# Pricing subtitling & captioning work > Scope media work beyond runtime: source condition, transcription, spotting, translation, accessibility, dialogue density, review, recuts, and delivery compliance. Published: 2026-08-19. Updated: 2026-08-20. Last verified: 2026-08-20. Review interval: 183 days. Disclosure: none. ## Runtime is only the ruler A finished minute is a convenient counting unit, not a promise that every minute requires equal labor. Inspect representative media and source assets before fixing price or schedule. - Audio clarity, accents, overlap, code-switching, names, and specialist subject matter - Availability and quality of scripts, templates, shot changes, and prior subtitles - Transcription, translation, spotting, adaptation, SDH cues, speaker labels, and forced narratives - Dialogue density, reading-speed limits, line rules, positioning, and safe areas - Frame rate, recuts, multiple versions, conformance, burn-in, and platform formats - Secure media access, storage, retention, and deletion ## Separate the production steps - Template creation: transcribe or adapt source dialogue and create timing. - Translation: render meaning for the target market within subtitle constraints. - Spotting or timing: create and adjust in and out cues against picture and speech. - Caption or SDH work: add speaker identification, meaningful sound cues, music treatment, and accessibility conventions. - Bilingual or monolingual review: evaluate language, timing, readability, context, and consistency. - Conformance and QC: validate the final cut, frame rate, format, positioning, line rules, and full-program playback. ## Delivery rules are labor Do not present a buyer cap or procurement coefficient as a universal freelancer rate. Use the relevant delivery guide to estimate the actual work, then set your own commercial terms. Netflix's timed-text guidance defines detailed requirements for timing, duration, line treatment, language-specific practice, and full-program review. Sources: [Timed Text Style Guide: General Requirements](https://partnerhelp.netflixstudios.com/hc/en-us/articles/215758617-Timed-Text-Style-Guide-General-Requirements), [Timed Text Style Guide: Subtitle Timing Guidelines](https://partnerhelp.netflixstudios.com/hc/en-us/articles/360051554394-Timed-Text-Style-Guide-Subtitle-Timing-Guidelines). Published buyer and procurement schedules use different units and conditional multipliers for particular audiovisual workflows, illustrating why a figure must stay attached to its program and scope. Sources: [Netflix Preferred Fulfillment Partner program conditions and global rate card](https://npfp.netflixstudios.com/program-conditions/), [Conditions for negotiated language-service procedures](https://www.cdt.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documentation/pdf/Conditions%20relating%20to%20the%20provision%20of%20language%20services%20under%20negotiated%20procedure_version%20feb.%202024_EN.pdf). ## Quote with visible lines ``` Template creation or repair finished minutes × your rate Target-language translation finished minutes × your rate Spotting / retiming finished minutes or hours SDH / caption accessibility finished minutes or project fee Full-program review and QC hours or program fee Additional delivery formats per format or project Recut / conform after picture lock defined change-order basis Minimum and rush adjustments separate visible lines ``` ## Questions to settle before acceptance - Is picture locked, and what is the recut policy? - Which template is authoritative? - Which language variety and style guide control? - What counts as a finished minute? - Are credits, songs, on-screen text, and forced narratives included? - How many review and correction rounds are included? - Which files, frame rate, naming, and platform validations are required? - Who approves language and technical delivery? ## Frequently asked questions ### Is per-minute pricing fair for dense dialogue? It can be if the rate or complexity adjustment reflects representative density and source condition. For unusual content, hourly, program, or mixed pricing may describe effort more honestly. ### Should automatic transcription reduce the price? Only after testing the actual audio and defining who corrects names, code-switching, segmentation, punctuation, speakers, sound cues, and timing. Automation may save time, add cleanup, or both. ### How should recuts be priced? Define picture lock and the included tolerance. Price conforming, respotting, re-review, and regenerated deliveries through a stated hourly, per-minute, or change-order basis. ## Methodology Admas uses official professional-association, platform, buyer, and delivery documentation to explain pricing structure without publishing a tariff. Examples are arithmetic illustrations, not market recommendations. Every freelancer and supplier must set prices independently for their costs, capacity, expertise, market, risk, and local rules. ## Source register - [Antitrust Compliance Policy](https://www.atanet.org/about-us/policies/antitrust-compliance-policy/) — American Translators Association; verified 2026-08-20. - [Spotlight on Trade Associations](https://www.ftc.gov/advice-guidance/competition-guidance/guide-antitrust-laws/dealings-competitors/spotlight-trade-associations) — U.S. Federal Trade Commission; verified 2026-08-20. - [Conditions for negotiated language-service procedures](https://www.cdt.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documentation/pdf/Conditions%20relating%20to%20the%20provision%20of%20language%20services%20under%20negotiated%20procedure_version%20feb.%202024_EN.pdf) — Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union; verified 2026-08-20. - [Netflix Preferred Fulfillment Partner program conditions and global rate card](https://npfp.netflixstudios.com/program-conditions/) — Netflix; verified 2026-08-20. - [Timed Text Style Guide: General Requirements](https://partnerhelp.netflixstudios.com/hc/en-us/articles/215758617-Timed-Text-Style-Guide-General-Requirements) — Netflix; verified 2026-08-20. - [Timed Text Style Guide: Subtitle Timing Guidelines](https://partnerhelp.netflixstudios.com/hc/en-us/articles/360051554394-Timed-Text-Style-Guide-Subtitle-Timing-Guidelines) — Netflix; verified 2026-08-20.