It is normal to become super excited about our favorite film. Whether it is available in our native language or not, we get ready to watch it with subtitles or dubbing, right? But what we never think about is the process behind it. We don’t know what makes our favorite movies from other countries watchable and enjoyable.
That’s it now. Get ready to know how your favorite movies, seasons, and documentaries are translated. This article will highlight the purpose of filmmakers in translating their films and other visual content and the process of translation.
However, before going any further, it is crucial to be clear about the idea of film translation services. Because everything revolves around it. So, are you ready to enlighten your mind with some extra knowledge? Let’s go.
Understanding Film Translation Services
Film translation services don’t employ the same process or contain the same meaning as typical translation. In simple translation, we only translate a text from one language to another without setting any standards or taking measures. However, film translation is different and can only be done by a multimedia translation agency. This is not the type of translation that anyone can easily do. It requires special attention, care, and expertise to translate a film while ensuring linguistic and cultural accuracy.
You don’t get it, right? Well, yes, it takes a little effort to learn a new thing, but don’t worry. By the end of this article, you’ll know everything with a clear understanding.
So, getting back to the point, we all know that every region has its specific language and culture. People from different countries follow diverse traditions and have different priorities. It means reaching out to new markets requires filmmakers to adapt their content according to the target audience.
Importance of Film Translation Services?
Film and media are rapidly growing industries. The availability of the internet, easy access to multimedia platforms, and the interconnectivity of the world are working behind the success of this industry. People from around the world like to watch movies, dramas, seasons, and documentaries, regardless of the production place and language.
However, this is not a simple task. It has now added more effort to translate the films into multiple languages as well. Depending on the target audience’s preferences, the filmmakers add subtitles or dub their films accordingly.
However, translation doesn’t negatively affect the original intent of the content. It ensures that all their creative and professional nuances are transferred accurately to the target audiences. Film translation services need to fulfill some main requirements to serve their purpose completely, including:
- The translation sounds natural
- The translation conveys the original message of the content
- It maintains the original tone and style
- It faithfully reflects the characters
Moreover, generating great revenue is indeed the main purpose, but it is impossible without accurate translation. Simply put, precise translation of your visual content is crucial to getting desired feedback and responses from local and international audiences. You can say that if you fail to provide the right translation, your film might flop, and you will be at a loss. Yes, translation holds that much importance for your films.
The Process of Translating Films and Media
If you are thinking that the process of translating films is complex, you are right! It is complicated, indeed, but not formidable. Well, you can decide on your own. So, let’s discuss it. The film translation process is comprised of a few steps, including:
Research and Analysis
The first step in the process of translating a film is to do some research. The research includes facts about the author, such as their style, genre, plot, main characters, and target audience.
It is suggested that the translators take their time to read the film proposal or script and see the movie before starting to translate it. This helps them mold their words according to the actions happening on the screen. It gives the audience a real experience, even if the film isn’t available in their native language.
Preparation of the First Draft
After doing research and analysis of the movie, translators then move on to the next step, which is preparing a first draft. It is called the first draft because there is always room for improvement. The translator reads, prepares a draft, and then edits it multiple times to make it perfect for the audience. Other than that, the translator needs to:
- Choose the right words that fit the same structure and format as the source text
- Define the characters’ personality
- Most importantly, evokes the same emotions as the original content
Proofreading and Editing
This is the final step of the film translation process. Now the editors and proofreaders get their hands on the draft. They see if there is any need for improvement and better adaptation. They look for minor translation errors that the translator may have overseen and that can change the meaning of the content.
Final Thoughts
Film translation is a fun process. However, it is complex as well. The purpose of the film translation is to appeal to a global audience, so it needs to be linguistically and culturally precise and accurate. As it is the key to the success of a film!
