Transcription

The process starts with Transcription. This is where I take the original video, and create an electronic version of the spoken elements, and also the captions. Usually this will need to have Timecode added, to create a specific time reference for where the new voice-over segment is to be inserted, or for where the subtitle or caption must appear.

Translation

I can then organise the translation of the content with tried and trusted in-country professionals. This process is not just a straight translation of the written Transcription because there are timing factors to take into account. Firstly, the translator has to know if the translation is for voice-over or for subtitles, as the outcome will be very different. Translation for voice-over requires the translator to make sure that the translated script will still fit within the time constraints of the original video. This may mean that some sentences will have to be adapted to make them shorter.

Translation for subtitles usually means that the script has to be shortened, so that the new text fits in two lines on the screen. Often this means the text needs to be a condensed version of the original. To understand this process requires specific skills for the translator. Using a translator who doesn’t have experience in these matters will lead to an inferior product, and can waste a lot of production time and budget.