Forced Narratives
What is a Forced Narrative?
A Forced Narrative (FN) subtitle is a timed text event that translates dialogue and/or on-screen text in a language that is different from the content’s primary language. FN’s are used when Creatives intend for the viewer to understand the alternate language, unclear dialogue, or other events. They are displayed as a text overlay to the customer based on their selection of audio language.
Forced Narrative translating Mandarin dialogue
Forced Narrative for headline in book which is plot relevant
Forced Narrative for unclear dialogue with top positioning to avoid overlap with graphic text
Forced Narrative translating show specific sign language
Deliverables
Texted
Texted video contains main titles, end credits, and any other instance of text that are burned-in.
If the program contains Forced Narrative subtitles, then a non-subtitled video file must be delivered.
Non-Subtitled
Non-Subtitled video must be delivered when a program contains Forced Narrative subtitles. The non-subtitled video must not contain burned-in FN subtitles. Customers choice of audio language will dynamically play the corresponding FN as a text overlay. A separate FN subtitle file is required when delivering non-subtitled video as well as the following files:
- Full SDH Subtitle: Includes Forced Narrative.
- Sans Forced Narrative SDH Subtitle: SDH subtitle without Forced Narrative.
Textless
Textless video excludes all instances of Forced Narrative subtitles, text over picture, graphics elements with text, and animated text. This is required when 30% or more of the program is texted or has graphic overlays.
When a Textless master is created, a Texted or Non-Subtitled video file must also be delivered.
The table below is a guideline to help determine which asset specs should be delivered for each content type:
Deliverable Decision Table
The Deliverable Decision table is a tool built to assist Post teams in determining which deliverables are going to be required for each episode/movie. The deliverables required will vary depending on if the title has forced narratives, is more than 30% texted, and the Content type. Use this information as a guideline, if you have additional questions please email scs-content-ops@amazon.com.
Movies Scripted
| Program contains FN's? | 30% or more of the program is texted? | Required Deliverables |
|---|---|---|
| Movies Scripted | ||
| No | No |
|
| Yes | No |
|
| No | Yes |
|
| Yes | Yes |
|
Series Scripted
| Program contains FN's? | 30% or more of the program is texted? | Required Deliverables |
|---|---|---|
| Series Scripted | ||
| No | No |
|
| Yes | No |
|
| No | Yes |
|
| Yes | Yes |
|
Hybrid Scripted
| Program contains FN's? | 30% or more of the program is texted? | Required Deliverables |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Scripted | ||
| No | No |
|
| Yes | No |
|
Unscripted
| Program contains FN's? | 30% or more of the program is texted? | Required Deliverables |
|---|---|---|
| Unscripted | ||
| No | No |
|
| Yes | No |
|
| No | Yes |
|
| Yes | Yes |
|
Sports/Game Shows
| Program contains FN's? | 30% or more of the program is texted? | Required Deliverables |
|---|---|---|
| Sports/Games Shows | ||
| No | No |
|
| Yes | No |
|
| No | Yes |
|
| Yes | Yes |
|