Audiovisual translation services seek to make different types of content available in several languages, whether the content is e-learning, corporate videos, AR apps, or documentaries. Each type of content has specific idiosyncrasies and is made up of different parts in various formats (audio, video, animation, etc.), consequently requiring unique approaches.

The mission of multimedia localization services is to make interactive content accessible to audiences located in various parts of the globe. Video footage, audio, and images are some of the formats involved in the process of translating and localising such content, and finding the right approach to sharing that content is the key to ensuring that the benefits can be fully and immediately enjoyed. What, then, are some of the different strategies that can be used to effectively make mixed media consumable?

What is multimedia?

The word “multimedia” generally refers to a form of communication that involves different types of content, such as audio, graphics, and video footage, which are combined to produce an interactive piece of content for any number of purposes, such as promoting a product, sharing knowledge, or training a management team. Some typical examples of multimedia content, whether for the general public or companies, include videos for tutorials, explainers, advertising, training, and support, as well as e-learning courses, interactive storytelling, webinars, workshops, VR tours, AR apps, and much more.

Multimedia content is often chosen for topics related to leisure or business, given that it is more immediate and interactive. You can share materials and information with guests, implement and communicate processes to a business, or provide training in a short period of time (24/7/365). Multimedia content also lets companies effectively promote their brand and consequently generate a successful response, expand globally, and increase revenue.

While using multimedia content might seem to be a magic wand for business success on a global scale, it can only truly reach that success if it is thoroughly localised by experts in audiovisual translation services. Getting help from professionals who know how to tackle the different challenges of subtitling, voice‑over, video, and mixed media localisation is the only way to truly overcome language barriers, as well as adapt to different cultural preferences and establish broad connections with multilingual audiences.

Keep reading to learn more about multimedia localisation products and how they are used.

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Subtitling companies: what do they do?

You might know about movie subtitling, but this type of format is also often used in video footage, e‑learning, and mixed media content to reach foreign speakers or to connect with users who have hearing difficulties. In some cases, subtitling is much better than dubbing or voice‑over, and it comes with its own set of features, especially if you want to keep the original audio. However, it does have space limitations (2 lines of 35 characters each, displayed on screen), within which the subtitles have to effectively communicate the meaning of the source language. Audio synch and text timings are also paramount to making your subtitling process a success.

Voice-over localisation

Multilingual voice-over processes first require the translation of a script, which is later read by voice-over talent and then recorded over the original audio. This format is often chosen when you want an audio message in the target language to elicit a specific emotional response in the audience. For voice-over work (and dubbing, too), native speakers/artists will have to be chosen carefully, thereby taking into account the target audience, the type of message, and the desired tone and pitch.

What is audio transcription?

Your multimedia product might require the transcription of information coming from presentations, roundtable discussions, interviews, and so on, which can later be repurposed for different pieces of content. This is when automated transcription services can help. Transcription software is able to speed up the process by automatically converting spoken language or audio content into text. The wording obtained using speech technology is then sent to expert transcribers who give it the human touch and the necessary accuracy and reliability so that the text can be used in your multimedia projects.

As you have seen in this short overview, multimedia localisation services must be organised not only according to your needs but also considering your target audience, as well as the ultimate purpose of the multilingual audiovisual product and the challenges and features of the different mixed media formats.

Don’t risk entrusting your multilingual media content to inexperienced providers: talk to CPSL’s team of professionals and get the results you want.