact us on our site or call 301-500-2123.

How Is a Scene Described in a CCSL

CCSL(combined continuity and spotting list)

Have you ever dreamed of making a movie? Are you wondering how producers and directors put everything together? 

Every year, more than 700 films get released in the United States. How do so many get made? 

Look no further than a CCSL (combined continuity and spotting list). This guide will break down what this is and why each aspect is important to a CCSL film. 

What Is a CCSL? (Combined Continuity and Spotting List)

Before we can dive into each aspect of this, you need to understand what a CCSL is. Essentially, this is the screenplay of the movie. Here, every aspect of a shot or scene gets broken down. 

You will know the sounds that you should hear, the physical actions that characters should be doing, the scenery around the characters, and the dialogue. From there, directors and producers could use all of this information to film the movie exactly how it is envisioned. 

Dialogue 

Let’s start with arguably the most important aspect of a CCSL. The dialogue is the lines that each character is going to say in every scene. 

Think of it as the script in the movie. Despite everything happening around the dialogue, this is still the heart and soul of the film that you are making. 

You need to make sure that the writing here sets the tone for what you want your movie to be. 

Are you trying to make a dark film? What about a light comedy? How about an action film? 

Whatever type of genre that you are going for, you need to make sure the dialogue reflects this and that it matches the rest of the setting that you are trying to create. 

Shots 

A detail of filmography that may be overlooked by some is shots. This is every frame that a director inserts into a movie. These generally last a few seconds at most. 

To explain this more clearly, think about when you watch a film dialogue and there is a conversation going on between two characters. Do you notice how the camera angle switches to a close-up of one character’s face to the other character? 

At that moment, you are witnessing a shot change. Shots help you get an idea of what each character in the room is feeling. 

You can see the facial reactions of each character in the conversation along with any supporting characters that are reacting to the conversation that the main characters are having. 

If a director organizes shots the right way, it can create a lot more empathy for characters because the shots allow us to see how each character is feeling in a scene. 

Scenes 

Another important aspect of a CCSL is organizing the scenes that you want to portray. For those of you not familiar, a scene is when you are focusing on one area and one moment. 

For example, let’s say you have footage of two characters meeting for a drink in the bar. They are talking about something important, such as one of them falling into gambling debt and starting to feel depressed about it. 

By definition, a scene would be the entire conversation that happens in the bar. Then, if the next shot is one of these people going home to their family, that would be the start of a new scene. 

Scenes can vary in time length based on what is happening on screen. Generally, though, these only last a few minutes and are a combination of several shots filmed from different camera angles. 

Action 

As described above, dialogue is not the only thing that characters have to do while they are being filmed. Physical action is just as important in these key scenes. 

It can give you a better idea of what a character is feeling emotionally as well as give you some subtle hints as to what is about to come. 

An example is having one character speak some dialogue and then a second character’s reaction shot to this. Here, the action would be their facial expression. This character may shake their head or raise an eyebrow if they think the first character is lying about what they are saying. 

Then, other scenes simply have very limited dialogue. Here, these scenes are led by the actions going on. 

One example of this could be filming a character walking down a suburb block that should be feeling sad. You may see their head down with their hands by their side. Then, they may find an empty can and decide to throw it out of frustration. 

The action here shows you what the character should be feeling without a single word of dialogue. Sometimes, directors may choose to show emotions in films physically rather than talking about them. 

Background Setting 

Something else that you need to consider is what type of setting you want the characters to have. Sometimes, a specific item in the background can even be incorporated into the scene. 

An example can be two guys hanging out at a bar. One of them may like a particular beer that the bar sells. An item you can have in the scene can showcase the beer that the characters are tasting. 

Then, you can go into what you want to be displayed in the background. For a bar setting, you can go several ways with this. 

Do you want a bar that looks like a cabin in the mountains with wooden walls? How about a bar that is supposed to be on the rooftop of a city? 

You can also go into more details about the specifics of the bar, such as adding a certain amount of barstools, possibly a dancefloor, a front door, and more. 

Lighting 

One thing you cannot forget about in a CCSL is what type of lighting you want a scene to have. This can do a few things for a scene. 

First off, it can help tell an audience what time of day it is. You can have a brighter scene for those that take place during the day and a darker scene for those that are supposed to happen during the night. 

As a director, you can even have fun with what is supposed to be shadows with the lighting. Some clever directors may change the lighting from bright to dark in the middle of a scene to portray what a character is thinking. This could represent them going from being a hero to a villain. 

Also, the right lighting can give you an idea of what type of environment the characters are supposed to be in. A brighter setting may be a more positive environment and a darker setting could let you know that something bad is about to happen. 

Wardrobe 

Yes, this CCSL could even describe what some of the characters are wearing. Sometimes, this plays into the scene if the character is wearing something that stands out in a good or bad way. 

A woman wearing a beautiful dress could get emphasized for how it makes her look in the scene. Or, something like Jerry Seinfeld wearing a puffy pirate shirt on his show could make everyone react to how much it stands out in a bad way. 

You can also use wardrobe to give the audience subtle messages about how to feel about a certain character. If you choose a certain color shirt or dress to put the character in, that could bring out certain emotions towards that character. 

