Meet Carina Chadwick | Subtitle Translator / Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carina Chadwick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carina, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
It’s funny, because as I get older, the less willing I am to take risks. However, I keep reminding myself that all or at least most of the risk taking in the past has pretty much always resulted in good things.
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was moving from Germany to Los Angeles at the age of 21. I was an Au Pair (live-in nanny) for 1.5 years and loved living in L.A., so I decided to get a work permit and Green Card to be able to permanently live here.
However, it was difficult to make friends. First, all my Au Pair friends I’ve made throughout those 1.5 years moved back to their home countries. So again, I had to put myself out there to make new friends.
But because of my bilingual knowledge, I am now able to work from home as a subtitle and video game translator. I very much enjoy the freedom and creativity this job gives me.
So for the year 2025, I want to remind myself that taking risks is usually a good thing. If it doesn’t result in what you expected, the very least you learn from it.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
A few years ago, after working as a subtitle editor in an office, I realized I might be able to do this work from home and start my own business. I accumulated some clients and at some point gave my previous work my 2 weeks notice. I started Carina Chadwick Translations LLC – which was probably the second biggest risk I’ve taken in my life.
I’ve been working in the subtitle industry for over 10 years now. It’s fun to be able to see movies and shows a few months before they come out. I’m proud of “being my own boss” while working from home (in my pajamas, surrounded by my two cats) 🙂
It’s not always easy to juggle the deadlines, and I often bring my laptop even on vacation to work here and there. But I enjoy what I do, so it doesn’t really feel like work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve had many people visit me from Germany. Favorite spots are definitely the beach, restaurants (Din Tai Fung, Shojin, Crossroads Kitchen) and one of our favorite animal sanctuaries: Saving Grace Animal Sanctuary.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely my parents for accepting that I moved across the pond from Germany to Los Angeles. It was particularly hard for my mom at first, but she has come to accept it. Also my best friend Michele and my boyfriend Diego for always supporting me in everything I set my mind to.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carinachadwick

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-chadwick-26269a119

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carinachadwick