MOVIE LOCALIZATION: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

 

Movie Localization seems interesting but to know how it works – you need to go through our All-in-One guide. A movie that is released on an International level goes under a localization process that is to alter and edit the content of script, colors, sometimes objects and characters, and even takes. This process depends on the specific region where a movie is about to hit cinema screens. 

Keeping all of it in our mind, a question arises; how is it possible to convey the message picturized in the movie to an audience that has a different language and a different culture? Oh well, let us go through the main steps of movie localization – all that you need to know. 

Movie Localization 

You cannot simply translate a movie from source language to a targeted language. Instead, it takes proper channelling to work through and finally a movie can be streamed. There are a few steps that we have mentioned below that will help you to understand what is necessary to keep in mind before directing or localizing a movie. 

The other important factors to be considered during adapting and editing a movie is the cultural importance of a specific country, its interpretation and then managing the timing of the movie while it’s under editing process. 

Is there Any Need of Movie Localization? 

Movies aren’t useless visuals – they deliver lessons through language, metaphors and symbolism. It can be directed and filmed on any topic but what matters the most is – if it is understood by its viewers. Translating a movie is not fruitful unless it is localized in such a way that the tone of the source language, the symbols used in a particular area, the figures that have been altered are powerful in the targeted language too. 

1. Choose the Plot Wisely 

Every movie story doesn’t hit big screens, only the chosen ones with a great storyline. Romantic movies where there are lovers or movies that come under the horror genre seem fine. If we take an example of movies which are shot in high schools then they are not watched in the same way universally as there are many regions where the concept of high school does not exist. 

Same goes with the comedic movie plot. There can be differences in humor depending on every area. Likewise, it will be different for Americans, Africans and Asians. 

2. Adapting Text 

After you have selected a topic and a genre to work on, text adaptation comes next. Words have power to melt man’s heart, words can rule minds and words can win a kingdom!  

With a script based on universality, you need to consult a language translator who can work his best to bring a grand script to life. Don’t just add specific references instead work on an universal level. You know 2 + 2 = 4, same like that your words and tone must be understood by a larger audience. 

3. Make It Audible 

If we talk about movies with subtitles, viewers never complain about which sound of the language they are listening to. Even if there is no sound, they will be fine with it as they are reading the subtitles. 

When it comes to Kids’ animation movies, it surely requires sound other than the visuals and children may not understand the language but they can feel the emotions or feelings expressed by the characters but still intend to hear characters speaking. For animated movies, sound and visuals go hand-in-hand. 

4. The Final Step 

If we consider the movie ‘Zootopia’ where in the original movie, an anchor is represented by a moose – on the other hand in Chinese adaptation, the anchor is represented by a Panda. Why Panda? Cultural understanding impacts a lot! 

If we talk about managing the timing of a movie, it can surely be tough. As removing some of the scenes from the movie due to lack of understanding and then adding scenes in its place. A movie that is of three hours and then the language it is translated into has more words in it, it seems tricky to handle it. All of it cooking in a single pot! 

Wrapping Up 

If you want to target a larger audience or you want your message of the movie to reach far and wide, go for movie adaptation. 

Movie adaptations can get on nerves but if you know the right trick and know how to handle the process then it will be on your fingertips for you with perfect planning! If you want to even go for website localization, then contact languagers to know more.