Different translation form by countryĮach country has a different requirement when it comes to translating films. In special cases, film production companies also need to have their applications and dossiers translated for submission to film festivals abroad.Īlthough subtitling is more straightforward than dubbing, the translator must still have an in-depth knowledge of different cultures and how words are used in order to convey the meaning of the words to the fullest extent. Publicity materials for international distribution include movie trailers, online content, TV, radio and print ads and trailers.

Other translation opportunities are found in the film’s post-production work. Likewise the translators have to take into consideration the culture of the target markets to ensure that no traditions and taboos are violated, that slang and colloquialisms are observed and that the dialogue is presented accurately in the target language(s).

When doing dubbing work, the translators normally create a script that is based on the script used in the source language, which should also be synchronized with the movements of the characters’ mouths. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to be a translator for films. Subtitling means that written captions in another language are shown at the bottom of the film, which must be synchronized with the film’s dialogue for each scene.

In dubbing, the film’s audio track is changed so you will hear the characters “speaking” in a foreign language. Subtitling and dubbingĭubbing and subtitling have now become major parts of marketing films to foreign audiences and territories. Interpreters might also be involved in the pre-production as well as on-site stages during the film production process. Included here are interviews as well as articles that will form the background of the whole pre-production research. And finally, the marketing materials, reviews and synopses that need translation work as well.įilmmakers and documentary makers normally work with translators when dealing with foreign nationals in the making of their film or documentary. Then there is also dubbing and the creation of subtitles, which could be in several languages if the film is distributed for international release. First, there’s the translation of all written materials, including scripts and articles that are needed to supposubrt the film production. There are different categories when doing translations for films.

Features of subtitle translation