Makeup 

Last but not least, this spotting list may describe what kind of makeup the characters should be in before a scene gets filmed. 

Do you want these characters to have obvious makeup that can get commented on in the scene? How about more subtle makeup to hide certain marks or features on a person’s body? 

The exact description is up to you, but the cosmetics of a character can be very important for how they are portrayed on film.

Get Help With Your CCSL Film 

These are some things that you need to know about a CCSL (combined continuity and spotting list). 

One of the most important parts of this is the dialogue. However, you have to consider how you want shots and scenes portrayed on film. Then, consider the wardrobe, makeup, action, background setting, and more to add additional features to this film. 

Do you need help with your CCSL script? Click here to see what we can offer you. 

Terminology of a CCSL — Combined Continuity and Spotting List

CCSL terminology

Have you ever wondered where the average $100 million budget for Hollywood movies goes? Every film has a lot of working parts and involves a lot more talent than the actors who appear on-screen and the director sitting behind the camera. A Combined Continuity and Spotting List (CCSL) is one of the vital secrets of  TV and film production. Don’t worry if you’re new to CCSL terminology.

We’ve broken it down below, so keep reading.

What Is a Combined Continuity and Spotting List?

A CCSL is an accompanying tool to a film script, used to ensure consistency and accuracy in editing in the post-production process. It’s one of many post-production scripts like dialog lists and as-broadcast scripts.

It does so by combining two elements: continuity and spotting.

Importance of a CCSL in Film Distribution and Post-Production

The significance of a CCSL in film distribution and post-production can’t be overstated.

It’s a standardized document that enables smooth post-production processes by including every relevant detail for editing and translation purposes. That makes a CCSL particularly important for international distribution.

Language barriers aren’t the only hurdles for subtitling, dubbing, and translation. Cultural differences pose significant challenges, which can lead to the subtext of a line of dialogue or significance or a scene getting lost.

The main benefit of a CCSL is that it ensures consistency across all aspects of production. For example, all translators and voice actors will be working from the same script that details not only the dialog but also the meaning behind it.

A CCSL can also save time during the post-production process. With all relevant information at their fingertips, post-production editors can focus on their tasks without having to constantly review the original scenes.

Finally, an often overlooked benefit of a CCSL is its role in preserving the film for future generations. This comprehensive record of a film’s content helps future filmmakers access and study its contents easily.

Key Components of a CCSL Script Service

A CCSL script service creates the Combined Continuity and Spotting List for a film. To ensure the CCSL is accurate, the scrip service must include these things:

  • Scene and shot descriptions
  • Dialogue
  • Visual and audio cues
  • Timecodes

Keep reading for a breakdown of the CCSL terminology.

Common CCSL Terminology

Broadly speaking, CCSL terminology falls into three categories:

  • Continuity refers to maintaining consistency in various aspects of the film
  • Spotting involves identifying specific points in the film where new elements (sound effects, music, etc) are added
  • The Combined Continuity and Spotting List contains both continuity and spotting information and serves as a reference for editors, sound designers, and post-production teams

Continuity

What’s there to know? Continuity refers to what’s going on on-screen, so we’ll address these terms:

  • Shot
  • Scene
  • Action
  • Dialogue
  • Props
  • Wardrobe
  • Makeup
  • Set dressing

A shot is a single, uninterrupted sequence of frames captured by the camera. Across the film industry, the Average Shot Length (ASL) varies by genre and date. ASLs have declined steadily since the 1930s from over 12 seconds to under 3.

A scene is a collection of shots that are meant to be taken together. Usually, a scene takes place in a specific location or time.

Action describes any physical movement or activity performed by actors within a shot or scene. This could be as simple as sitting down at a table or as complicated as fixing a set of broken electronics.

Dialogue is often the meat of the scene. It refers to the spoken lines between characters.

Objects and items used to enhance storytelling are props, while the clothing and costumes they wear are described by the wardrobe.

Makeup refers to the application of cosmetics and hairstyling to achieve a desired portrayal of a character.

Finally, the set dressing describes the arrangement and decoration of physical elements of a scene.

Spotting

If continuity refers to on-screen events, spotting is what happens out of frame. The most important terms are:

  • Cue
  • Sound effects (SFX)
  • Foley
  • Music
  • Dialog spotting
  • Sound mixing

A cue is a specific point in a film that requires a new audio element, such as music, a sound effect, or a line of dialogue. Sound effects are artificial or enhanced sounds that are usually recorded separately from the on-set sound.

They can be used to enhance a scene and often help to fix a viewer’s attention on a particular element. For example, the sudden ringing of a telephone can draw a viewer’s eye to a nondescript phone booth at the edge of a shot.

A foley is a reproduction of everyday sound effects. Footsteps, the rustling of clothes, and objects interacting all enhance the auditory experience. Similarly, music often complements the emotional tone of a scene, and composed and selected background scores are cued in post-production.

Dialog spotting identifies specific lines or moments where dialogue needs to be enhanced or adjusted for clarity or impact.

Finally, sound mixing refers to the process of balancing various audio elements to create an immersive experience.

