A recent job advert indicates Disney’s continued exploration of how AI can be used in localization. Posted on June 12, a job summary for a new Creative Supervisor vacancy responsible for Disney’s Studio-branded content reads:
The Creative Supervisor drives the localization of Studio-branded content, ensuring the creative and operational excellence of dubbed and subtitled versions for international markets. Partnering closely with global teams, the Supervisor safeguards the original filmmaker’s intent while delivering projects on time, securely, and at the highest quality standards.
They will actively explore and monitor AI-driven localization tools, in order to accelerate workflows and raise performance. Additionally, the role requires tracking of localization data, analyzing key operational metrics, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement. Reporting to the Sr. Manager, the Supervisor plays a key role in scaling operations through innovation, data-driven decisions, and operational leadership.
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Among the responsibilities of the Creative Supervisor are to ‘coordinate the creation, review, and approval of dubbing and subtitling reference materials, including scripts, glossaries, creative briefs, and casting notes,’ ‘Be the primary point of contact for creative localization for all titles assigned,‘ ‘Analyze the content to support the development and execution of creative localization strategies that preserve the original filmmaker’s intent while ensuring cultural relevance,‘ and ‘Leverage AI-powered tools to enhance workflow efficiencies, quality control, and localization data tracking.’ Meanwhile, a candidate requirement is ‘Strong understanding of AI tools and their application to creative workflows and data analysis.‘
While specific applications for AI are currently unclear here, a 2022 job listing for a VP of Localization at Disney sought a candidate responsible for the ‘identification, testing and on-boarding process for new systems/technology (e.g. use of synthesized voices, AI & neuro machine translation, etc.)‘ of non-Studio content (Showbiz Jobs). Disney’s new Creative Supervisor vacancy is responsible for the AI-supported localization of Studio-branded content, which likely includes Disney+ Originals such as the upcoming anime titles BULLET/BULLET, Twisted Wonderland: The Animation, and Star Wars: Visions (Volume 3 drops in 2025).
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Despite polarizing fans, AI localization efforts are ongoing at nearly every major company with a notable anime catalog. Netflix posted a job listing in March for staff with ‘established track records in generative speech technologies to develop algorithms that power high quality localization at scale.‘ (Teal Labs) Amazon Prime Video began an AI dubbing pilot in English and Latin American Spanish for licensed titles ‘that would not have been dubbed otherwise.‘ (About Amazon) HIDIVE’s parent company, AMC Networks, recently announced a partnership with Runway to leverage generative AI for marketing images (The Hollywood Reporter).
While these efforts are yet to really take off in anime, Crunchyroll CEO Rahul Purini shared last year that AI subtitling and closed captions were areas “we’re very focused on testing.” (The Verge) It’s unclear whether this is still under development, with Purini saying in April 2025, “We are not considering AI in the creative process, including our voice actors. We consider them to be creators because they are contributing to the story and plot with their voice.” (Forbes)
Source: Disney job listing
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