Fansub timing with aegisub experieced ones?

Question

i am wanting to learn how to time the subtitles on videos so i can help with the fan sub process i need help anyone plz answer

Answer 1

I assume you already know how to translate Japan-English (or whatever the language you want to sub) and already have a movie maker with raw episodes. I don't know what's a good movie maker for you though, so you might want to research a bit.

First, learn how to use movie maker, especially how to add text to the scene. =P

Second, grab a paper and pen to record the timing. As soon as you hear a speech, immediately pause and record the timing. After that, record when the person is done speaking. You might also need to do the same with the opening theme and end theme.

Third, start adding text to the episode (you should if you do step 1). Of course, most texts are located below the screen. Usually, this is a place you will want to subbed a person's speech.

As for ABOVE the screen, you might want to add song lyric from the background music (not opening/ending themes, that's for BELOW the screen). You would also would want to add note in that place, like the definition of White Day in Japan if the people are talking about it. This note should only last for couple of seconds, preferably in slightly smaller font. Also, you would also want to add translation of a sign within the scene. For example, if you see a Japanese sign within the scene, you should add translation of that sign at the top screen. This translation should last until the scene doesn't show the sign anymore.

Last, but never the least, always watch back the whole video back to see any mistake or if you're missing something. Record the timing where you make this mistake. Give it to other people for review and don't forget to make sure your translation is accurate!

Other information:

> You might want to add translated "whispering" conversation (a conversation that is usually not important and in whispering voice) at the bottom of the screen. If there are more than one "whispers", put one on top of the others in order from bottom to top in term of who talks first. They should be in smaller font too. If you can't really hear some of these "whispers", ignore them; they aren't important anyway. The "real" conversation (that is more important) should ALWAYS be at the bottom at normal font size.