CCSL

The CCSL is the combination of continuity and spotting into one convenient document, and can include additional terms and annotations:

  • Shot and scene numbers
  • Descriptions
  • Timecodes
  • Subtitle time code in/out
  • Continuity notes
  • Spotting notes
  • Dialog annotation

The shot and scene numbers are unique IDs assigned to each shot or scene. This is almost always done in numerically ascending order, beginning with a shot or scene “1”.

Detailed descriptions of visual elements, actions, dialogue, and audio cues often accompany each shot. This is to let everybody know what is happening, the background behind it, and any relevant subtext or clarification that may be needed by annotation and translation teams.

Timecodes indicate the exact start, end, and duration of a particular element within a shot or scene. Subtitle in and out timecodes dictate when a line of dialog needs to be displayed on-screen.

Continuity and spotting notes are additional observations and remarks related to visual continuity and adding or adjusting audio elements. For instance, a continuity note might clarify actor positions and set dressing.

Finally, dialog annotations add clarity to lines of dialog. They’re particularly important for subtitling and translation teams. Annotations clarify idioms, ambiguous phrases, subtext, and background information to remove ambiguity for post-production teams.

Efficient and Fairly Priced CCSL

In a globalized film industry, the importance of CCSLs is as high as ever. It’s crucial for filmmakers to stay up-to-date with CCSL terminology to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the film industry and its post-production processes.

Back To The Paper offers a variety of CCSL and CDSL services, tailored to meet the needs of different budgets. From cost-effective and simple to comprehensive and fully annotated CCSL, our pricing options are flexible. You can click here to learn more.

Can You Write Your Own CCSL? Or Is It Better to Outsource It?

CCSL services
In the film industry, every single frame matters. Each shot is a delicate interplay of visuals and sound, carefully orchestrated to create an immersive experience. Yet, for a 90-minute feature film, there can be up to 130,000 individual frames. Organizing these complex elements is where the Combined Continuity and Spotting List (CCSL) comes into play. As intricate as it sounds, CCSL is a vital cog in the post-production machinery. But what happens when the task of creating this crucial document falls into your lap? Can you navigate the labyrinthine task of writing your own CCSL or should you consider outsourcing it? Follow along, and you’ll find the answers you seek about CCSL services.

Understanding the Complexities of Writing Your Own CCSL

Crafting your own Combined Continuity and Spotting List, or CCSL, isn’t an endeavor to be taken lightly. It requires an extensive understanding of the film production process, attention to detail, and a large chunk of your time.

Deciphering the CCSL Script

At its core, a CCSL script acts as a map, guiding the journey through the labyrinth of frames in a film. It records crucial details such as dialogue, action, location, timing, and even the minutiae that affect audio and visual consistency. This ensures that every scene, every cut, flows seamlessly into the next. Creating a CCSL script is akin to building a puzzle; each piece fits into a larger whole. A single misstep in creating the CCSL can lead to glaring continuity errors, resulting in confusion for viewers and potential reputational damage for the creators.

The Many Types of Continuity Lists

The CCSL is just one of the many types of continuity lists used in the industry. There are dialogue continuity lists, sound continuity lists, and combined dialogue and action continuity lists, each serving different purposes and having their unique challenges. Understanding which type to use and when can be a complex decision, often needing expert judgment.

The Time Commitment for Creating a CCSL

Creating a CCSL requires a significant time investment. Given its intricate nature, you can’t rush through the process. Furthermore, with a task as detail-oriented as this, it’s easy to underestimate the time it would take, particularly if you’re not experienced in this field.

Exploring the Option of Outsourcing CCSL

Delving into the creation of a CCSL may seem daunting. But there’s another path you can tread – outsourcing your CCSL. This option can help you sidestep some of the hurdles and complexities of writing your own Combined Continuity and Spotting List.

The Perks of Going the Outsourcing Way

Going the outsourcing way brings benefits. First, you get access to professionals who know the ropes of CCSL. They’ve been through the maze before, and they know the tricks of the trade and can help you avoid common pitfalls. Also, it’s about time. Creating a CCSL takes time, a lot of it. Outsourcing lets you reclaim those hours so you can focus on what you do best and leave the CCSL details to the experts. Lastly, let’s talk about CCSL cost. When you factor in the time and resources needed to create a CCSL, outsourcing can often be the more cost-effective route. It’s about getting the most value for your money.

Unmasking the Market Reality for CCSL Services

Navigating the realm of CCSL services can often feel like wandering through a dense forest, with little clarity about the path ahead. Market trends are always evolving, and the landscape of CCSL services is no exception.

CCSL Cost: A Puzzle in Itself

In our exploration of the current market, one aspect stood out: the costs associated with CCSL services. There’s a stark disparity between the prices charged by different service providers, and often, this disparity doesn’t correlate with the quality of service provided. This creates a puzzling question: Why are some companies charging exorbitant rates when others provide similar, if not better, quality at lower prices? What we discovered upon closer inspection was surprising yet simple – there’s no standard pricing model in the market for CCSL services. Various factors such as the company’s operating costs, their brand reputation, or simply market demand can influence the rates they set. However, these high prices aren’t necessarily a reflection of superior service or quality.

