itfc Supplies First Dual Language Subtitles For Popstar To Operastar

The London-based provider of content management and post production services, itfc, has enhanced the viewing experience for ITV's Popstar to Operarstar by supplying dual language subtitles.
The show, which is in its second series, features poster contestants competing to be opera stars by being trained to sing operatic arias. The arias are sung in their original language, mostly Italian or French, and the broadcast subtitles would normally reflect exactly what the viewers hear.
itfc believed it was important to also provide the English translation so viewers could 'recognise' the music by the English lyrics, helping to increase their enjoyment of what was being sung.
This project is a first for ITV. Jorge Saavedra, Regulatory Affairs Executive at ITV, said: "itfc's suggestion to provide dual subtitles was innovative and we were keen to explore this option further. Opera houses provide translated subtitles and it seemed a logical move for us to do the same. The team at itfc used their expertise to deliver high quality original language and English translation subtitles. We're extremely pleased with the results."
In preparation for the show, lyrics for each aria are sent to itfc's subtitling team the day before each transmission. This helps the team prepare both sets of subtitles, in the original language and in English, before the show airs live on Sundays. itfc's challenge was to simultaneously display both languages on screen in a two-line caption. As Popstar to Operastar is a live programme, itfc also has to use voice recognition technology to produce subtitles from content that has not previously been scripted, such as the judges' comments.
Cherry Cole, itfc Director of Media Access Services, said: "This was a great opportunity for us to premier dual language subtitling and we're pretty sure this is a first for broadcasting. ITV were happy that we were able to help create a richer experience for the viewer and we look forward to extending this service in the future."
(KMcA)