China uses AI translation to help export TV shows and films

In short: Chinese producers and cultural authorities are increasingly using AI translation tools to help Chinese entertainment reach viewers in other countries.

What's going on

Chinese producers and cultural authorities want to sell more of the country’s TV shows, short dramas, and films overseas. A big obstacle is language, since subtitles and dubbing usually require teams of translators and editors.

They are looking to AI translation, which is software that turns one language into another (like a fast, automated interpreter). The goal is to create more accurate subtitles, dubbing, and localized versions of shows, and to do it faster than manual workflows.

This push fits into a wider trend in China, where translation devices are already used in business settings. For example, iFlytek sells a dual-screen translation machine that can translate online in 85 languages across more than 200 countries, and offline in 17 languages. The idea is that if tools can help sellers talk directly with buyers at trade events, similar tools could help viewers understand shows without waiting months for a human translation.

Outside China, companies such as DeepL are also betting on AI language tools for everyday work, like translating emails, documents, and marketing material. One cited survey found 72% of executives plan to integrate AI in 2025, with 25% specifically planning to use it for translation.

What to watch

The main question is quality. Translation often depends on context, jokes, and cultural references, and research suggests AI still struggles with these details. Expect more tests and mixed results, plus continued debate as AI becomes more common in film and TV production.

Source: NYTimes