The Myths of High Prices and High Quality

It’s a common misconception that high prices equate to high quality. This isn’t always the case, especially in the realm of CCSL services. A company might charge high prices because of its market positioning rather than the quality it delivers. Furthermore, the lack of transparency in the market often leads clients to believe that these high prices are the norm. This can result in them paying more than necessary for services that might not meet their expectations.

Spotlight on Back To The Paper

In the realm of CCSL services, one name stands out – Back To The Paper. We noticed a gap in the market for high-quality, reasonably priced CCSL services, and we stepped in to fill it.

Redefining CCSL with Quality and Affordability

Back To The Paper has a simple mission. We aim to make CCSL services accessible without compromising on quality. Our focus is to help you navigate the complexities of post-production at a fair price. Our aim is to bust the myth that high cost equals high quality. Our approach is unique. We’re a part of the established Talking Type, LLC, but we have a dedicated team just for post-production scripts. This focus allows us to deliver top-notch Combined Continuity and Spotting List services.

Experience and Excellence in Film Production

Our journey through the intricacies of film production has equipped us with valuable insights and experience. These translate into high-quality dialogue continuity lists and other types of continuity lists that we create. We know what works and what doesn’t, and we bring this knowledge to every project. Choosing Back To The Paper for your CCSL needs means choosing a partner committed to making your cinematic vision a reality. We’re here to simplify the post-production process and help you tell your story the way it deserves to be told.

Making Sense of the Screen Magic

Navigating the world of film production can be daunting, especially when dealing with intricate tasks such as creating a Combined Continuity and Spotting List. Writing your own CCSL may seem like an appealing challenge, but it often comes at the cost of time, effort, and quality assurance. Fortunately, professional help is within your reach. Back To The Paper offers cost-effective CCSL services without compromising on quality. With a dedicated team and years of industry experience, we aim to simplify your post-production process. Interested? Contact us to learn more about our CCSL services and let us assist you in creating your cinematic masterpiece.

Why Does It Make Better Sense to Do the Closed Captioning Along With a CCSL. It Saves Time and Money! (Video)

closed captioning
Are you trying to get a handle on runaway postproduction costs? Well, here’s the good news. We know a simple and obvious cost saving solution you may have overlooked. Our tip is to lower your expenses by ordering your closed captioning service together with your combined continuity and spotting list (CCSL). How will that save you money? This article will explain why bundling your orders makes economic sense. And we’ll even give you an idea of how much you may save. Plus, we’ll look at the additional benefits of ordering the two services together.

How Much Money Could You Save?

Let’s look at the cost of closed captioning. Back to the Paper charges a standard $6 per minute. So, a 90-minute video would cost you $450. But if you ordered closed captioning when you order your CCSL for the same project, you would pay only $180 for the closed captioning. That’s right. You’d save $270. You would pay what amounts to only $2 per minute. Let’s put that in perspective. Your savings of $270 would be enough to order a separate standalone closed captioning service at the regular price for a different 45-minute video.

Why is Closed Captioning Less Expensive When Bundled With CCSL?

Before we began offering postproduction scripts, such as a CCSL with film time codes or an as-broadcast script, we specialized in closed captioning. Over time, we developed a level of expertise using advanced software with a well-trained and highly skilled staff. When it became time to expand into postproduction scripts, we realized that we could leverage our years of closed captioning experience to create a top-of-the-line CCSL. All we had to do was begin the process by making a nearly complete captioning file. So, when we completed the CCSL, the closed captioning only needed tweaking to get it to the industry broadcast level. The process saved us time and money. So, there was no way we were going to charge our customers the full price. Why shouldn’t they also benefit from what we were doing?

Additional Benefits of Combining Closed Captioning with CCSL

There are at least two additional benefits to combining closed captioning and CCSL. There’s a notable increase in speed when you bundle the services. And the accuracy of both documents increases.

Speed

If you were to order the services separately, there’s a duplication of effort. You’d have to fill out the same forms and answer the same questions. Plus, you’d have to make payment arrangements twice. The situation is worse if you order the two services from two separate companies. In addition to the steps just mentioned, you’d also have to supply both companies with copies of the video. You’d also have to deal with separate company representatives and their assistants.

Accuracy

When the closed captioning and CCSL services are performed together, they should be in complete agreement. That’s why we recommend ordering the services from the same firm. What could be more irritating than to learn that one company transcribed the dialogue differently than the other? Then when you check the source material, you learn that both transcription services were wrong. You can eliminate that problem by letting one firm, such as Back to the Paper, handle both assignments.

How Closely Related Are Closed Captioning and CCSL?

To understand the similarities and differences between closed captioning and CCSL, it’s necessary to remind ourselves of what they are and the purposes they serve.

Closed Captioning

Closed captioning was originally seen as a help to those with hearing loss. They could follow a television broadcast by reading helpful onscreen text. However, besides the deaf and hard of hearing, it’s also used by those who are not yet comfortable understanding the spoken word in a new language. You may have noticed that bars and restaurants often make use of subtitling services. Captions allow establishments to show a can’t-miss sporting event or news program without disturbing other customers who prefer a quiet atmosphere. To serve its audience, closed captioning must be accurate. And it must appear on the screen at the right time. If it shows on the screen a bit too soon or a fraction too late, all the suspense or humor the scriptwriter and director put into the scene can be lost. In addition to dialogue, closed captioning can present other helpful information. For example, it can indicate which off-camera character is speaking. Closed captioning can also note if music is playing or if there are sound effects.

