This new sci-fi movie shows how AI could change how foreign films are dubbed

Hollywood is about to witness a significant advancement in film localization as “Watch the Skies” debuts in U.S. theaters with AI-driven visual dubbing technology. The sci-fi adventure, originally filmed in Swedish, will appear to American audiences as if actors are speaking English thanks to TrueSync, an AI tool from startup Flawless that synchronizes English dialogue with actors’ lip movements. This technology represents a potential transformation in how international films are adapted for English-speaking markets, potentially enhancing audience connection compared to traditional dubbing methods.

The big picture: XYZ Films is pioneering AI visual dubbing in theatrical releases, with “Watch the Skies” serving as the first of several international films to receive this treatment for U.S. distribution.

• The original Swedish actors recorded their lines in English through an ADR process before Flawless’ AI technology was applied to create the synchronized visual experience.
• AMC Theatres has committed at least 100 screens across the top 20 U.S. markets to showcase this technological innovation.

What they’re saying: The film’s creative team maintains that the AI dubbing preserves the artistic integrity of the original production while enhancing accessibility.

• “We are still in control of the vision, and it’s still the same movie,” explained producer Albin Pettersson of CrazyHorse.
• Pettersson suggests that with this process, viewers may “connect better with the film and with the actors” compared to traditional dubbing techniques.

What’s next: Following “Watch the Skies,” XYZ Films plans to release several more international films using Flawless’ AI visual dubbing technology.

• The lineup includes high-profile projects like Tom Tykwer’s German film “The Light” and Michael Gondry’s French film “The Book of Solutions.”
• Additional films scheduled for AI-dubbed U.S. releases include Stephan Castang’s “Vincent Must Die” (French), Ryoo Seung-wan’s “Smugglers” (Korean), and “Tatami” (Persian) from directors Guy Nattiv and Zar Amir Ebrahimi.