Photo: Pierre Baroni
distributionchannels Local heroes
OTT platforms have sent demand for localisation services soaring across markets and genres. While
they’re obviously not complaining, providers say their challenges include maintaining quality at the
same time as experimenting with new technologies such as cloud-based workflows and artificial
intelligence. ContentAsia asked dubbing/subtitling experts about trends and influences, as well as
demand in Asia and abroad.
What has had the most significant impact
on your business in the past 12 months?
“The sharp rise of localisation demand for video content and VR.”
Tea C. Dietterich, CEO, 2M Language Services
“AI has had an incredible impact.”
“Over the last year, the rise of OTT platforms has cre-
Radhika Chinai, Vice President – Content Localisation, Prime Focus
ated a strong impact in our business as we have had
Technologies to ramp up resources significantly to meet the high
demand. While we are thrilled to see such amazing
“We are noticing a lot of action in the digital distribution space.
growth, it is also very challenging as the supply of
With the increase in the number of international OTT services...
quality translators and voice talent is not growing at
there is more content available now for local markets. Also, most
the same pace.”
of these services are looking to produce more local con-
Michael Tang, Managing Director, Asia, SDI Media
tent. Therefore, with the combination of licensed and
Michael Tang
original content, consumption of content in digital
“Fast growing online offers in Asia have impacted our business
has significantly grown. As cord-cutting continues
the most. SVOD/VOD/online platforms are quickly expanding
to grow, we see a significant increase in repurpos-
by covering various territories, in which they need to dub or sub
ing and new content in the digital space.”
most of their catalogue. It clearly appears that the online market
Rajiv Raghunathan, CEO, Vista India
strongly boosts the localisation industry, and, in a way, pushes the
linear channels to improve the quality of their localisation.”
“OTT is the one to make a difference to our business,
Juliette Vivier, Executive Vice President, Hiventy Asia
Juliette Vivier
6 it has changed the traditional way of operation. OTT
contentasia issue three, june 2018