CCSL

A CCSL is also a type of transcript, but it includes much more than closed captioning. It’s the marriage of two documents. One captures the action while the other catalogs the audio. A CCSL will place the action entries on the left side of the page and the dialogue list on the right. A CCSL is a comprehensive document that notates every cut of every scene in the video. Be aware that just one hour of a modern action movie can contain far more than 1000 cuts. The remake of “King Kong” clocked in at 187 minutes with 3,099 shots. For each shot, the CCSL describes the angle from which the crew photographed the cut. It also includes mention of the characters, action, and scenery in the shot. And a CCSL also goes into more detail than closed captioning when describing the music and sound effects. The CCSL is called a postproduction script because its use doesn’t come into play until the video is made. It’s not used on set. But its record of what the video contains comes in handy to help establish legal copyright ownership.

Where to Find Closed Captioning at a Reasonable Price

Can you see the financial wisdom in ordering closed captioning in conjunction with a CCSL? We hope so. We don’t want you to waste your money. That’s why we invite you to contact Back to the Paper today. You’ve worked hard on your project. Now it’s our turn to put our closed captioning and CCSL experience to work for you.

Two Ways Time Codes Are Captured Differently for Dubbing vs Subtitles in a CCSL

Did you know that 61% of young people watch shows and movies with subtitles on? Over the last few years, quality video transcription became a must in the industry.

But how do you get quality subtitle writing? And how does dubbing differ from subtitles?

We will discuss these things and more in the article below! Keep reading for more on dubbing vs subtitles!

Dubbing vs Subtitles: Terms You Should Know

Think of time codes as the backbone of any video or film. They’re the way we keep track of where everything should be at any given moment in the video. It’s your video’s unique DNA or a map that pinpoints exactly where each scene or phrase goes.

Now, dubbing is when you’ve got a film or show in one language, and you replace the original dialogue with a new one in another language by using a human voice.

Subtitles, on the other hand, is the text that pop up at the bottom of your screen translating what’s being said. It’s like having a real-time translator at the bottom of your screen.

What Is CCSL?

Let’s dive into the world of CCSL, which stands for Combined Continuity and Spotting List. Imagine it as a super-detailed script for a movie or TV show that includes everything you could need to know.

It’s not just about the dialogue, but also:

  • The time codes
  • The camera movements
  • The music cues

And it’s not just a dialogue list of what happens, but when it happens too. This “when” is crucial when it comes to translating a video into different languages, which is where the subtitles and dubbing come in.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The time codes in a CCSL are like little breadcrumbs that show you exactly where to find the beginning and end of the following:

  • Each line of dialogue
  • Each sound effect
  • Each piece of music

They make sure everything fits together perfectly, like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle. Without time codes, trying to match subtitles or dubbing with what’s happening on the screen would be nearly impossible.

CCSL, with its precise time codes, ensures that whether you’re reading subtitles or listening to dubbed dialogue, the experience is:

  • Smooth
  • Synchronized
  • Makes sense

It’s the behind-the-scenes magic that makes enjoying videos in different languages a breeze.

dubbing vs subtitles

Time Codes In a Subtitled Video

Have you ever thought about how those lines appear at the exact right moment to match what’s being said? Well, that’s where time codes come in.

They act like precise cues in a play, telling the subtitles exactly when to enter and exit the scene. Each subtitle has its own unique time code, telling it when to appear and when to disappear, making sure it lines up perfectly with the dialogue.

Now, why is this so crucial? For starters, synchronization. Without time codes, the subtitles might pop up too early or too late, which would be confusing.

Imagine trying to follow along when the text doesn’t match the speech–it’d be like trying to dance to a song with the music playing out of sync! Plus, it’s not just about understanding the dialogue; it’s also about the experience.

A well-timed subtitle can help you:

  • Feel the emotion
  • Catch the jokes
  • Understand the plot twists

Of course, it’s not always a walk in the park to get the time codes just right for subtitles. It requires:

  • A keen ear
  • A sharp eye
  • A lot of precision

Timing is everything. If a line of dialogue is split between two shots, for example, the subtitle timing has to be adjusted so it doesn’t disappear too soon or hang around too long.

And with fast-paced dialogue or overlapping speech, things can get even trickier.

Time Codes In Dubbed Videos

Now let’s switch gears and talk about dubbing. Here, time codes are the secret sauce that makes sure everything runs smoothly. They serve as guides, telling the dubbing artists exactly when to start and stop speaking.

Now, why is this so important? Imagine watching a video where the characters’ lips move, but the words don’t match up.

It can be pretty jarring and spoils the viewing experience. Time codes help prevent that.

They ensure the dubbed dialogue is perfectly synchronized with the video, creating a seamless viewing experience. This allows viewers to follow the story more easily and focus on the:

  • Visuals
  • Emotions
  • Plot

However, dubbing with the help of time codes isn’t always a piece of cake. You have to make sure the dubbed speech matches the length of the original dialogue, and sometimes this can be a tricky balancing act.

