What stays the same, and what changes?
The product, visual idea and main action can often remain. Voiceover, headings, labels, captions, interface text and the ending may change. A software demo should show the language its audience actually uses; a translated voice over a different interface can create unnecessary confusion.
Language and format versions are separate jobs. A German landscape film and an English vertical ad may have different purposes as well as different words. Agree which combinations are needed rather than assuming every language requires every aspect ratio.
Translate the message, not isolated words
Product copy should sound natural in each language. A literal translation may be awkward or use a different term from the real interface. Collect product names, specialist terms and approved claims before final production. Technical or particularly important statements need appropriate review in each language.
The offer can differ between markets. Do not imply a feature is universally available if it only exists in one region. Check prices, units, availability and links too. Agree who approves those details; animation alone cannot determine them.
- Languages and markets: who sees each version?
- Copy: product terms, voiceover and on-screen labels.
- Interface: which language is actually shown?
- Ending: the appropriate link, contact or action.
- Approval: who checks the language and product claims?
One idea needs room in both languages.
Text length changes the frame and rhythm
'Start now' and 'Jetzt starten' do the same job but take different space. Longer headlines may wrap differently. A rigid layout designed for the first language can make the second look squeezed. Test actual copy before finishing the animation.
Voiceover versions can differ in duration. Adapt the edit where needed rather than forcing speech into an unsuitable time slot. The action and explanation need to fit together; matching the original runtime exactly is less important than clarity.
Captions, voiceover or a silent film?
Captions can work when the original audio remains useful and viewers can comfortably read. A separate voice suits a film driven by spoken explanation. Short visual product films may only need translated on-screen cues. Choose from the content and placement rather than buying every option by default.
Caption files depend on player support and configuration. Burned-in captions may suit some placements, but occupy space in the picture. Discuss music and voice usage rights too, with the required services clearly stated in the quote.
How are language versions priced?
Shared models, scenes and design usually do not need rebuilding for every language in a jointly planned film. Additional work includes copy adaptation, review, voice production where required, interface changes, timing and export. A market-specific message may need different scenes as well.
A short label change is a different job from a fully localised software demo. Separate shared production from language-specific work in the quote. For an existing film, check project files and usage rights first; a finished MP4 does not make every change straightforward.
Review each complete version before publishing
Check readability, terms, numbers, voice timing and the final action in each version. The thumbnail and publication copy should match too. A correct voiceover does not establish that the entire film has been adapted properly.
Send the product, placements, languages and available material. If English is likely later, mention it even when commissioning German first. The design can anticipate text changes, while the extra version is produced only after its scope and approvals are agreed.
Common questions
Are captions cheaper than a new voiceover?
They can require less production work because no new voice is recorded. Review and integration still affect the cost. The simpler option is only useful if it remains understandable in its placement.
Can English be added later?
Often, particularly when planned in advance. For an existing film, check files, text, rights and layout changes. A finished MP4 may still need substantial work.
Who checks translation and specialist terms?
Agree that before production. You provide authoritative product terms and a person for technical approval. Any required translation, language review or voice work is defined in the quote.
'Jedes Detail zählt' and 'Every detail matters' keep the same visual idea. Each version gets appropriate text width and line breaks.
An original bilingual design illustration, not delivered client localisation. PULSE is an independent studio concept used as a product-film reference.