Scripting & Translation

Netflix Timed Text Authoring Lineage (TTAL)

Timed Text Authoring Lineage or TTAL is a JSON based file format designed for exchanging scripts between tools in the localization pipeline such as authoring and prompting tools. TTAL was developed by Netflix for streamlining dubbing and audio description workflows. It carries dialogue text with timing information and other relevant attributes that can be used during translation, adaption and recording.

VoiceQ support for TTAL files reduces inefficiency and significantly improves reliability and project quality. The application offers a unique visual aspect to a user's script to improve spotting and editing, as well as visual aids to help reduce an actors recording time.

Below is a workflow for compiling and creating TTAL files with VoiceQ. As VoiceQ is a complete scripting application you can either create new projects from scratch and export as TTAL files or you can work on TTAL files distributed by Netflix backlot.

Workflow steps in VoiceQ

To create a TTAL you will need to import a timed script into VoiceQ with both start and end time values. If you don't have a timed script and only media there are several services that can sync the files for you and allow direct import into VoiceQ - See third-party services for more.

Script format

The most common script type we recommend is excel (xls, xlsx) or Comma-seperated (csv) in the following format:

Script (Language code) | Start time | End time | Character/Source | Comments

Please note that the placement of the columns is not important as VoiceQ can define the columns in our script import manager. Replace the language code to read e.g. Script (en-us) or Script (fr).

Steps:

For the following you will need a Script file for translation or adaption and a video file. IF you need an example please download one of the following:

1. Open the VoiceQ Pro/Writer application

2. Import your script file using the Script Import Manager (SIM) - SIM allows you to choose many options from the column headers. First select the TYPE of the column, for example: "Timecode In" and then select the additional options such as "Timecode type" i.e. "Hours:minutes:seconds:frames" or "Minutes:Seconds"

Each column can be customized, however be sure to check your selection before selecting "Import" as once you import the file it creates your events and allocates characters lines based on the import script selections made.

3. Once the selections are made select "Import". You will see events created in the VoiceQ timeline allowing you to easily move, adjust and edit lines visually.

4 . Import your media file either by "drag and drop" into the timeline or via 'File>Import Media'

5. Be sure to select the audio file when importing your media if you have more than one audio track to select.

6. Take your time and translate, adapt and/or record your script.

FORCED NARRATIVE

Insert FORCED NARRATIVE to the script if they have not been defined already. These three options MUST be selected for FORCED NARRATIVE:

- The Character "FN" column needs to be selected

- The "Character on screen" selections need to be selected

- The "Screen position" selection needs to be selected

To do this select a line that is a FORCED NARRATIVE and select the character in the characters list. If there is no FORCED NARRATIVE character, create new one and select the "FN" column checkbox to confirm "All lines set" are FORCED NARRATIVE.

Once you define the character assign it to the line that is to be defined as FORCED NARRATIVE. Then open the comments window and select the "Character on screen" position and also the "Screen position".

7. Once you are done, Select "File>Export>Export TTAL".

8. Select the script type that you need to export. All official script types will be shown. The export language is important to get right when exporting out TTAL files.

If you don't have original language information, please leave the checkbox unchecked.

9. Then select export Choose a location to save. Then save your project for future use if you haven't already.

10 . Upload the Timed Text Authoring Lineage (TTAL) file to the Netflix backlot for Validation. If you have validation errors, open the VoiceQ project and select "Script>Validate Script" this will check for issues with timecode or word timings that may throw off the validation on backlot. If you continue to see errors you may export a CSV from VoiceQ via Fiel>Export>Export Comma-seperated (CSV) and upload it directly to the NEtflix TTAL Converter: https://dubstudio.prod.netflix.net/ttal/convertor

Repeat the steps for each file you work on.

If you have more questions, please contact our voice support team.

Opening a pre-created TTAL file

1. Open VoiceQ, create a new project and then import the file via "File>Import>Import TTAL"

2. Select the file stored on your computer and select "Open".

3. You may choose to replace comments or leave default if not required.

4. Once the file is imported, save your project.

5. Take your time and translate, adapt and/or record your script.

6 . Because the script is a pre-created TTAL it should have FORCED NARRATIVE definitions. If not you will need to do the following.

These three options MUST be selected for FORCED NARRATIVE:

- The Character "FN" column needs to be selected

- The "Character on screen" selections need to be selected

- The "Screen position" selection needs to be selected

To do this select a line that is a FORCED NARRATIVE and select the character in the characters list. If there is no FORCED NARRATIVE character, create new one and select the "FN" column checkbox to confirm "All lines set" are FORCED NARRATIVE.

Once you define the character assign it to the line that is to be defined as FORCED NARRATIVE. Then open the comments window and select the "Character on screen" position and also the "Screen position".

7. Once you are done, Select "File>Export>Export TTAL".

8. Select the script type that you need to export. All official script types will be shown. The export language is important to get right when exporting out TTAL files.

If you don't have original language information, please leave the checkbox unchecked.

9. Then select export Choose a location to save. Then save your project for future use if you haven't already.

10. Upload the Timed Text Authoring Lineage (TTAL) file to the Netflix backlot for Validation. If you have validation errors, open the VoiceQ project and select "Script>Validate Script" this will check for issues with timecode or word timings that may throw off the validation on backlot. If you continue to see errors you may export a CSV from VoiceQ via Fiel>Export>Export Comma-seperated (CSV) and upload it directly to the NEtflix TTAL Converter: https://dubstudio.prod.netflix.net/ttal/convertor

‍Repeat the steps for each file you work on

If you have more questions, please contact our voice support team.

Other TTAL notes

- Option to import/export 'DUB_SCRIPT' with the forced narrative indication in TTAL format.

- When importing a TTAL with 'FORCED NARRATIVE' the application sets the line as the character 'FORCED NARRATIVE'.

- When importing a TTAL with 'FORCED NARRATIVE' the data for 'Position on-screen' will import the settings for 'top, bottom, left, right'.

- FN in the characters menu defines the character as a 'FORCED NARRATIVE' - think of it like the title of a film or an on-screen credit that is non-spoken but still needs translation or adaption. i.e. The board says "I AM ALIVE" which would be non-spoken but set as a FORCED NARRATIVE as it appears as part of the story told to the viewers.

- The Screen position field can be found in the extension of the comment pop-out - here you can log the location of the FORCED NARRATIVE on-screen position.

- The Character on screen is also required for the actors to see if the person appears in view or not.