Plus, the dubbing artist needs to deliver the line in a way that conveys the right emotion and matches the character’s mouth movements.

dubbing vs subtitles

Subtitles vs. Dubbing In a Time-Coded Video

Now, when it comes to subtitles and dubbing, time codes play a similar role in both.

It’s telling a subtitle when to pop up on the screen. It can also guide a dubbing artist on when to start and stop speaking.

Time codes are all about precision and synchronization.

But while they play a similar role, the way time codes are used in subtitling and dubbing does have some differences.

For subtitles, it’s all about timing the appearance and disappearance of text to match the original dialogue. The text needs to pop up right when the line is being spoken, but it can stay on the screen for 2-3 seconds longer if there is silence after the dialogue.

The idea here is to make it easier to read. Often it’s a challenge for the viewer to watch the action on the screen and also read the subtitles. But there isn’t much that can be done about it.

Unless it can. Which means give the subtitles more time on the screen before they disappear. How is that done? By letting the subtitle hang in there if the next one has a pause before it pops up. So if a dialogue is followed by some silence, no matter how brief, we can let the subtitle remain there to give the viewer more time to read it.

Subtitles can also have two dialogues between two people appear on the screen at the same time even when the dialogue isn’t overlapping — when the characters on the screen are not speaking over each other. For example, if two people are speaking within a small time frame, both sentences can appear on the screen. This can’t happen with dubbing.

In dubbing, time codes guide when the translated speech starts and ends, and the challenge here is syncing the dubbed dialogue with the character’s lip movements.

While there is some flexibility room for subtitles, dubbing needs to be verbatim. Every word, stutter, and even a false start needs to sync up perfectly.

Are You Looking for Dubbing and Subtitling Services?

Time codes might not be the most glamorous part of watching a movie or a TV show, but they sure do play a vital role in bringing stories to life across different languages.

While the differences between dubbing vs subtitles are subtle, they can make a huge difference when creating a quality film. Most CCSL production companies do not even care about it, but we at Back To The Paper do! Our attention to detail eventually can save you a lot of money.

Are you looking for video transcription, subtitles, and dubbing? Check out our CCSL services today!

What Is a Dialogue List & other list types?

Dialogue List & Other List Types

In 2020, the film industry generated about $25.9 billion. That’s a lot of money, but making the larger chunk of this change is more than about raw filmmaking talent. It’s about preparing your film for distribution, a process involving a dialogue list.

What is a Dialogue List?

A dialogue list is a time-coded post-production script that is created after the film is completely ready to be delivered. Frame precise time codes are marked at the beginning and end of when sound or dialogue occurs in a movie. It would be submitted to television or cable networks or film distributors as part of the distribution package for the film. Dialogue lists are commonly used in translation to assist translators in creating a spotting list (subtitle file) for foreign languages.

What It Looks Like

There isn’t one perfect dialogue list format. But generally, the dialogue lists will ask for the following information: timecode in and out, duration, character name, and dialogue text. Some templates incorporate other features to specify dialogue in greater detail. But generally, these are the essential pieces of information included in nearly every dialogue list template. Dialogue lists also include lyrics, music descriptions, on-screen signs, vocal sounds, and more. Dialogue lists are typically formatted and downloaded in Microsoft Word .docx format. However, many dialogue lists are also generated as PDF and XLS files.

Other List Types

Post-production scripts differ from original screenplays in function, content, and script format. Other popular post-production scripts sent to production and network companies include As-Broadcast Scripts (ABS), Combined Dialogue and Spotting List (CDSL), and Combined Continuity and Spotting List (CCSL).

The Benefits

So, why should you bother with making a dialogue list? And how can a template get you ready for distribution? For starters, there are many ways to improve the accessibility of the film-viewing experience. Creating dialogue lists for your movies is just one of them, but it’s a significant step. Subtitlers use these dialogue lists to create closed captioning on screen. Another benefit? It saves time. Doing dialogue lists yourself strikes a happy medium between efficacy and peace of mind for those in charge of film production. Other benefits of creating and using a dialogue list are that it can typically cut down on translation costs, it can improve overall quality control of the production, and offer globalization/streaming opportunities!

The Benefits of Dialogue List

Creating Great Lists

Creating an excellent dialogue list doesn’t have to be a daunting task. But for those who aren’t sure how to get started, we’ve got a few tips on writing an effective dialogue list.

Verbatim or not: First, decide if the dialogue list needs to be verbatim or not. By verbatim we mean should every sound be transcribed? Including false starts, mumbles, and stutters. While having a verbatim dialogue list can be very helpful, in fact, it is critical, for dubbing purposes, it can actually be detrimental for subtitles.

Duration of the dialogue: This will be tricky for you if you are creating a dialogue list yourself. We manually capture the in and out time codes using our captioning software and the duration is just simply calculated by the software. Having accurate duration is also critical for dubbing.

Accurate description of sound effects: Another tip? Make sure you specify the details for all the sound effects. The descriptions must be specific enough to properly immerse viewers who aren’t listening to the movie but just seeing it in their minds by only reading the dialogue exchange between characters. Remember: it’s not about making your prose look pretty. It’s about correctly communicating the aesthetic events of your movie to your film’s audience.

