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 Translating Videos & Digital Multimedia |
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The translation of corporate and training videos demands translators who can combine translating competence with knowledge, skill and experience in sound and video production and post-production, as well as the techniques required for synchronizing the translation to the original's on-screen lip movements, if any.
Video translations include:
1. Voiceovers,
2. Language dubbing,
3. Sub-titles,
4. Graphics,
5. Original production.  When contracting for video translation services, it is essential to be aware of the differences between the 4 main categories of suppliers, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each, before selecting the one that best suits your needs. |
| Sound Studios |
| Sound studios are in the business of recording music, radio ads, TV off-camera announcers (voiceovers), etc. Those that offer translation to their clients, either subcontract the whole project to a translation company, or hire a freelancer to do the work in their studios. |
| Video Studios |
| Video studios produce TV ads, training videos, etc. They handle translations the same way that sound studios do, and there can be huge variations in the quality of the product. In the worst case I know, the owner hires "native speakers" to translate the script and record the dialogue, and "directs" the production himself. His videos make late-night Kung Fu movies look polished. |
| Video & Film Translation Studios |
| These specialized studios translate films and videos exclusively. Therefore, their translators, actors, directors, technicians, etc. are all specialists and can produce top-quality work. One drawback to hiring them directly is that, if your translation needs go beyond just video and sound, you will need to have 2 or more translation suppliers, to cover videos, manuals, etc. This will make it extremely difficult to translate all the elements as a unified whole and is the surest way to end up with video dialogue that does not match the manual. Another consideration is that video and film translation studios specialize in feature films and TV programs, and are very rarely called upon to translate technical or corporate videos. As a result, when they do, they tend to sacrifice content for the sake of form. Finally, the top studios are all located in the various foreign countries, and direct access to their services is normally both too difficult and too time-consuming for the average company. |
| Translation Companies |
| Perhaps it is in video translations that grades of quality become most apparent. The advantages of working with a competent translation company are detailed in the next page. The guidelines for translation companies can also serve to spot the translation brokers and other unscrupulous operators. Reputable companies will provide, as part of their service and at no additional cost, full and complete project management. It is their expertise in project management that you are paying for. If your translation company is not providing this service, you should be looking for one that does. |
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