10 Translation and Localization Lessons Learned From Hollywood

In an era where the global market is more accessible and vital than ever, understanding how to connect with international audiences is paramount. Hollywood has been mastering this through the art and science of localization, ensuring that films are not just translated, but culturally adapted to resonate with diverse audiences worldwide. Join Dr. Jerry Zandstra, senior director of learning at Ingenuiti, and vice president of client services Adam Eling as they delve into the world of localization through the lens of Hollywood, exploring how the film industry has successfully bridged cultural and linguistic gaps to captivate global audiences, and how those tactics can be leveraged to drive successful global training initiatives.

Movies like Inside Out, Iron Man, Lincoln, and Captain America were true global blockbusters. The studios that produced them were successful not only because the films told great stories and were visually amazing, but because the studios figured out how to connect with audiences outside the United States. Each film was localized depending on the culture in which it was released. Inside Out made 28 changes to the version released in the US. Iron Man added four minutes, Chinese actors, and even put in Chinese product placement (dairy) to the version released in China. Lincoln included a short presentation at the opening from Steven Spielberg to explain some of Abraham Lincoln’s accomplishments. Why? Because the non-US audience for most tent pole films far exceeds ticket sales in the United States. Nearly two-thirds of tickets sold for US films are sold outside the United States. In the past two decades, Hollywood has learned a great deal about how to translate and localize content.

In this session, you will learn 10 lessons from Hollywood on how to effectively localize content: intentionality, diversity, global scenery, colors and symbols, scripting, simplicity, visualization, animation, common themes, and avoiding offense. Hollywood’s techniques for localization can prove invaluable for learning leaders whose audiences are spread across the globe. We hope you join us for this visual and engaging session.

Key takeaways:

• Discover the multifaceted approach to localization, which extends beyond language to encompass images, emotions, motivations, and worldviews
• Understand why Hollywood has shifted its focus towards international audiences, with a spotlight on the economic and cultural benefits of effective localization
• Explore various case studies from Hollywood and uncover the impact of thoughtful cultural adaptation on international revenue
• Engage in a lively Q&A session with Dr. Zandstra, ensuring you have the practical knowledge to start implementing these localization strategies within your own content