What is your name?
Marcelo Neves.
Where do you currently live?
Copacabana on the border of Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro.
Please share a bit of your background:
I hold a BA in Journalism and an MA in Language Studies. I also have a background in acting, which has been invaluable to me as an interpreter, especially for consecutive interpreting in front of an audience and in the booth. I began interpreting several years before receiving formal training in simultaneous interpreting. Since then, I’ve completed several courses and attended translation and interpretation conferences worldwide as both a participant and speaker.
What are you doing these days professionally?
I mainly focus on simultaneous interpreting, but I also handle written translation and subtitling. I work as a voiceover artist as well, primarily for corporate training but also across various media.
What is a current translation or interpreting engagement you are completing (or one you have completed recently)?
I’ve been doing a lot of remote interpreting lately, but there’s a major global conference coming up in my city soon, and I have the privilege of interpreting there in person.
What is one of your greatest life accomplishments (whether personal or professional) to date?
It may sound cliché, but being able to make a living doing what I love feels like a significant accomplishment.
What challenge(s) are you facing in your career?
Interpreters had to reinvent themselves during the pandemic as conferences were canceled, and we’ve adapted to remote interpreting. Fortunately, I’m comfortable with technology, as setting up a professional-grade home studio became essential. AI has emerged as a new challenge, but I’ve found it to be more of a helpful tool than a threat so far.
When did you first join the ATA?
I attended my first ATA conference in New Orleans in 2006, and joined both the ATA and the PLD.
How has ATA and/or PLD membership benefited you?
Attending the ATA conference was transformative because it allowed me to network with translators, interpreters, and companies from various locations. Since my first conference, I’ve gained valuable insights from presentations and workshops and have been able to work with clients I met through these events.
What do you enjoy doing outside of translation and interpreting?
I love the travel opportunities my career provides, and I also enjoy traveling for leisure. Additionally, I like singing and going out with friends for good food (vegetarian only) and drinks.
If you weren’t a translator or interpreter, what would you be and why?
With my acting background, I could easily see myself as an actor, though I’m confident life has been a bit easier as an interpreter and translator.
What is your favorite book of Portuguese-language literature?
My favorite contemporary Brazilian writer is Milton Hatoum. Dois irmãos is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I also admire O filho único by Cristóvão Tezza.
What message would you wish to share with your fellow translators and interpreters?
Read. Read a lot. Doubt yourself. Challenge yourself every day.
Where is the best place to connect with you?
I was very active on Twitter in its heyday, but I’m less visible on social media now. I’m on Instagram and LinkedIn fairly often, though I’d like to share more content. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn.
Thank you.
We really appreciate the opportunity to learn a little more about you.
Are you a PLD Member? We want to feature you, as our members are our greatest asset! We’ll be happy to receive your submission and give you more visibility as you grow in your career.
I do admire and respect you, pal!