And finally, we encourage you to not just double or even triple-check for errors. but to quadruple-check. This will save you a ton of time and free you from frustration when everything reaches distribution.

At Back to the Paper, we understand the importance of a film reaching a broad audience. That’s why we offer plenty of professional, sleek dialogue list templates! Check them out today. And if you enjoyed the video, then be sure to like, comment, and subscribe!

What Is a Dialogue List? Everything You Need to Know

Dialogue List

In 2020, the film industry generatedabout $25.9 billion.

That’s a lot of money, but making the larger chunk of this change is more than about raw filmmaking talent. It’s about preparing your film for distribution, a process involving a dialogue list.

A dialogue list is a paper copy of the final video asset. It also makes it easier for the network or distributor to watch the film, take notes, suggest edits, and easily access the entire story. Having a dialogue list can particularly help with subtitling and foreign translation, which helps in the distribution and airing of your film.

Keep reading to learn more. Below, we’ll explain dialogue lists — from their primary function, why they’re necessary, to actually making one yourself.

Dialogue List — Overview

A dialogue list is a time-coded post-production script. Time codes mark the beginning and end of when sound or dialogue occurs in a movie.

It would be submitted to television or cable networks or film distributors as part of the distribution package for the film. Dialogue lists are commonly used in translation to assist translators in creating a spotting list (subtitle file) for foreign languages.

What Dialogue Lists Look Like

There isn’t one perfect dialogue list format. But generally, the dialogue lists will ask for the following information:

  • Character name
  • Timecode in
  • Timecode out
  • Duration
  • Dialogue text

Some templates incorporate other features to specify dialogue in greater detail. But generally, these are the essential pieces of information included in nearly every dialogue list template. Dialogue lists may consist of this information:

  • Lyrics
  • Music description
  • On-screen graphics, signs, text
  • Sound effects
  • Spoken dialogue
  • Vocal sounds
  • Voiceovers

Dialogue lists are typically formatted and downloaded in Microsoft Word .docx format. However, many dialogue lists are also generated as PDF and XLS files.

Other Types of Post-Production Lists

Post-production scripts differ from original screenplays in function, content, and script format. At this point, the screenplay — or a shooting script — would have likely been revised and edited, therefore making them unsuitable to use for creating dialogue lists. These are the four other most popular post-production scripts sent to production and network companies.

As-Broadcast Scripts (ABS)

An as-broadcast script is written like a screenplay. Unlike other post-production scripts, it doesn’t include technical details involving camera movement and angle. Instead, it details scene visuals from the beginning to the end of a scene rather than from cut to cut — “as-broadcast.”

Combined Dialogue and Spotting List (CDSL)

You could say that a combined dialogue list and a spotting list is a dialogue list on steroids.  It’s a script that combines dialogue and spotting functions that do not describe the film’s visuals. In post-production, subtitles are also known as “spots,” which is why the process of creating this list is called “spotting.”

The movie’s entire dialogue is written instead. This dialogue will also be used for a spotting list.

Combined Continuity and Spotting List (CCSL)

A combined continuity and spotting list describe audible and visual moments on screen in their technicalities. These visual descriptions are also known as “continuity.”

As opposed to as-broadcast scripts, CCSLs will technically describe every scene shot. Each shot will be coupled with detailed shot explanations that describe camera angles, on-screen action, aesthetics, and so on.

All this, as well as a spotting portion. Spotting portions are also usually accompanied by dialogue portions, making this one of the most comprehensive post-production scripts.

Benefits of Dialogue List Templates

But why should you bother with making a dialogue list? And how can a template get you ready for distribution?

Accessibility

There are many ways to improve the accessibility of the film-viewing experience. Creating dialogue lists for your movies is just one of them, but it’s a significant step. Subtitlers use these dialogue lists to create closed captioning on screen.

No one can fully enjoy a movie that they can’t understand. Those that are hard of hearing may not understand your film if it can only be heard.

It’s fairer to try and include this demographic in your viewership. Otherwise, their options to enjoy the arts are further limited. That’s why they must be able to read accurate closed captioning, which is primarily possible from dialogue lists.

Not to mention, many people who are not hard of hearing also prefer closed captioning. While most big screen aficionados won’t boycott a movie because of a lack of closed captioning, it could slightly diminish their experience if they expected to stream with subtitles.

Saves Time

There are various other post-production scripts filmmakers and producers can use. But dialogue lists are simple but effective enough for most filmmakers to use.

A lot of training and expertise is involved in creating an ultra-comprehensive post-production script. However, doing dialogue lists yourself strikes a happy medium between efficacy and peace of mind for those in charge of film production. You could even complete a CCSL if you wanted something that also allows technical details to shine through.

Collaborating with third-party experts can also help. However, you might need to get started on the list sooner than you can find a professional. Luckily, even novices can get the hang of creating dialogue lists, so don’t hesitate to create one for your own work.

Timeliness is critical for any endeavor, including during post-production crunch time. Film festivals have submission deadlines, and network distributors won’t wait around, either. If you can finish your own dialogue list in time, save yourself some trouble and do it yourself.

Cost Efficiency

As mentioned before, it’s possible to hire professionals for your project. But you, like many other filmmakers, might be running operations on a tight budget and don’t want to overextend it.

