CDSL – Combined Dialogue and Spotting List

A Combined Dialogue and Spotting List (CDSL) merges two critical post-production documents into one comprehensive file:

• Dialogue List – Word-for-word transcription of all spoken dialogue with precise timecodes
• Spotting List – Shot-by-shot descriptions identifying camera angles, character actions, and visual context

This combined format is required by many international distributors, dubbing studios, and localization teams who need both dialogue timing and visual context in a single document.

What a CDSL Includes:

• ✅ Time-coded dialogue transcription (every word spoken)
• ✅ Shot descriptions (camera angles, character positions, visual actions)
• ✅ Character identification for each line
• ✅ Scene and shot numbers
• ✅ On-screen text and graphics notation
• ✅ Sound effects relevant to dialogue scenes

Industry use: CDSLs are commonly requested for foreign distribution deals where dubbing teams need both what is said (dialogue) and what is happening on screen (spotting) to create accurate localized versions.