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Rates for creative translation (song lyrics, etc.)
Thread poster: georg schreiner
georg schreiner
georg schreiner
Local time: 10:40
German to English
Feb 10, 2003

I\'ve just been approached about translating song lyrics for a childrens\' television program, as well as freely adapting the dialog (including character names) to make them work better in English. While I am a bit unsure about how to charge for things such as the names, which will be used repeatedly as part of the shows \"branding\", I am at a complete loss on what kind of rate to charge for song lyrics. In addition to a basic translation, this will require sitting down with the lyricist and ... See more
I\'ve just been approached about translating song lyrics for a childrens\' television program, as well as freely adapting the dialog (including character names) to make them work better in English. While I am a bit unsure about how to charge for things such as the names, which will be used repeatedly as part of the shows \"branding\", I am at a complete loss on what kind of rate to charge for song lyrics. In addition to a basic translation, this will require sitting down with the lyricist and composer and basically rewriting the songs. does anyone out there have any experience in this field? thanks! ▲ Collapse
 
Arthur Borges
Arthur Borges
China
Local time: 16:40
English
+ ...
Take a cheap rate Feb 10, 2003

...but get a royalties clause injected and have it read by a lawyer who specializes in artsy-craftsiness.



The investiment in the consulation may set you book US$100, but it\'ll work out CHEAP in the longish run and establish a reputation for professionalism with this client right from the start.



You may lose on this client but you ALWAYS win out in the end by taking a LONG view.
 
Steffen Pollex (X)
Steffen Pollex (X)  Identity Verified
Local time: 10:40
English to German
+ ...
This has also been discussed on and on Feb 10, 2003

Check the forums, please!
 
Carla Zwanenberg
Carla Zwanenberg  Identity Verified
Netherlands
Local time: 10:40
Member (2002)
English to Dutch
+ ...
Thread about transcreation Feb 11, 2003

Dear Georg,



I think that the following must be one of the threads that Steffen had in mind: http://www.proz.com/?sp=bb/viewtopic&post=48554#48554.



Good luck



Carla
 
georg schreiner
georg schreiner
Local time: 10:40
German to English
TOPIC STARTER
Thank you Carla! Feb 11, 2003

I hadn\'t been able to find any forums on this subject, so your link was very helpful.



thanks again,



george
 
OlafK
OlafK
United Kingdom
Local time: 09:40
English to German
+ ...
This is not the same! Feb 11, 2003

The other thread is about translation of advertising copy, this is about literary translation. This kind of work is usually badly paid but you can and should negotiate royalties, as Arthur says. I know you\'re not in Germany but maybe the VDÜ has some hints for you

http://www.literaturuebersetzer.de/
 


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Rates for creative translation (song lyrics, etc.)







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