 |
|
|
|
|
|
Delivery requirements for Gaelic language television programmes are the same as for English language programmes, except that English subtitles are required as below.
|
|
|
|
English Subtitling of Gaelic programmes: general requirements
Whether subtitles are to be made within the BBC or externally, the producer of Gaelic language TV programmes for adults must provide a VHS or S-VHS with burnt-in timecode (BITC) in the upper half of the picture and vertical interval timecode (VITC) on lines 19 and 21; both timecodes should be identical to the linear timecode (LTC). (They may not cross the 23:59:59:24/00:00:00:00 discontinuity, but it is conventional for BBC programmes to begin the clock on the viewing time at 10:00:00:00.)
BBC Scotland's Business Process requires that programmes be provided timeously, so that they are ready for broadcast 10 days in advance of the scheduled broadcast. Although this may be relaxed in consultation with the commissioning editor, independent production companies should bear in mind that about 15 minutes of broadcast time can be subtitled in one day, but that subtitling itself, the dubbing of subtitles to tape and the technical review all have to be scheduled before the transmission date.
Only once these processes are complete can the programme be considered as delivered according to requirements. Questions about the subtitling process and scheduling a producer's review of subtitles (a recommended part of the process) can be arranged with BBC Craoladh nan Gaidheal.
Subtitling by the BBC
When subtitles are to be made by BBC Craoladh nan Gaidheal, a transcript is helpful but not necessary. Since subtitles are not direct translations, but are sub-edited to suit timing, shots, syntax and speech patterns, any additional translations are unlikely to be very useful.
Subtitling outside the BBC
When subtitles are to be prepared outwith the BBC's facilities, then independent production companies should be aware that time will be required, following delivery, to make the subtitle files suitable for dubbing to tape within the BBC. Further advice can be obtained from the commissioning editor.
Further production requirements
The positioning of onscreen text (usually names) should not be allowed to conflict with open subtitling. It is preferable to avoid the area of subtitles, the lowest two lines in vision, but if this area is to be used then it is advisable to avoid interjecting such text in the middle of a series of subtitles. Further advice on the positioning or timing of onscreen text can be obtained from BBC Craoladh nan Gaidheal.
|
|
|
|
