Subtitles Translation in the Grey Zone

Abstract

This paper offers an account of the current state-of-affairs of Audiovideo translation, in particular amateur translations of subtitles of pirated films and TV programmes in four fan translation and subtitling communities in the grey zone, who are threading the thin line of legality - illegality due to loopholes in copyright in different jurisdictions. The author, who explored these communities as a volunteer translator and subtitler, describes and discusses the communities striving for quality in translation, conventionalization of best practices in subtitling by use of European and international standards as well as personal experience and usability. The paper discusses translators’ mistakes, collaboration in these fan subtitling communities and members’ contribution with software development, advice and support. It concludes with the latest developments in audiovisual content delivery in Ultra HD and the Open Translation movement.