What is a Dialogue Continuity List? – DCL

| Khurram Suhrwardy |

The Dialogue Continuity List (DCL) also called a Combined Continuity and Spotting List (CCSL), is a detailed document that a distibutor requests for film release. The language used by the distributor to request it can be as follows:

One (1) Word document, in the English language, of a detailed, final dialogue and action continuity of the completed Picture containing all dialogue, narration and song vocals. The CDSL shall contain a cut by cut description of the Picture action and dialogue/narration by timecode matching the digital master. If any dialogue in the Picture was recorded in whole or in part in a language other than English, the native language shall be included in the CDSL, along with the English translation, and a separate English subtitle file shall be delivered.

Who needs a Dialogue Continuity List?

DCL’s main users are production companies, editing teams, and localization experts. For international market productions DCLs are used as a basis for accurate dubbing and subtitling, allowing non-English speakers view the film as close to the original as possible.Similarly DCLs can also help the regulatory bodies as well as the distributing companies in boosting the compliance levels for various standard protocols. Likewise, these may be employed by academics or critics for film analysis and study.

What is the DCL used for?

A Dialogue Continuity List serves several purposes:

  • Copyright and Legal Documentation: It is a document that serves as a legal description of the film or television project for copyright purposes.
  • Localization: It is used as a key to dub and subtitle in foreign languages, therefore, crucial for international distribution.
  • Quality Control: It acts as the basis of quality control operation to check the final product whether it is in line with the original content or not.
  • Accessibility: It helps to generate closed captions and subs for hearing impaired viewers, which is a great feature for access.
  • Script Analysis: This tool can be utilized by scriptwriters and directors for script analysis and to figure the speed and rhythm of dialogues.

The DCL Production Process

DCL Sample Format

The process of creating a Dialogue Continuity List is a thorough and time-consuming activity, which is done at the end stages of production. The process is  a complete dissection of the script, wherein every scene, shot and line of dialogue are outlined with timecodes. The detail involved in making a DCL makes it a job that should be left to DCL specialists. Here are the general steps involved:

  1. Transcription: For the first stage, we have to record all the dialogues from film or show. This includes the actual words that are spoken along with the delivered non-verbal communication and other important sound effects.
  2. Timecoding: Each line of dialogue is now synchronized with the right time code against the film or show. A time code is a numerical sequence generated regularly by the timing system that assists in matching the dialogues with the visual.
  3. Description of Visuals: A key visual information which supports the story is also illustrated. This can be acts (actions), expressions or even setting a scene.
  4. Editing and Proofreading: The list is then proofread and refined. This guarantees its accuracy.
  5. Translation (if necessary): If the film includes hardcoded subtitles for foreign language then those will be included as well with proper annotation.

Elements of Dialogue Continuity List

  • Numbered Shots with Time References: Each shot is registered under an exact time or frame reference.
  • Detailed Descriptions of Camera Work: This involves describing the type of the shot and main action taking place.
  • Verbatim Dialogue: Every word which was spoken on camera is transcribed.
  • Non-Verbal Sounds and Utterances: These are added to maintain authenticity in dubbing and subtitling.
  • Character IDs and Interaction Notes: Information about the speaker and the listener is vital.
  • Special Notations: Voiceovers, obfuscated faces, and cues for translated dialogues in foreign languages are indicated.
  • Titles and Credits: Titles, and on-screen text are chronicled with the timing for use in forced narratives.
A Dialogue Continuity List (DCL) is one of the most important instrument in the final stage of the production of movies and television series. It guarantees the accuracy in dubbing, subtitling, and localization, enabling international audiences to access the content.

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