#205 Deluxe’s Chris Reynolds on Dubbing, Subtitling, and Localization for Hollywood

SlatorPod

Chris Reynolds, the EVP and General Manager of Worldwide Localization and Fulfillment at Deluxe, joins SlatorPod to talk about the complexities of dubbing and the potential impact of AI on the industry.
Chris discusses the different elements in the dubbing process, including voice casting, script adaptation, and post-production, as well as the challenges of tight timelines, particularly with the rise of streaming services demanding simultaneous releases in multiple languages.
The Deluxe executive also highlights the technical challenges associated with distributing large, uncompressed master files, especially for major Hollywood studios. He underscores the critical role of automation in managing the workflow and ensuring timely delivery of content.
Chris shares how Deluxe plans to use AppTek’s expertise in language AI to enhance the quality and efficiency of dubbing workflows, while maintaining the artistic integrity and emotional resonance of the original content.
Chris also touches upon the recent agreement by SAG-AFTRA and its implications for voice actors' rights and compensation in the era of AI dubbing.
While there is an increasing amount of AI tools for lip-syncing and dubbing, Chris emphasizes the continued importance of human voice actors for conveying emotion and nuance.
Looking ahead, Deluxe is focused on integrating tools more securely, improving dubbing workflows, and exploring hyper-localization to cater to different languages and dialects.

Chapters

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Professional Background (00:00:51)

3. Deluxe's Services and Client Segments (00:02:42)

4. Working with Large Master Files (00:08:21)

5. Partnership with AppTek (00:10:34)

6. Dubbing Production Workflow (00:13:22)

7. Top Technological Advancements (00:20:00)

8. Adopting AI Tools for Lip-Syncing (00:23:26)

9. Thoughts on AI Dubbing (00:30:52)

10. Unpacking the SAG-AFTRA Agreement (00:36:45)

11. Content Creation Market (00:41:41)

12. Roadmap for 2024 (00:43:09)