#231 AI Impact on Media Localization with ZOO Digital CEO Stuart Green

SlatorPod

Stuart Green, CEO of ZOO Digital (ZOO), joins SlatorPod to discuss the role of AI in media localization and the essential role human linguists will continue to play in producing high-authenticity content in multiple languages.

A technologist by training, Stuart recounts his entry into the media localization industry and how ZOO transitioned from DVD production to leading-edge solutions in multilingual entertainment content.

The CEO shares key highlights from ZOO’s AI white paper, “Will Robots Take Over The World of Localisation?”, where he views AI as a valuable “artificial assistant” rather than a replacement for human talent. As such, AI can streamline repetitive tasks and support creatives by handling administrative duties, thus allowing them to focus on higher-value work.

On AI lip-syncing Green suggests that it could mitigate the common mismatch between speech and mouth movements in dubbed media. However, he emphasizes that maintaining the “suspension of disbelief” in high-value content requires nuanced, culturally relevant adaptation — a task that still demands human interpretation of context, mood, and subtle humor.

While AI tools are improving, particularly in speech-to-text accuracy, Green foresees human expertise remaining integral in areas demanding cultural nuance and emotional resonance. He highlights ZOO’s commitment to quality-driven localization for major entertainment clients and the unique demands of its publicly listed status, balancing transparency with the need for a competitive edge.

Chapters

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Professional Background and Experience with ZOO Digital (00:01:06)

3. ZOO Digital's Journey in Media Localization (00:03:26)

4. Key Client Profiles and Technical Solutions (00:11:10)

5. Origin Behind “Will Robots Take Over The World of Localisation?” (00:15:13)

6. Top Takeaways for Investors (00:19:37)

7. Balancing AI and Human Expertise (00:22:30)

8. Where AI Falls Short in Entertainment Localization (00:29:11)

9. Thoughts on AI Lip-Syncing (00:41:52)

10. Everyday AI Use Cases (00:48:39)

11. Client Perspective on AI (00:52:07)

12. Emerging Media Localization Market (00:53:23)

13. Benefits and Challenges of Being Publicly Listed (00:55:57)