Freelancer templates · Practical guide

Subtitling & captioning quote worksheet

Scope audiovisual work by runtime, source condition, templates, transcription, translation, spotting, accessibility, review, conformance, and formats.

Published: 2026-08-20
Updated: 2026-08-20
Last verified: 2026-08-20
Review cadence: Every 365 days
Disclosure: none

Version 1.0 · CC BY 4.0

Use the worksheet

Inputs stay on this page and are not submitted or saved.

Download the audiovisual quote worksheet

Program, version, runtime, and media access

Identify the exact cut and secure access method.

Audio languages, quality, scripts, and templates

Note dialogue density, code-switching, speakers, and asset condition.

Target languages, markets, and accessibility services

Separate subtitles, captions, SDH, forced narratives, and audio description.

Included production steps

Transcription, translation, spotting, adaptation, cueing, review, QC, and conformance.

Style, timing, reading speed, and terminology

Name the platform or client guide and exception process.

Formats, versions, deadline, and revisions

List frame rate, formats, recut handling, and included revision rounds.

Pricing lines and assumptions

Use finished minutes, hours, program fees, minimums, rush, or complexity lines as appropriate.

Confidentiality, access, retention, and deletion

State media-handling requirements and approved tools.

A finished minute is not a complete scope

The same 30-minute program can require very different work depending on audio quality, source language, template condition, dialogue density, spotting, SDH cues, forced narratives, format, and review.

Inspect representative media before fixing the rate
Separate transcription, translation, timing, and conformance
Name the reading-speed and style guide
Price extra versions and recuts
Confirm secure media access and retention

Media inventory example

Program: Episode 104, final cut v7
Runtime: 47:32
Audio: English, mixed quality, two code-switched scenes
Source assets: proxy video + final English script; no timed template
Target: es-419 subtitles + es-419 SDH
Deliveries: IMSC 1.1 and SRT
Checks: full-program review, reading speed, shot changes, names, SDH cues, conformance

Frequently asked questions

Should subtitling always be priced per finished minute?

No. Finished minutes are common, but hourly, per-subtitle, program, minimum, and mixed pricing can be clearer for difficult audio, template repair, recuts, live work, conformance, or extensive review.

What should happen when the video is recut?

Define a picture-lock assumption and a recut policy before work begins. Quote conforming or respotting separately when the timing impact cannot be predicted.

How this was built

Admas designed this plain-language working template for transparent language-service delivery. The downloadable file contains no macros, remote formulas, tracking links, or hidden fields. Adapt it to the project, jurisdiction, client requirements, tax rules, language pair, service, and professional advice relevant to you.

Source register

Official and primary references reviewed for this page.

Timed Text Style Guide: General RequirementsNetflix · verified 2026-08-20
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 InternationalCreative Commons · verified 2026-08-20