Read my lips: AMC debuts AI-powered “visual dubbing” to make foreign films more accessible

Dubbing is moving beyond ’70s kung fu flicks. Way beyond.

AMC Theatres is pioneering a new approach to foreign film distribution by using AI-powered “visual dubbing” technology to make international cinema more accessible to American audiences. This innovative technique digitally alters actors’ lip movements to match English dialogue, potentially breaking down barriers for viewers hesitant to engage with subtitled content while preserving the original performances. The May 9th debut of the Swedish sci-fi film “Watch the Skies” represents a significant test case for AI’s role in expanding global film distribution.

How it works: Flawless AI’s TrueSync technology digitally modifies the actors’ lip movements to synchronize with English dialogue that the original cast members recorded themselves.

• The AI system “captures every nuance of an actor’s performance and generates new lip movements that perfectly map to the new language audio,” according to the company’s website.
• Unlike traditional dubbing, where voice actors replace the original audio, this approach preserves the original performers’ vocal interpretations while creating a more natural viewing experience.

Industry compliance: The visual dubbing technology reportedly adheres to the protections negotiated by SAG-AFTRA during its 2023 strike against major studios.

• The actors’ union secured agreements specifically designed to protect members “from the threat of AI” during its four-month work stoppage.
• By having original actors record their own English dialogue, the approach appears to maintain performer agency while utilizing AI for technical implementation.

Why this matters: The technology could significantly increase international films’ commercial viability by removing audience resistance to subtitles while offering improvements over traditional dubbing methods.

• Scott Mann, Flawless AI’s co-founder, told Variety the technology helps filmmakers transition “from a local stage to a global stage,” particularly for reaching American audiences.
• AMC Theatres has committed to screening “Watch the Skies” in 100 locations across America, suggesting meaningful theatrical distribution potential.

The film itself: “Watch the Skies” (originally released as “UFO Sweden”) follows a teenager who believes her missing father was abducted by aliens rather than deceased.

• The protagonist teams up with a UFO Club to investigate her father’s disappearance and uncover the truth.
• The film represents a test case for whether AI-enhanced foreign films can capture American audiences when technical barriers are removed.