French subtitling services, ready to broadcast
dB PROD·FACTORY has produced subtitles in Casablanca since 2016. Our core business: French subtitles and SDH subtitles, for the deaf and hard of hearing, that meet broadcaster and platform standards. We also translate subtitles into English, and into Arabic on request. Every file is reviewed by a second linguist. Our clients are spread across 9 countries. For many of them, subtitling is the first step before dubbing.
What professional subtitling includes
Professional subtitling is more than translating sentences. We start with a human transcription with timecodes, which sets the reference text. Then comes adaptation: condensing, rephrasing, keeping the tone and the references, rather than translating word for word. Spotting aligns each subtitle with the speech, the shot changes and the reading rhythm. Finally, a second linguist reviews everything: spelling, consistent terminology, synchronization, reading comfort. This double review is systematic, whatever the volume.
- Human transcription with timecodes
- Translation and adaptation by French-speaking linguists
- Spotting and synchronization to picture
- Systematic review by a second linguist
French subtitles, SDH and translation
Our offer is centered on French. We subtitle into French programs shot in English, Chinese, Spanish or other languages, for the producers, distributors and platforms that address a French-speaking audience, starting with France. We also produce French SDH, which conveys the dialogue, the speakers and the sounds needed to follow the action. For international versions, we translate subtitles into English, and into Arabic on request.
- French subtitles for content shot in English, Chinese, Spanish and other languages
- French SDH (deaf and hard of hearing) subtitles, following broadcaster conventions
- Translation of subtitles into English for festivals and international distributors
- Arabic subtitles on request
- One glossary for subtitling and dubbing when both versions are ordered
Source languages and cultural nuance
Our subtitles are written in French first. Source languages vary: English, Chinese, Spanish and others. A documentary, a series and a corporate film are not subtitled the same way: our linguists condense without betraying the original, choose the level of language that suits the audience and make cultural references clear to a French-speaking viewer. When several languages mix in the same scene, the tone stays continuous.
- Subtitles in French, written by French-speaking linguists
- Source languages: English, Chinese, Spanish and other languages
- Translation into English, Arabic subtitles on request
- Multilingual dialogue handled within a single scene
File formats and broadcast compliance
We deliver in the formats broadcasters and platforms expect: SRT, VTT, STL and EBU. Each file follows your broadcaster's specifications: characters per line, number of lines, display durations, reading speed, on-screen position, respect for shot changes. We accept your sources in MP4, MOV, AVI, WAV, MP3 or M4A, as well as your scripts. Burn-in is available as an option, for social media or a screening, for example.
- Delivery in SRT, VTT, STL, EBU
- Compliance with platform and broadcast standards
- Sources accepted: MP4, MOV, AVI, WAV, MP3, M4A
- Optional burn-in on a video master
Subtitling or dubbing: which should you choose?
Subtitling and dubbing meet different needs, and many of our clients combine both. Subtitling is faster, keeps the original voices and suits documentaries, corporate films, festivals and audiences used to reading. French dubbing offers full immersion: it is the right choice for young audiences, mainstream drama and certain channels. Since we do both in our Casablanca studios, you can start with subtitles to test a market, then reuse the approved adaptation for the dubbing.
- Subtitling: fast, faithful to the original voices
- Dubbing: full immersion, young audiences and mainstream drama
- Common path: subtitles first, dubbing next
- One team for both, in our Casablanca studios
Process and turnaround
Everything starts with a brief: source language, subtitle versions, delivery format, broadcaster specifications and release date. You send us the video and, if you have it, the script or the dialogue list. We transcribe, adapt and spot, then a second linguist reviews everything before export. Most projects are delivered within 24 to 48 hours. Long formats and large volumes get a dedicated schedule, with an express option for urgent cases. A single point of contact follows your project from quote to delivery.
- Brief, source intake and specification sign-off
- Transcription, adaptation, spotting, quality check
- 24-48h for most projects, dedicated schedule for long formats
- A single point of contact from quote to delivery