Job Summary:

The group is responsible for the localization of all products made outside the USA (APAC, EMEA and LatAM). Localization encompasses dubbing, subtitling, title treatments, narrative inserts, credits, metadata and artwork. It will be necessary to liaise with international Post Production executives (or representatives) for planning material delivery specifications and timelines. The responsibilities are necessarily global in nature and the role requires close collaboration with international operations groups, vendors and internal colleagues in Disney Character Voices.

The English Language Localization Manager role will help realize the original creative intent of foreign language film-maker or TV producer in the English language and requires experience bringing together a team of directors, actors, sound engineers, translators and adapters to make shows resonate with the largest audience of subscribers on Disney’s Streaming Services. This role requires the ability to plan and co-ordinate activities from script to screen and take control of the process to deliver on time. It also requires subject matter expertise that will enable to re-produce or represent the cultural nuances of a foreign language production in English leveraging experience across a broad range of localization functions; dubbing, mixing, editorial, subtitling, art and metadata. The subject matter expertise combined with knowledge of cultural norms are crucial in driving creative decisions as it relates to localizing product. The ability to interact with all levels of the business from senior creatives and managerial executives for critique of creative work performance is critical in this role. The individual should possess strong ability to communicate and advocate for creative decisions in adaptation of TV shows and/or movies.

Responsibilities:

Assess best vendor fit and oversee program and material assessments, including: Identification of linguistic complication with comedy, slang, voice print, star talent, contractual copyright implications, volume of dialogue, number of characters; establishing and ensuring high quality adaptation of English linguistic standards and cultural intent

Create project plans (casting, talent schedule, post-production, capacity management), foster relationships and partner with key stakeholders (e.g. voice talent, directors, writers, etc.) at all levels to define the cross functional roadmap (legal, finance, etc.)

Manage projects, resolve constraints and conflicts throughout, drive innovative solutions to deliver on time, identify trends, and help streamline and achieve alignment across a variety of global vendors as well as internal teams (including Mastering, Strategy, Legal, Business Affairs, Post, and Production)

Analyze, interpret and implement technical specifications; conduct creative reviews (e.g. voice tests, recording, editorial, mix, script) and provide guidance and approval based on subject matter expertise and knowledge of cultural nuances– talent management and quality management

Basic Qualifications:

Minimum 5 years’ experience in English Language or other Localization activity

Experience in Production or Post production schedule management and Localization into English or ADR, in TV or movie post environment.

Knowledge of creative and technical processes from script to screen both for episodic and feature content.

Working knowledge of technical aspects related to all localization activities with particular strength in ADR, recording techniques and mixing.

Will have experience in roles with direct and indirect reporting relationships with creative, operations and business executive to drive delivery outcomes.

Will have knowledge of working and contracting with guilds and unions pertinent to the industry

Adept at casting main characters in terms of voice print and performance

Very familiar with attending recording sessions, performing script reviews (supplying notes, changes, and suggestions to make the dialogue more appropriate and/or conversational).

Experience attending mix reviews (supplying notes and feedback)

Familiar with everyday tools and systems used in production management (e.g. Airtable, Google Sheets, Excel.

Fully familiar with specifications for common audio and mix formats as well as non-linear audio edit tools (ProTools, LogicPro)

A highly polished communicator and have strong interpersonal skills, entrepreneurial mentality and resilient spirit with experience navigating cross-functional organization

Able to manage multiple projects in terms of timely delivery and staying on budget.

Thought of as primarily a creative resource but also a highly effective and reliable operator

Able to find solutions to the myriad problems in the production process

Leads functional teams or projects and serves as a best practice/quality resource

Experience working with key stakeholders across global territories (North America, LatAm, APAC, EMEA) and with clients from global, domestic, and local/territory platforms.

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiarity with foreign languages (countries of origin) and cultural norms.

Subject matter expertise and knowledge of cultural nuances to appropriately and effectively represent foreign language production in English.

Required Education

Bachelor degree level in relevant/applicable subject, technical/trade school certification in sound engineering, or equivalent years of experience required

This role is considered hybrid, which means the employee will work a portion of their time on-site from a Company designated location and the remainder of their time remotely.