Audiovisual Translation Services

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Audiovisual translation is an art: a series of specialized techniques and approaches, working with different file formats to provide a faithful, fluent, and localized version of your audiovisual text.

Successful translation of audiovisual content requires skillful translators with in-depth knowledge of language, technology, and culture. Whatever your audiovisual project, BeTranslated has the right linguist for you.

Subtitling video content

Audiovisual translation has an individual nature and presents its own issues. While, like any translation, it is a question of transferring the original message into another language as faithfully as possible, there are some significant differences to take into account.

First of all, the source text is usually composed of oral dialogue or monologue. There are several constraints to be taken into account due to the dual nature of an audiovisual text: the target text must stick to a limited number of characters and must be easily read by viewers while visible on screen. Of course, the subtitles must also be synchronized with the dialogue. Our expert translators are able to satisfy the complex needs of audiovisual translation projects.

In the case of closed captions, which allow the deaf and hard of hearing to follow a film or TV series, a color-coding system is also used to indicate what type of sound is being described (birdsong, voiceover, tires screeching, etc.).

Our professional subtitling service

Naturally, at BeTranslated we only assign subtitling projects to experienced linguists with a solid technical background, allowing them to work with various file formats and deliver a perfectly translated or transcribed .srt file.

Fans of the screen with sharp, creative minds, our audiovisual translators are the only professionals fully equipped to transpose the message of your video, movie, or promotional film. While all are native speakers, some even work in the industry themselves as directors, writers or producers of audiovisual content.

As with any sector of the translation industry, hiring specialized translators for your subtitling project is essential. Premium audiovisual translators are adept at balancing the complex issues subtitling presents. Over the years, our translation agency has put together a team of audiovisual professionals, all qualified experts in subtitling who can help you boost your business and spread your message around the world.

We offer the following services:

translation
Translation
transcription
Video transcription
subtitling
Subtitling
closedcaption
Closed captions

Do you require a professional audiovisual translation? Look no further than BeTranslated, a boutique translation agency with a team of certified subtitlers. We always work with our clients to respond to any concerns or needs they may have, working towards a common deadline and budget. Get a quote today!

Audiovisual translation FAQs

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What is audiovisual translation?
Audiovisual translation, as its name suggests, is the translation of audio and video files. It is an area of translation that will always require a transcription before anything else (transcribing what is said orally into writing), and then the subtitling or dubbing can be done.
How do you become an audiovisual translator?
The first step in becoming an audiovisual translator is to have fluently mastered at least one other language that isn’t your native one. After you have done this, you will have to complete a degree in translation (there are various specialized courses aimed at audiovisual translation) so that you can work independently on different projects.
How do you become a translator for Netflix?
In order to translate for a large streaming company like Netflix, the first thing you need to do is get in touch with the company’s local partners who are in charge of recruiting translators and ensuring the quality of translations. Translators then use a platform created by Netflix to carry out the translations. However, even if working for a company like Netflix may seem to be at the top of the tree, it also comes with many challenges: the work is difficult because of time management demands, which means it does not allow for proofreading. The salaries are also relatively low.
How do you become a subtitler?
Before becoming a subtitler, you must complete the required qualifications to become a translator, as explained above. Specializing in audiovisual translation will be necessary in order to learn the inner workings and nuances of subtitling. It is a technical area of translation through the mastery of subtitling software, but also a linguistic one, as you have to know the subtleties of each language you master. The aim of subtitling is to transcribe an oral message into writing in the best possible way while adapting it to the viewers’ reading speed.
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How can you guarantee high quality audiovisual translation?
To ensure the quality of an audiovisual translation, you need to hire the right person: that is a translator who specializes in this field. This means it’s necessary to have access to contacts of specialized and trained professionals for this kind of request. These people know the subtleties and idioms of the spoken language better than the “written” translators. They are capable of producing technical work for subtitling or dubbing and are also experienced translators. Working with an agency that works with professionals in this field, such as BeTranslated, will guarantee you a high-quality audiovisual translation.
How much does audiovisual translation cost?
The cost of a translation always depends on the type of document to be translated (number of words, target language, sector or area of expertise, any specific challenges…). Generally, we can estimate a cost of about 10 € per minute of subtitling. The cost for dubbing is higher as it is a lot more complex and requires the mobilization of several people if there are many dubbers needed. You must also consider the cost of transcription, the first step of these two types of audiovisual translations.
How is subtitling done?
The first thing that the translator must do is transcribe the speech into the source language: put into writing what is said in the video. Once the speech is in written form, the subtitler will then use a subtitling software. They will then upload the video file to be subtitled as well as the transcription that has been made beforehand. The third step is the most technical: it consists in creating the subtitles. To do this, the translators have a set duration to match the speech being delivered simultaneously. The last step is to translate the transcript directly into subtitles in the target language. Finally, once the text has been translated, the translator must ensure that certain criteria are met: the subtitles are adapted to the reading speed (not too long), ensure subtitles do not exceed 2 lines, italicize the music/radio/TV passages, capitalize the messages that we see but aren’t spoken, etc.
What are the new challenges in audiovisual translation?
Audiovisual translation has come a long way in recent years, especially with the significant expansion of streaming platforms. Audiovisual communication channels have also grown considerably, and more and more people are using this type of translation to promote their companies or get their message across. Having your content translated is a great way to reach a foreign audience. Subtitling and dubbing also allow hearing and visually impaired people to have access to more content.

Any Questions?

Our experienced project managers are here to answer all your questions as they guide you through the process. Get in touch today for more information or a free quote!

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Our experienced business translators are well-versed in the full range of business and financial documents that turn the wheels of international trade.

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Translators specializing in marketing understand how to encourage readers to take action so you can achieve your business objectives.

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Audiovisual Translation

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The explosion of the video market has created a demand for translators who know how to translate subtitles and scripts for voiceover. This special skillset only comes with experience.

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Technical translation requires not only language skills, but also expert knowledge of the subject area and market in question.

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