🎧 InSync – The OOONA Podcast

E5: Alberto de la Puente: How NBCUniversal Localizes for the World

What’s it like to localize content for one of the world’s biggest entertainment brands? Alberto de la Puente, VP of Worldwide Localization at NBCUniversal, joins hosts Damián Santilli and Blanca Arias Badia to pull back the curtain on managing global localization operations across timezones, discuss how NBCUniversal approaches AI and why he believes great localization is a true art form. He also explores the issue of minority languages and “neutral Spanish” for Latin America, and talks about what the next 3-5 years will look like for the industry: an era of greater accessibility and personalization, and a flood of content that will be competing for the audience’s attention.

E4: Aaron Bhugobaun on Why We Need to Stay Human and Liquid

What does it take to stay relevant in an AI-driven industry? In this episode, Aaron Bhugobaun explains why he sees AI as an industrial shift rather than just another tool, and why adaptability, networking, and continuous learning are essential. He reflects on the tension between speed, cost, and quality, talks about transparency in AI use, and argues that “being human” may become the most valuable skill in an AI-shaped future. He also shares his “crystal ball” view, making predictions about the future of media, localization, and content production – from shrinking film budgets to real-time AI video streams, hyper-personalized content, the convergence of linear content and gaming, hybrid workflows and more.

E3: Belén Agulló García on How to Build a Sustainable Future in the AI Localization Era

In a world where AI is reshaping every industry, localization professionals cannot afford to stand still. In this episode, Dr. Belén Agulló García talks about her journey in the localization industry that led to her role of Executive Consultant of Innovation at Terra Localizations. She discusses automation vs. augmentation, AI applications in localization, content tiering and the risks of poor governance. She also introduces us to the AI Localization Think Tank she co-founded to help localization professionals make sense of the AI evolution through agenda-free knowledge sharing, and reflects on the AI ThoughtCon, the Think Tank's inaugural conference. A grounded conversation about how to shape the future of localization rather than let it happen to you.

E2: Scott McCarthy & Simon Constable on AI, Dubbing and Audience Trust

AI in media localization is here – but trust, transparency and talent are still catching up. Scott McCarthy, VP Localization at DreamWorks Animation, and Simon Constable, COO at Visual Data, join us for a candid conversation on the realities of using AI in dubbing, subtitling and accessibility, and why the human connection is the best way to manage risk. From partner selection to consumer trust, to the skills gap looming over the industry, we discuss where AI works and where it doesn’t, and why transparency is the most important thing we can do right now to drive the industry forward. 

E1: Toby Scales on Security, AI and the Future of Media

Hollywood has always danced between technology and creativity. For the debut episode of InSync, we dive into the technology side. Hosts Damián Santilli and Blanca Arias Badia sit down with Toby Scales from Google Cloud’s Office of the CISO to explore how AI is reshaping security in the Media & Entertainment vertical. We cover how AI supercharges security threats, the regulatory landscape around AI and IP, what media might look like in five years and the role of human storytellers. Tune in to listen to Toby’s advice for newcomers in the industry!