Entertainment Translation: What’s at Stake?
Entertainment is meant to captivate. To achieve this, your content needs to be understood instantly, or you risk losing your audience's attention. A poorly translated book may be set aside after just a few pages, and a movie in a foreign language without proper subtitles or dubbing is unlikely to be watched. The key is to expand your audience while preserving the authenticity of your product. A flawless translation is essential for the survival and success of any entertainment medium.
Translating a TV show, book, or website is one thing, but successfully selling it in other countries is another. Adaptation and localization are crucial for smooth integration into new markets, requiring a deep understanding of local culture. A bestseller in Quebec might not have the same impact in Belgium without proper adaptation. While the stakes are high when localizing entertainment, the rewards can be substantial when done right.
Moreover, translating and exporting entertainment can significantly increase the visibility of a culture. For instance, the Spanish television series Money Heist (La Casa de Papel). Originally aired in Spain, the show became a global sensation after being subtitled and dubbed in multiple languages on Netflix. Its international success not only brought widespread recognition to Spanish television but also contributed to the global popularity of Spanish-language content. Without effective translation and localization, the series would likely have remained a regional hit rather than a worldwide phenomenon.