Job Discussion Forums

Phil_K · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 2041 Location: A World of my Own

For those wanting to use their bilingual skills for something other than teaching, I've spotted another opportunity. TV subtitles. I think the key to doing it well is the same as translating well. Knowing the background to the subject. I've often seen some howlers here in Mexico, due to a lack of cultural knowledge on the part of the translator. Some months ago there was a Beatles documentary which had the worst subtitles I've ever seen. I don't remember too many, but among them was, while discussing "When I'm 64", - "en 1964".

notamiss · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 3:30 pm Post subject:

The buzz among translators is that TV and movie subtitling in general is hard to get into, and very underpaid compared to other types of translation jobs (which goes some way to explaining the quality). But if anyone can break into it and make it pay, more power to you!

Here's one unforgettable one I saw in a documentary on the late Gianni Versace. He had been a friend of Diana, Princess of Wales, and had already been going through some tough times when she died. So for him, her death was "one more nail..."
Translated as "otra u�a m�s". Rolling Eyes

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

I recently discovered that there are only three people who do all the voice dubbing in Mexico. Only 3...they must be considerably busy considering the volume of content.

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

The subtitle writers are under tremendous time pressure, so consequently there are often errors.

MELEE · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 5:43 pm Post subject:

I often recognize the voices guy. I'm watching a movie and say--Hey, that's the same person who does Merideth on Grey's or that's the guy who dubs Homer! But Guy, there must be more than 3, because on a show like Grey's there are often six people talking at the same time.

Phil_K · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 2041 Location: A World of my Own

I've found that most educated Mexicans, especially those who speak at least some English, prefer subtitles to dubbing. The Simpsons is terrible with the Spanish voices - we watch with SAP.

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

You've got that right about the preference for subtitles over dubbing.

Gary Denness · Guest

corporatehuman · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 198 Location: Mexico City

I really like the Simpsons dubbing of Homer. I thought it added something to it for me (I don't know what.) Also I like Bob Esponja.

M@tt · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 473 Location: here and there

don't get mexicans started on their own special version of the simpsons. i've had countless people tell me that the spanish version is actually "much better than the english versiond and also funnier", although these people are never fluent in english. one reason, which they've all mentioned, is that the voices themselves are horrible in english. the spanish voices aren't so pleasant either, but i think that's the point.

the worst example of dubbing i have ever seen/heard was the first night i spent in honduras, it was an episode of "the fresh prince of bel air" with a guest appearance by william shatner. the SAME PERSON dubbed the voices of william shatner and will smith.

dixie · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 644 Location: D.F

I have always found it interesting to watch The Simpsons with Mexicans (even those who have a good level of Spanish) and watch how they don�t laugh at things that we normally would.

Even translated, some of the humour doesn�t translate.

Sgt Killjoy · Joined: 26 Jun 2004 Posts: 438

A friend of mine in Mexico City actually worked for a company that put subtitles into the videos. She quit because a) the pay was just too low and b)they wouldn't provide her with a proper work contract

MELEE · Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 2:24 pm Post subject:

Even watching the English version of the Simpson's with native English speakers who are not from North America is a treat because they don't laugh at half the jokes. The writing team of the Simpson's are geniouses, there is a joke, pun, play on words, what have you in almost every line.

The Spanish version is modified for Latino audiences. If you know the culture it is very funny in it's own right. So of course Mexicans would think that it's funnier, because they miss so much of the cultural humor in the English version. And of course most of you would think the English version is funnier for the same reasons. Wink

sarliz · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 198 Location: Jalisco

Watching some dubbed movies has really illuminated the value of accents in movies to me. Coming to America was on the other day, and without hearing all of Eddie Murphy's african/old jewish guy/etc accents, it just wasn't the same. Also watching Braveheart without scottish accents made me want to claw my eyes out.