Language services studio The Kitchen considers that neutral American English is the backbone of nearly all international language localization projects. "Even for markets that provide original-language content for us to localize, we've found that clients often look to us, as native US English speakers, to create an international version that works for global markets," asserted Brad Strickland, Director of Production for The Kitchen. The executive explained that's not as easy as it sounds. A joke in one language can't be directly translated into another. Song lyrics rarely translate directly. Specific cultural references or relationships may be standard and accepted in American media, but aren't always universally accepted. "Our job is to know the answers and help clients make the right choices, so their content connects in every global market," he added.
For more than 24 years, The Kitchen, a Miami-based language localization studio, has taken pride in its English dubbing team, which continues to grow in size, technology, and reputation. The studio features 11 dubbing suites at its headquarters, backed by a dedicated team of English-language directors and a vast, diverse network of award-winning voice talent. "What works for an American audience may not land the same way in other regions, so our role is to adjust or suggest alternatives that make sense for each audience. That cultural adaptability is key to our success as a global language provider," Strickland stated. "In my opinion, US English cannot be replaced as the nucleus for global translation, simply because it provides the most neutral reference point for international adaptation. It's the version most clients and audiences expect as a baseline," he added.
It's also important to point out that recording in Miami is significantly more cost-effective than recording the same project in Los Angeles or New York. "We have seasoned actors in Miami with years of experience across every genre and format of production. At the same time, we continuously audition and train new talent of all ages," Strickland said. "If you compare Miami to Los Angeles, there's little difference in the quality of the voice acting, but the overall cost savings are very attractive. Florida itself is a right-to-work state, so unless a client requests union talent, we're able to record with experienced and diverse non-union actors, an important factor when considering budgets," he added. But it's not just the cost of talent that makes Miami competitive. Everything, from studio rates to engineering time, mixing, and QC, is more affordable in Miami. "Clients can expect the same quality they'd get in New York or Los Angeles, but at a cost that lets their budgets go much further," he concluded.