Especially since you’ll want to set aside some funds for a translator. The translator will use your dialogue list to create the translations required for a spotting list, which will be helpful when submitting your work to film festivals, global distributors, and more.

Completing a dialogue list yourself isn’t an impossible process and could help save a lot of money. If finances are a priority, create the list yourself and use the remaining funds to invest in a bigger project.

Quality Control

There are several strategies filmmakers can employ to hire the right professional for their dialogue list. But even then, there’s a chance that you won’t gel well with the person you’ve hired. You may even find that they don’t double-check their grammar and spelling.

Sometimes, it’s easier to perform specific tasks yourself, especially with grammar-checking tools that even professionals use. If you already know you’ll do a decent job, why not? You’ll save money, time, and a potential world of headaches by doing so.

Down the line, you’ll probably take on a project well-funded enough for the best people in the industry. But for now, scrimp and save where you can while ensuring the quality you expect from any documents affiliated with your work.

Ease of Use

Those who haven’t created post-production scripts before might not know where to start. They may be unsure about what information to incorporate or what interface to log this information.

By definition, templates do precisely that. Great dialogue list templates also look polished, clean, and easy to use.

There’s no need for any specific pieces of technology or software. You won’t have to clutter up a device with new programs taking up memory and won’t have to dish out your funds for a fancy piece of hardware.

Instead, you can simply open up the document and your film before writing away. This could be done in virtually any working environment too, which is excellent for anyone who likes editing and doing paperwork in bed or a coffeehouse.

Streaming Opportunities

Being showcased on a streaming service indicates that the service in question trusts your work will engage its viewers. But they won’t have that trust if you can’t provide subtitles. Most, if not all, works on top streaming sites have subtitles to reach a wider audience.

Films and TV shows from major networks will nearly always attach a comprehensive post-production script, such as a CCSL (combined continuity and spotting list) to these services. The availability of streaming services is especially competitive for smaller filmmakers. It’s unlikely one will rise above their competition without a post-production script.

You’re likely interested in expanding your film’s distribution to streaming services. If that’s true, make sure you have a dialogue list.

Globalization

A dialogue list is necessary to reach out to additional distribution channels. That’s because industry executives need a dialogue list to understand the movie’s plot and narrative.

Globalizing your work isn’t easy without subtitles in the viewers’ local language. Subtitling also isn’t easy without a dialogue list. If you’re interested in working with global film distributors, submitting your film to international film festivals, or uploading it on YouTube for the world to see, make sure speakers of various languages can understand it.

Your film might also become very popular in a different country than it does domestically. Though the lack of domestic success may seem discouraging at the moment, it’s still a success. Success in another country could also be a critical stepping stone to eventually gaining domestic recognition.

Of course, your film could also do well domestically and internationally. In that case, you’ll want to maximize this potential by ensuring it’s internationally accessible.

Tips for Creating Great Dialogue Lists

Now you know why creating a great dialogue list is critical for your film’s growth. However, you might still be unsure if you’re ready to take the task on.

Creating an excellent dialogue list doesn’t have to be a daunting task. But for those who aren’t sure how to get started, we’ve got a few tips on writing an effective dialogue list. By following them, you’ll be in a lot better shape to finally finish up post-production and prepare your movie for the masses.

Double, Triple, and Quadruple Check

Needless to say, for a document that you’re potentially sending along to industry executives, accuracy is critical. Using a dialogue list for a YouTube upload contains less pressure due to the subtitles’ editability. But it can still be irritating to have your film’s debut sullied by inaccurate timecode logs, spelling and grammar errors, and typos.

You might need to pore over your movie to rectify any inaccurate timecode logs. Perhaps the list will be double-checked by multiple people before it’s deemed ready to go.

If you’re a filmmaker creating a dialogue list, you’ve likely already got some essential writing chops and are less likely to create spelling and grammar errors, and typos in the first place, especially since you’re using the screenplay as a touchstone. But whether or not you’re a decent writer, use a professional grammar-checking tool on the document.

Don’t let it alter the actual dialogue being transcribed. However, it can catch any spelling and grammar errors in the document.

Specify Details

There’s little need for unique descriptive detailing when transcribing dialogue. But as mentioned before, dialogue lists can also describe SFX sounds, end-credit scenes, etc. The descriptions must be specific enough to properly immerse viewers who aren’t listening to the movie.

Specification doesn’t have to come in the form of prolific verbiage. Instead, it could come in the form of proper word choice.

Replace rain “falling” with rain “pouring” or “lightly pittering.” Though you could describe a cough as just that, a “cough,” you could also call it a “hacking cough” or a “light cough.”

This is one of the more stylistic parts of creating a dialogue list, but it’s not about making your prose look pretty. It’s about correctly communicating the aesthetic events of your movie to your film’s audience.

Browse Our Professional Dialogue List Templates!

No more leaving captioning, translation, etc., to inconsistent quality control. Instead, you can ensure that foreign language translations are accurate, making your work more accessible around the globe.

At Back to the Paper, we understand the importance of a film reaching a broad audience. That’s why we offer plenty of professional, sleek dialogue list templates! Check them out today.