Subtitles and Caption Caption Formatting and Styling 2

Question 1

What is the purpose of the 'paint-on' caption style?

Accepted Answer

To reveal captions word by word from left to right

Answer

Paint-on captions appear word by word from left to right, often used for live captioning to simulate real-time speech.

Question 2

When should italic text be used in US caption formatting?

Accepted Answer

For foreign language words, titles, or off-screen voices

Answer

Italics are used in captions for foreign words, titles of works, off-screen voices, and emphasized speech.

Question 3

What is a 'roll-up' caption style?

Accepted Answer

Captions that continuously scroll upward one line at a time

Answer

Roll-up captions scroll upward continuously, typically showing 1-3 lines at a time, and are commonly used for live television.

Question 4

What background treatment is recommended for open captions to ensure contrast on light scenes?

Accepted Answer

Semi-transparent black drop shadow or box

Answer

A semi-transparent black box or drop shadow behind caption text ensures readability regardless of the background scene brightness.

Question 5

How should music or song lyrics be indicated in US caption formatting?

Accepted Answer

Using music notes (♪) or angle brackets

Answer

Music notes (♪ or ♫) are placed at the beginning and/or end of captioned lyrics to indicate singing or music content.

Subtitles and Caption Practice Test