In audiovisual production, every detail influences the viewer's experience. Script translation allows content to transcend borders and reach global audiences without losing its essence. In March, we received three Spanish-language episodes of the documentary series Macondo, and we translated and adapted them into English. These videos are available on the Colombia Travel and ProColombia websites:
- Macondo is Destinations
- Macondo is Music
- Macondo is Culture
Challenges of script translation:
Adapting a script for an international audience involves balancing fidelity to the original content and a universal message. The key is to ensure that the material is understandable and natural to diverse cultures without losing its essence or the emotional impact it seeks to convey.
- Cultural and linguistic neutrality: It is essential to avoid overly regional expressions, references, or idioms that could make understanding difficult in other countries. However, excessive neutralization can cause content to lose authenticity or narrative force. Therefore, a balance must be achieved that maintains the richness of the message without sacrificing its overall accessibility.
- Service Guarantee: In adaptation projects, customer feedback plays a key role. The client's vision of how the message should sound in another language may often differ from that of the localization team. This process requires flexibility and strategic adjustments to ensure the final result meets expectations without compromising linguistic consistency or communicative intent.
- Subtitling and dubbing: The script adaptation must also consider post-production requirements, especially in subtitling and dubbing. In these cases, it's crucial to adjust the length and pace of dialogue to match the timing of the image and lip movement on the screen, ensuring a fluid and natural experience for the viewer.
Translation connects cultures:
This docuseries immerses viewers in Colombia's cultural, musical, and touristic richness. To ensure its international impact, it was crucial to adapt the script precisely, overcoming various technical and creative challenges.
