If you’re a fan of movies, then you’ll know that they’re often very difficult to translate to screen. One of the main reasons behind this is the limited number of actors that Hollywood can call on when needed. This problem is particularly evident when it comes to Japanese cinema, where the language barrier means that many of the films cannot be dubbed. Naturally, this frustrates viewers who are looking for something other than an English-language track, and this often leads to disappointed audiences and angry tweeters.
With the growing popularity of Netflix and other streaming platforms, however, comes the potential to make more money from elsewhere. Specifically, fans of anime and other types of cinematic content can now generate additional income by helping to subtitle films and TV shows. And thanks to the explosion of video platforms, finding the right match between an audience and a speaker can be done with relative ease.
If you’re interested in exploring this lucrative market, then read on.
The Rise In Popularity
Anime is one of the most popular genres in video content today, especially on Netflix. To put this into perspective, the streaming service counts over 150 anime titles among its collection, and it’s the most popular category on its platform. If you take a look at the top-performing anime on Netflix today, you’ll see the vast majority of them are available for viewing with subtitles. This reflects a general trend across the streaming platforms, where customers are increasingly expecting content to be available in their preferred languages. For example, many Spanish speakers use Subtitle Plus to translate subtitles into their preferred language, while others turn to online translators to get the exact meaning of what they’re watching.
One could argue that this is simply a case of people realizing the financial benefits of dubbing, as opposed to relying on word of mouth or inaccurate media coverage, but the fact remains that more and more people are turning to online platforms to get their fix. Especially when it comes to anime, which frequently depicts violence and sexual content, dubbing is a must for many viewers, otherwise they risk being inadvertently offended or harmed by the content.
The Benefits Of Working With Makers & Creatives
With the rise in popularity of anime, comes a whole host of new opportunities for those looking for a side-hustle. With the help of platforms like Patreon and Twitch, creators can now garner a steady stream of monthly income from around the world, simply by creating content – be this art, music, or anime – for their audience. And what’s more is that these audiences tend to be very interested in what you’ve created, which means they’re more likely to be open to hearing your translation of a complex Japanese phrase or watching a subtitled video of you describing the nuances of a particular scene.
The opportunity to earn money from a gig-working from home or remotely is also growing, with companies like Revolver Inc and Sub Rosa providing talented freelancers with the technology they need to sell their linguistic skills to a global audience. For those looking to get into the field, the freelance option provides an easy way to transition into a full-time job as a translator, while giving them the opportunity to build their portfolio of work, and potentially become self-sufficient financially.
Where Can I Find Work?
If, after reading this section you’re curious about where you can find work, then allow us to suggest a few places that you might want to look. First off, if you’re based in the US, then the American Cancer Society has a whole page devoted to connecting people with cancer with freelance translators who are looking for work. Translating medical terminology can be a great way to make extra cash, and it’s likely that you’ll get to spend some of your time at work taking a break from the hustle and bustle to enjoy a quiet moment while giving back to those who need it the most.
Beyond the ACS website, check out freelancing platforms like OneOpinions or Textbroker for job offers that you can apply to remotely. Another great place to look for work is TikTok, where you can easily search for “anime translator” or “subtitle translator” and you’ll be presented with a long list of opportunities, from small projects to full-time gigs. This is one place where you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for, and with so much demand, there’ll be many offers even if you’re restricted to part-time work. Keep in mind that the number of jobs available is likely to increase as more companies and brands realize the benefits of having their content localized for international audiences. Especially as more people become fluent in Japanese, and similar languages, as a result of the increasing popularity of anime and other types of Asian media. If you’re passionate about Japanese culture and want to make extra cash, then this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
What About My Education?
If you’re looking to get started in the field, then you’ve probably already begun to wonder about your education. Will I need a translation degree to become a professional translator? Is a Bachelors in Linguistics enough to get me started, or do I need a Masters? Are there any shortcuts to accomplishing my goal of becoming a full-time freelance translator?
These are all important questions, and as you might expect, there’s no simple answer. The field of translation is widely varied, with different requirements in different countries. In the US, for example, you’ll need to be a skilled linguist in order to become a professional translator. However, as there are fewer professional opportunities in other fields, it’s often quicker to gain training in translation. A good place to start is the ATA (American Translators Association), which not only offers certification but also provides educational opportunities, including an online Master’s in Translation, as well as scholarships and other financial aid.
Where Can I Find Sponsors?
The growing number of people looking to make extra cash from a home office means that there’s a demand for translators, especially those who are bilingual. And not only will you be able to translate text, but you’ll also be able to communicate with speakers of various languages, with or without text, via Skype or other video platforms. This makes you well-suited to becoming a video surrogate, where you’ll be acting as a language buffer for international clients who want to have a video conference but don’t know the language.
If this sounds like a good fit, then all you need to do is find the right sponsors who are willing to take you on as an indie freelancer. And what’s more is that as the industry continues to grow, more and more people will be looking for a helping hand, and willing to pay for quality content. So, make sure you put together a good portfolio, and take your time getting familiar with the platform, otherwise you’ll lose out on a potentially lucrative opportunity.
The Final Word
Make sure you’ve got a good translation team behind you. You’ll need someone to translate your material into English, and ideally, you’ll want a group of individuals who are highly skilled in the field. If you’ve had past success with freelance work, then this will make it much easier for you to get your feet wet in this new industry.
Above all else, make sure that you’re legally able to work in the country you live in. In some countries, such as the US, contractors who work remotely are required to have a physical address on file with the government, in case they are needed by the authorities. While most companies will be understanding if you can’t physically attend meetings due to travel restrictions or other limitations, it is always better to be safe than sorry.