Subtitling for Netflix:

A (small) survey on the process, working conditions, and considerations for the future

Tinka Stössel

University of Geneva

What does subtitling for Netflix look like? According to subtitlers, there is not a straightforward answer. The process for subtitling a production intended for Netflix is subject to a highly complex system that can be described as lacking in transparency. Both in terms of the process and working conditions, various factors play a role, from type of production to subtitlers’ country of residence. As part of my doctoral research, I am investigating the intricacies of Netflix’s interlingual subtitling process, including working conditions, and identifying areas for improvement. In a first study with Facebook groups, I was able to collect a basic understanding of these aspects, but it also revealed a number of issues in working conditions and left many questions about the process unanswered. Since this study also encompassed different languages and streaming platforms, I decided to follow up with a targeted study involving only one company and one target language: Netflix and German. In this second study (which will be the main focus of this presentation), I conducted an anonymous online survey based primarily on the issues found in the first study, in addition to asking specifically what subtitlers wish for the future of subtitling.

This presentation will inform the work of practitioners by:

• Giving deeper insight into the current process of subtitling for Netflix;
• Highlighting some of the main issues with working conditions; and
• Identifying means of improving the subtitling system for a more sustainable future.

I have the following questions for practitioners:

• Do you experience the same issues/have the same concerns in your work?
• Do you have the same wishes for the future? Anything to add to the list?

Keywords: subtitling, Netflix, working conditions, process research, German

Tinka Stössel is a PhD candidate in translation studies and Research Assistant in the German Unit of the Faculty of Translation and Interpreting at the University of Geneva. Her current main research interest is subtitling in the streaming industry. In her doctoral dissertation, she aims to understand Netflix’s subtitling process and provide suggestions for a more sustainable future of subtitling. She was also recently involved in the Subtitling Ecosystem project, which investigated subtitling practices at a bilingual Swiss TV channel. She also teaches practical subtitling workshops at the master’s level and is editorial assistant for the translation studies journal Parallèles.