Festival-Compliant Closed Captioning & SMPTE Timed Text XML Creation

Festival-Compliant Captioning – SMPTE Timed Text XML, VTT & DCP Deliverables We are seeking an experienced captioning specialist with theatrical DCP and film festival delivery experience. ## Project Scope Create festival-compliant caption deliverables for a feature film, including: ### Required Deliverables 1. **SRT file** (for Vimeo/screener use) 2. **SMPTE Timed Text XML (.xml)** file compliant with theatrical DCP closed caption workflows 3. **Burn-in-ready caption files** for Open Caption (OCAP) version: * SRT * SMPTE Timed Text XML 4. **WebVTT (.vtt)** file with timecode starting at **00:00:00:00** to match the movie file (per festival requirements) 5. Ability to provide **.scc** format if required ### Technical Requirements * Experience creating **festival-compliant captions** for theatrical exhibition. * Strong knowledge of **SMPTE Timed Text XML**, **DCP closed captions**, and **Open Caption (OCAP)** workflows. * Captions must include proper **positioning information** to avoid overlapping: * Lower thirds * Burned-in subtitles * On-screen graphics/text * Care must be taken to prevent duplication of existing on-screen text. ### Additional Notes * A logo animation may be added at the beginning of the film during the finishing stage. * Caption files should be delivered with timecodes referenced to the **programme start (post-logo)** so timing can be offset correctly during conform/finishing. * The finishing house will handle the final burned-in OCAP DCP creation once caption data files are received. ### Preferred Qualifications * Prior experience delivering captions for film festivals (Sundance, TIFF, SXSW, Tribeca, etc.). * Familiarity with theatrical DCP mastering and accessibility standards. * Ability to provide sample SMPTE XML or festival captioning work. When applying, please include: * Relevant DCP/festival captioning experience * Software/tools used * Sample projects or portfolio links * Estimated turnaround and availability