You could also hear us during live broadcasts of the Oscars, and Harry and Meghan's royal wedding

Customer’s aims and requirements

Markíza requested the simultaneous interpretation of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding on 19 May 2018 from midday to 6:00pm.

Our second simultaneous interpretation was the 91st Annual Academy Awards – the Oscars – from Los Angeles. This prestigious took place on 24 February 2019.

Language combo and focus

Our royal wedding coverage necessitated two experts:

• Interpreter 1 – experience with church weddings and ecclesiastical terminology
• Interpreter 2 – expert on royal protocol and British culture; an English scholar/Anglophile

The Oscars ceremony called for interpreters with experience of similar live broadcasts, and who followed American show business.

Materials for the interpreters

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding

• general outline script

The 2019 Oscars

• script
• shortlist of nominees

Preparation for interpreting

Prepping for this interpreting assignment had three steps:

1. a detailed study of all available materials,
2. learning from previous award ceremonies,
3. several hours studying the films, actors, and directors that were nominated, as well as the fashion designers for award-winning celebrities, Hollywood showbiz, etc.

The interpreting was live, and was supplemented by interesting comments and observations from the interpreters.

Benefits

• The client received simultaneous interpretations of key international events – which included challenging terminology and lengthy broadcasts.

• Professional specialisations (ecclesiastical terms, British culture, royal protocol, etc.) ensured that the interpretation of the royal wedding was smooth and flawless.

• Starting late evening, the interpretation of the Oscars lasted nine hours.

Problems – and their resolution

Despite both events taking place abroad with a time difference, our interpreters still delivered top quality work.