Film localization that gets your title released in every market
Subtitling, dubbing, on-screen text and platform-compliant deliverables for features and documentaries in 25+ languages.
Film localization adapts a complete film for foreign markets: subtitled or dubbed dialogue, translated on-screen text, localized marketing materials and technical deliverables that pass platform QC. Orion Translations localizes features and documentaries in more than 25 languages, with team experience on Netflix and Sony productions.
A film is not released until it is localized
Distribution deals, festival selections and platform launches all end at the same gate: the localized version. However strong the film, a subtitle file that violates the platform spec, a dub that misses the register, or an untranslated insert shot blocks the release.
Orion Translations manages localization as a production stage, not an afterthought: one project manager coordinates translators, adapters, voice talent and QC across all target languages, delivering packages that clear technical review the first time.
What does full film localization include?
| Component | What we deliver |
|---|---|
| Subtitling | Translated, timed subtitles to platform reading-speed and format specs; SDH versions available |
| Dubbing | Script adaptation, casting, recording and full mix; lip-sync for live action |
| On-screen text | Titles, credits, location cards, inserts and forced narratives |
| Marketing materials | Trailers, synopses, key art text and press kits per territory |
| Deliverables | Files packaged to broadcaster or streamer technical specifications |
Subtitling, dubbing or both?
Market habit decides. Southern and central Europe expect dubs for wide releases; northern Europe and festival audiences expect subtitles; major streamers increasingly require both plus an SDH track. A common strategy is subtitles for every territory and dubs for the markets with proven commercial weight. Orion Translations advises per territory and produces either route, or both in parallel from the same source materials, through our subtitling and dubbing teams.
How much does film localization cost?
Subtitling is priced per runtime minute and is the economical entry to a territory; dubbing adds casting, studio and mix costs; graphics and deliverables are quoted per package. Orion Translations provides a fixed per-language quote within one business day of screening your materials: info@oriontranslations.com or +34 932 204 590.
How long does it take?
Subtitles: one to two weeks per language including QC. Full dubs: four to eight weeks depending on cast and mix. Languages run in parallel, and release dates are confirmed as firm deadlines at the quote stage, with the schedule built backwards from your premiere, festival submission or platform launch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Film localization is the complete adaptation of a film for a foreign market: subtitling or dubbing of the dialogue, translation of on-screen text and titles, adaptation of marketing materials, and delivery to the technical specifications of the target platform or broadcaster. It goes beyond translation to make the film releasable in the new territory.
- It depends on market habits and budget. Spain, Germany, France and Italy are traditional dubbing markets for wide releases; the Netherlands and Scandinavia prefer subtitles; festivals worldwide expect subtitles. Streaming platforms increasingly want both. Subtitling costs a fraction of dubbing, so many releases subtitle first and dub the markets that prove commercial.
- Yes. Platforms publish strict specifications for subtitle formats, reading speeds, character limits, dubbing stems and metadata. Files that violate them are rejected at QC regardless of translation quality. Orion Translations delivers subtitle and dubbing packages formatted to the target platform's current specs, informed by our team's experience on Netflix and Sony projects.
- Titles and credits, location cards, inserts such as text messages and newspaper headlines, songs where they carry plot, and the trailer and key art for marketing. A localization plan inventories all of these at the start, so nothing surfaces as a surprise during mastering.
- Subtitling a feature is priced per runtime minute and is the economical route; dubbing multiplies the cost through casting, studio time and mixing. A full localization package (subtitles plus dub plus graphics and deliverables) is quoted per territory. Orion Translations provides a fixed per-language quote within one business day of screening materials.
- Subtitles for a feature take roughly one to two weeks per language including QC; a full dub takes four to eight weeks depending on cast size and mix complexity. Festival and release dates are treated as fixed: Orion Translations confirms a firm delivery date at the quote stage and schedules backwards from your deadline.