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Prime Production works alongside some of the world’s leading international organisations and NGO’s to ensure their key messages are delivered. Our experience and proven track record give clients the confidence Prime Production will always deliver documents of impeccable quality within any given deadline.

But how do Project Managers stay organised? We interviewed one of our Project Managers to find out more about their day to day responsibilities.

How do you start your day?

Every morning, I go through my emails and make a to-do list for the day. This can include anything from delivering translation projects to clients, making jobs numbers for translation projects that came in overnight, passing on linguist’s queries to clients, responding to prospective translators. We will then have our morning meeting where we go through any projects that came in overnight, as well as projects that are due to be delivered that day.

What do you do when you receive a translation request?

When we receive translation requests from existing clients, it is important to have the document(s) for translation, and to find out the total word count, language combination and deadline. As soon as we have this information, we proceed immediately, so not to lose any time, especially if the deadline is the same day!

When we receive a translation request from a new client, we need to prepare a quote. If we receive the go-ahead, we can then proceed.



How do you deal with uneditable images?

If we can see uneditable images within the document(s) for translation, we will check with our client whether they want them translated. If they do, we will ask them if they have editable versions of these images. If not, then we will do a manual word count of the words within these images – sometimes it can be 10 words, sometimes it can be thousands! This is added to the total word count and include this within the quote. It’s also important to establish where these additional words should be placed – inserted in a comment, next to the image, or in the margin, or in a separate bilingual table, which can be sent to the client’s designers to recreate the image with the translation – so our team are aware of where to place these additional words.

How do you decide which translators are best suited for each project?

We allocate projects based on linguist’s area of expertise. We also take time zones into consideration, to make sure that we are making the best use of our time. For example, if we receive a translation in the evening, we will ask linguists in Australia or Asia if they can carry out the translation overnight, so it will be in our inbox for the next morning.

In our office, we also have a large board with linguist’s names and time zones – that way, we can ensure we are offering all our linguist’s the opportunity of accepting translation projects.

Does every file get revised?

All translations are revised by a senior linguist, to ensure any grammatical errors or spelling are amended, before delivering the translation to the client.

Once the document for translation has been allocated, do you have to follow any procedures? 



After we have told the translator to proceed, we carry out the necessary administrative duties, like creating a job number, and creating folders for the translations. We also input the translation project into our system, so other project managers can see which translators are busy, and how long they will be busy for – just in case they wanted to approach that particular translator with another project!
At one time, how many translation projects are you managing?

Typically, we will each up to 8-10 long-term translation projects on the go, with a flow of small translation projects each day, so we must stay organised and keep on top of everything. For example, in busier periods, there is a constant stream of translation projects, so we let each other know who is dealing with which project. Then with large translation projects, although there may not be as much daily activity, it’s important to be responsive to clients and linguists.

Aside from managing translation projects, do you have any other responsibilities? 



We provide telephone interpreting services (enabling social workers to speak to their clients with the assistance of an interpreter), prepare quotes for interpreting events, research areas for business development, attend events and exhibitions on behalf of the company, and we also manage social media platforms, so there is always something to do!

What’s your favourite part of the role?

I enjoy being able to manage projects that focus on important topics such as gender equality, sustainable development and nutrition because these issues are relevant to the world today. To create change, key actors and stakeholders need to be able to communicate with one another so if our translations can encourage cooperation and dialogue between countries and organisations, then that’s a job well done. Plus, it’s great to be able to connect with so many linguists. I am constantly in awe of their knowledge and skills, and I am so proud to be sharing their translations with organisations around the world.

Prime Production are known for a quick and efficient service, with excellent client care. We are committed to continuing personal development and determined to maintain the highest possible standards. 

Do you have document(s) that require translation, or an event which requires interpretation? Head to our website now where you can request a quote: https://primeproductionltd.com