How To Overcome The Language Barrier On Set?

It's common to assemble a film crew from all over the world for a project.

It's also common to ignore the team's linguistic diversity. As a result of this oversight, safety is compromised on set.

So, what strategies can be implemented to overcome the language barrier?

1. Employ Expert Translation Services:

Invest in qualified translators with experience in the film industry to guarantee precise communication.

2. Offer Language Tools:

Provide crew members with access to cheat sheets containing basic phrases, including greetings and safety words, in the production set's local language.

3. Employ Multilingual Signs: Post directions, safety instructions, and other important information in languages your crew speaks around the set.

4. Hold Multilingual Meetings:

To promote comprehension, make sure briefings and meetings are held in different languages or with interpreters present.

Assessment is crucial to ensuring your production is going smoothly. To monitor your progress, you need targeted data on each production. 

We provide customised, anonymous production surveys in over 200 languages. The collected data highlights areas for celebration and improvement. It can also answer the crucial question: Was anything lost in translation? Derived data allows you to improve your strategy and prioritise talent welfare and safety.

Learn more about our Production Survey here.

***This post is advice only. Always ask a consultant.