Mia Kaare – Subtitler and translator for Estonian TV – talks about grappling with Heroes.

Can you describe briefly what your job entails?

I translate films, documentaries and TV series. I get a script (not always accurate) and a video file. When the translation is done, I put the subtitles to the video file using a specific programme.

Are there any particular problems with translating Heroes? Anything that doesn’t translate well?

Some of Mohinder’s science lingo was difficult.

What was the most interesting scene to translate?

Probably scenes with Nathan and Peter, Claude teaching Peter and Mohinder’s dreams about the past.

Do you make any editorial changes to what you translate, e.g. cultural references which people in Estonia might relate to more easily?

Sometimes. Not all US household names are known here, so I either use a general word (“singer”, “tv show”, “footballer”, “cafe” etc) or find a local equivalent (quite rare).

Who is your favourite character to translate and why?

Mohinder’s narration and Nathan’s political smoke and mirrors.

Do you have to sign any confidentiality agreements to ensure you don’t give away storylines?

It’s in my contract, there’s no separate confidentiality agreement.

Have you had any contact with the cast or creators, and if not is there anything you’d like to ask them?

I haven’t had any contact with anyone involved. I would probably avoid questions like “what power would you like to have” and go for something like “favourite dog breed” or “most inspiring book/screenplay/poem you’ve ever read” or maybe if they have a clear idea of how long the series will last or do they just make it up as they go along?