Business

ZOO Digital and AVT Masterclass have unveiled a new localisation industry training course, “Subtitling from a Template.” Available via the online ZOO Academy, the course combines academic expertise and practical industry application and marks a significant step in ZOO Academy’s mission to nurture, train, and empower the next generation of audiovisual localisation talent, the company said.

The course offers participants a comprehensive understanding of subtitling theory and practice using ZOO Digital’s award-winning subtitling platform, ZOOsubs, as a foundation. Upon completion, learners progress to an exclusive “Sandbox” within ZOO Academy – a dedicated zone providing over 50 hours of curated content. This hands-on experience encourages self-evaluation, ensuring learners gain essential practical skills before advancing to subsequent zones, creating a solid foundation for aspiring professional subtitlers.

Led by industry experts, including professor Agnieszka Szarkowska, Dr. Agnieszka Walczak, and Dr. Łukasz Dutka, the course combines academic foundations with practical industry best practice. The diverse backgrounds of the course trainers enrich the learning experience, offering a unique blend of knowledge and application.

The course goes beyond theoretical concepts, incorporating insider insights from experienced practitioners across more than 20 languages, with new insights added every month.

Leading entertainment features and episodic content from studios such as Magnolia Pictures, Sonar Entertainment, and other major content owners are utilized, providing learners with the opportunity to practice skills on a wide range of genres from leading publishers.

“This course represents a pivotal opportunity for participants to delve into the intricacies of subtitling, merging theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience,” said Szarkowska, co-founder of AVT Masterclass. “Subtitling, a dynamic and essential aspect of media localisation, requires a nuanced understanding of theory and industry practice. Our aim is to empower aspiring subtitlers with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in this competitive field.

“At AVT Masterclass, we recognize the increasing demand for proficient subtitlers globally. By immersing participants in a carefully curated curriculum and providing access to valuable hands-on experience, we are equipping them with the tools needed to excel in the media localisation industry.”

Ambrish Acharya, ZOO Digital head of education, added: “At ZOO, our commitment to fostering talent extends beyond traditional education. We’re bridging the gap between theory and practice by providing participants with access to commercial content and insider insights from industry practitioners. Successful completion of this course opens doors to premium entertainment content, ensuring that learners not only acquire skills but also gain practical experience that is invaluable in their professional journey.”

Helen Larson, VP of localisation for ZOO Digital, added: “The new initiative responds to the industry’s demand for new talent, particularly in the wake of disruptions in the previous year. The course can help target and support in-demand languages to meet real-world industry needs. With a dual focus on expanding the industry’s talent pool and cultivating diverse language expertise, the course is purposefully designed to meet evolving industry demands.”