Netflix has improved dubbed content to ensure that translations of non-English language films and series are as accurate as possible. According to a report by The Wall Street JournalNetflix has already begun offering lessons for voice actors working on unscripted reality TV shows based in South Korea, a move that feels like a crucial step for a genre that relies heavily on jokes, insults and other pop culture references.
The lessons include lessons “on the perfect blend of authentic Korean nuances and accessible translations” to ensure better quality dubbing and translations so that content can be more widely understood around the world. It seems that the best streaming service is trying to prioritize tone and delivery, which is often not as clear in subtitles. Additionally, the workshops teach the Korean alphabet, pronunciation, idioms, emphasis, as well as culture.
“Dubbing is supposed to be a magic trick for viewers,” John DeMita, Netflix’s head of English dubbing, told the WSJ. “We want them to relax and enjoy the show effortlessly. You want us to disappear.” With Squid game Season 2 is expected to be another monumental success when it releases later this year, and other K-dramas like Sweet Home Season 3 has already been so popular, it’s great to see the streamer paying more attention to translating these series for an international audience.
Which Netflix series are better dubbed?
So far, the dubbing playbook has proven successful with the intense fitness show Physical: 100a South Korean reality series in which 100 contestants hoped to be the last one standing after completing a series of grueling challenges. The show was a hit, becoming the first non-English, unscripted show to top the global list of most-watched Netflix series.
Los Angeles-based actor Austin Kuniyoshi gave the WSJ insight into how he became one of the Physical: 100 candidates, and said he studied the candidate’s physical makeup and relationship with his body to replicate his personality and presence on the show. He told WSJ: “Like a Johnny Bravo kind of vibe. But maybe a little more subdued. Less over the top but still deep and confident.”
Other popular South Korean productions include the dating series The Hell of the Single and game show The devil’s plan. And with streaming services increasingly focusing on producing more unscripted shows in general – analysis from Ampere Analysis as seen by the WSJ reveals that unscripted shows now account for half of shows greenlit – this is only going to get bigger.
DeMita also revealed that over 40% of all viewing for South Korean unscripted shows is done with dubs, which explains why Netflix decided to focus on improving translations for these shows first. As the new classes roll out more widely to other productions, we hope to see more non-English content become part of the best Netflix shows and best Netflix movies.
