Hudson Bay(bies)
Translation for a Documentary Film in Development
Overview
Translation of a 17,000-word project overview for the documentary film Hudson Bay(bies), prepared for submission to English-language broadcasters across Canada.
The work was carried out for PVP MEDIA, with whom I have an ongoing professional relationship spanning over 12 years, in collaboration with Sanajik Films and spearheaded by Elisapie Isaac.
The project formed part of the development phase of the documentary. Since then, the film has been greenlit for production and has been broadcast on CBC.
The challenge
This project involved translating a complex and sensitive documentary proposal intended for broadcasters and industry stakeholders.
The document presented a multi-layered narrative exploring the legacy of the Hudson’s Bay Company, the impact of colonization on Indigenous communities, and the lived experiences of individuals of mixed Indigenous and European heritage.
The content required:
- a tone that was both engaging and precise
- language appropriate for a broadcast and funding context
- careful handling of culturally and historically sensitive subject matter
The document combined narrative and structured elements, including a storyline, presentation of key protagonists (“Hudson Bay(bies)”), contributions from anthropological and historical sources, a detailed scene breakdown (“suite séquentielle”), and producer biographies. The 18-page scene breakdown (approximately 7,000 words) required particular attention, as it incorporated specialized audiovisual terminology (e.g. cold opening, title card, over black, super).
In addition, the project required:
- targeted research to ensure the accurate use of Indigenous (Inuktitut) terminology
- maintaining coherence across a long-form, narrative-driven document
- conveying complex ideas clearly for a decision-making audience
My approach
I approached this project with a focus on accuracy, sensitivity and narrative flow.
- Conducting targeted research
I carried out in-depth research to ensure the appropriate use of Indigenous terminology and culturally specific references. - Adapting tone for a professional audience
The translation was tailored to meet the expectations of broadcasters and funding bodies, balancing storytelling with clarity and precision. - Preserving narrative voice
Particular care was taken to retain the voice and intent of the original, ensuring that the story remained compelling and respectful. - Working with audiovisual terminology
The scene breakdown required precise use of industry-specific language to ensure clarity and alignment with professional standards. - Ensuring coherence across a long-form document
I maintained alignment in terminology, tone and structure throughout the proposal.
The result
The final English version delivers a clear, compelling and professionally structured project overview, suitable for submission to broadcasters and industry stakeholders.
The translation supports the project’s presentation by conveying both its narrative depth and its development potential.
The documentary has since been produced and broadcast on CBC, and has been nominated for a 2026 Rockie Awards at the Banff World Media Festival (in the “Documentary and Factual: Social Issues and Current Affairs” category), reflecting the strength of the overall project and its positioning.
Key takeaway
This project highlights the importance of combining research, cultural awareness and technical precision when working on documentary content at the development stage, particularly when addressing complex historical and social themes.