ZOO, the provider of workflow management software and services for creative media production, has launched its new subtitling tool, ZOOsubs following extensive development and trialling.

ZOOsubs is a cloud-based Software-as-a-Service workflow solution that supports the preparation, review and approval of subtitles for filmed and TV entertainment. The system is designed to allow the preparation and adaptation of subtitle information across all platforms - DVD, Blu-ray, Electronic Sell Through (EST) and broadcast.

As well as creating subtitling for new feature film and TV material, it also enables the conversion of subtitles from existing materials to other platforms, e.g. from DVD to digital media suitable for distribution via iTunes.

The software has been designed to give producers greater ownership of the subtitling process. By using the same secure, web-based platform as ZOO's other workflow tools, content owners can have greater involvement throughout the project, working with preferred translators and ensuring greater quality control and reduced time to market.

Shares in ZOO Digital jumped by almost 50% as the creative media software group told shareholders the second half's return to profitability had continued. The company suffered in 2011 as the onrush of new digital formats and the downloading of material online prompted its film company customers to cut back sharply on DVDs. Adapting these was and remains a major revenue generator for the company.

The company has shifted its emphasis towards adapting titles for newer formats such as Blu-ray and iTunes, while introducing new products such as a platform for adopting complex books online and most recently software for editing subtitles and film dubbing, but the DVD market has also steadied.

Story filed 03.10.12