Summary:
This position is part of a high functioning global team responsible for localizing Warner Bros. Discovery content, including some of the biggest franchises in the world; Wizarding World and the DC Universe.
The Associate Director for Localization is responsible for Localization and distribution of Features, Episodic and Catalogue content for all clients and Asian audiences. This role has a deep understanding of localization and will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to develop and execute strategy to ensure all projects are completed to Warner Bros. Discovery, our client’s and audiences’ high expectations. This role is also responsible for identifying opportunities for innovation, process improvement, new technologies, implementing change and adapting to a fast-changing industry.
At Warner Bros. Discovery, we look for members who want to:
Act As One Team: Trust each other, succeed together, and grow together.
Create What’s Next: Be curious, innovate, and focus on the future.
Empower Storytelling: Put creators, consumers and partners at the center, and share extraordinary stories.
Champion Inclusion: Empower others, have courage, and pursue equity.
Dream It & Own It: Advocate the mission, move with speed, and drive results.
Job Responsibilities
Relationships & Communication (20%):
Maintains relationships with key stakeholders across the studio, teams at the global & regional level and key vendors. This includes, but is not limited to:
· Coordinate activities across Warner Bros. Discovery, Post Production, Sales & Marketing, Finance, Legal, Anti-Piracy, Vendors and 3rd party clients to ensure a high level of client satisfaction is achieved and maintained.
· Attend key meetings & briefings with Sales & Marketing, Finance & Legal teams.
· Communication relating to all day to day operational activities.
Localization - Creative & Technical Activities (30%):
· Responsible for the origination of Asian first window releases and downstream use;
· Supervision of localization team activities:
· Negotiation of star talents, supervision of contracts & AOR’s
o Voice tests, translation, recording, mixing, graphic title work and archiving of assets.
o Work closely with Regional & Global Localization teams.
· Implement WBD anti-piracy procedures to protect all content from unauthorized release.
· Establish appropriate budgets for all projects and negotiate rates in the best interests of WBD.
· Providing creative and financial reports for localization activities.
· Provide support for Local Productions.
o Point person for local producers, sales & delivery agents, WBD LP Executives, legal and business teams.
o Assess delivery spec, budget and contract terms.
o Obtain and quality check all materials delivered from local producers.
· Identify continuous improvement opportunities to create efficiencies, improve client visibility, reduce costs and delivery delays.
· Supervise content acquisition for all TV Channels in territory (3rd party and internal clients). If required initiate required localization.
Vendor Management (20%):
· Ongoing management and assessment of current vendor pool as well as identify and engage new vendors.
· Assigning projects to appropriate vendors.
· Manage vendor delivery and supervise the tracking and troubleshooting of late deliveries, rejections and issues.
· Managing and updating SLA documents for each vendor.
· Initiate and oversee continuous process improvement.
Staff Management & Development (20%):
Manage all aspects of team function including, but not limited to:
· Assign work, supervise, empower and evaluate staff.
· Training and development.
Innovation (10%):
· Remain up to date with current trends and industry best practice, leveraging Warner Bros. Discovery teams, Standards Boards and other industry leaders.
· Work with leadership and internal stakeholders to identify and implement new technologies and industry best practice.
· Perform special projects as necessary.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Work Experience
- 10+ years of experience in localization required, as well as 5+ years of management experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Other Requirements:
· Expert level knowledge of Localization Processes.
· Exceptional English language skills, additional language skills advantageous.
· Strong Vendor Management skills.
· Good understanding of content distribution models & release windows.
· Some understanding of production delivery schedules and the legal business models that underpin them.
· Ambition and courage to explore new ideas in order to develop innovative solutions and work efficiently.
· Strong organizational and multitasking skills, the ability to handle pressure and be efficient when delivering to tight deadlines.
· Willingness to collaborate and share expertise to promote the growth of the team.
· Friendly and credible personality who inspires trust in clients, partners and colleagues.
· Ability to work independently on projects and report findings to management.
· Strong communication skills.
· Excellent organizational skills.
· High degree of cost consciousness.
Education, Training or Certification
- College preferred or equivalent work experience, with emphasis on film, production, language translation or related area.
