Frequently Asked Questions














Frequently Asked Question
Company and Services
What services does DUBnSUB provide?
Which industries does DUBnSUB work with?
DUBnSUB works with film and TV production, OTT platforms, broadcasters, advertising agencies, brands, e‑learning providers, gaming studios, corporate comms, NGOs, and public sector organizations. The workflows are adapted per sector, whether it is entertainment storytelling or compliance‑driven training content.
In how many languages can you deliver dubbing and localization?
DUBnSUB covers a large network of languages across major global markets, typically 70+ for dubbing and 100+ for subtitling and other services. The exact list can be tailored per project, including regional variants and niche languages when needed.
What types of content do you typically handle (films, OTT, e‑learning, etc.)?
The team regularly handles feature films, series, OTT originals, documentaries, trailers, commercials, social media content, explainer videos, corporate training, webinars, games, and podcasts. Each content type has appropriate casting, tone, and technical specs built into the workflow.
Where are your offices, studios, and partner locations?
DUBnSUB has its main base in India with international offices in key territories plus a large network of partner studios worldwide. This mix allows projects to be coordinated centrally while still recording with native talent in local markets.
Do you work directly with brands, agencies, broadcasters, and platforms?
Yes, DUBnSUB works both directly with content owners and via intermediaries such as agencies, production houses, and distributors. The team is used to aligning with multiple stakeholders, NDAs, and layered approval workflows.
Can you support both one‑off projects and long‑term localization partnerships?
DUBnSUB handles everything from a single campaign video to multi‑season series and ongoing content pipelines. For long‑term partnerships, specific teams, style guides, and processes are set up to ensure consistency and efficiency.
Do you offer end‑to‑end workflows (translation, dubbing, subtitles, QC, delivery)?
Yes, the agency can handle the full chain: translation, script adaptation, casting, recording, editing, mixing, subtitles/SDH/AD, QC, and final deliverables. Clients can choose either full end‑to‑end packages or only the specific steps they need.
Which accessibility services (subtitles, SDH, audio description, sign language) do you provide?
DUBnSUB provides standard subtitles, SDH (subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing), closed captions, audio description, and sign language interpretation/overlay. These services help meet accessibility expectations and platform requirements.
Do you offer AI‑assisted or hybrid dubbing workflows in addition to fully human dubbing?
Yes, AI‑assisted options can be offered where appropriate, typically as a hybrid workflow with human supervision and QC. Fully human dubbing remains the default for premium storytelling and brand‑sensitive content.
Dubbing Basics
What is dubbing and how is it different from voice‑over?
Dubbing replaces the original spoken dialogue with a new performance in another language, synced to on‑screen mouths and timing. Voice‑over usually sits on top of the original audio and is not always tightly lip‑synced.
What is the difference between lip‑sync dubbing and “UN‑style” voice‑over?
Lip‑sync dubbing aims to visually match mouth movements and timing, so it feels like the actors are speaking the target language. UN‑style voice‑over keeps some of the original audio and overlays a translated voice at a slightly lower sync precision and usually lower cost.
What is ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) and when is it used?
ADR is the process of re‑recording or replacing dialogue in sync with onscreen performance, usually to fix technical issues, change lines, or improve clarity. It is used both in original language post‑production and in localized versions when exact timing changes are needed.
What is the difference between ADR and standard dubbing sessions?
Standard dubbing often covers full scenes or projects in another language, while ADR focuses on specific lines or sections that need repair or replacement. ADR sessions are typically more surgical, focused on technical and sync detail.
What is the difference between localization, dubbing, and simple translation?
Simple translation converts words from one language to another, while localization adapts content for culture, context, and audience expectations. Dubbing is a localization technique that adds performance, timing, and audio post to make the localized version feel native.
Which genres do you dub most often (films, series, ads, animation, games, etc.)?
Common genres include narrative film and TV, OTT originals, animation, kids’ content, ads, explainer videos, corporate training, and e‑learning. Specialized workflows can also be used for games and interactive media.
Can you dub both live‑action and animated content?
Yes, both live‑action and animated content can be dubbed, though the performance requirements differ. Animation often allows more expressive acting and creative timing, while live‑action depends heavily on precise lip‑sync and realism.
Can you match the original actors’ tone, performance, and emotions?
The casting and direction process aims to mirror the emotional texture of the original performances as closely as possible. While a perfect 1:1 match is impossible, careful selection and direction produce culturally authentic and emotionally aligned results.
Can you keep original songs or chants and dub only dialogue around them?
Yes, it is common to keep original songs or certain vocal elements and dub only the spoken dialogue. Alternatives include partially localizing key song sections or adding subtitles for lyrics instead of full singing dubbing.
Do you provide script adaptation specifically for dubbing (not just direct translation)?
Yes, dubbing‑focused adaptation adjusts line length, rhythm, and phrasing to fit mouth movements and timing. This approach balances fidelity to meaning with natural performance and sync.
Languages, Markets, and Casting
Which languages and regional variants can you dub into?
DUBnSUB works in major global languages plus many regional variants, such as Latin American vs. European Spanish or different Indian languages. Availability always depends on talent and schedule, so projects are quoted with a confirmed language list.
Can you provide specific accents or regional flavors within a language?
Where the talent pool allows, the team can cast for specific accents and regional flavors to match character backstories or target markets. Clients can specify preferences in the brief or during casting.
Can we choose or approve voice talents before recording?
Yes, sample reels and short custom tests can be shared so you can approve voices in advance. This step helps align expectations on age, tone, and brand fit.
How do you select and cast voice actors for our project?
Casting starts with your brief—language, age range, tone, and references—then shortlists suitable talents from the roster. Final selections are based on performance fit, scheduling, and budget.
Can you provide celebrity or well‑known voice talents on request?
Where possible, celebrity or high‑profile voices can be arranged, subject to availability and licensing terms. These projects typically require higher budgets and longer planning.
Do you have child voice actors and age‑specific voices?
Yes, child and teen voices can be provided, often with specific compliance procedures and scheduling considerations. In some cases, adult actors trained to sound younger may be used for continuity and practicality.
Can you cast voices that closely match our existing brand voice or spokesperson?
The team can search for talents whose tone and style align with your existing brand voice or spokesperson. Audio references are very helpful to guide this selection.
Can you manage multilingual dubbing for multiple languages at once?
Yes, multi‑language projects are common and are managed with centralized project coordination and local recording teams. This approach keeps style and timing aligned across languages.
How do you handle consistency of casting across seasons or multiple campaigns?
Casting notes, samples, and talent records are maintained so the same voices can return for future seasons or campaigns. This continuity helps audiences recognize characters and brands over time.
Can you assemble a recurring “voice cast” for our long‑term series or channel?
Yes, a core cast can be agreed for ongoing work, with backup options documented in case of scheduling issues. This makes scheduling and approvals faster for each new batch of content.
Dubbing workflow and process
How does the dubbing process work from start to finish?
The process typically covers intake and briefing, translation/adaptation, casting, recording, editing, mixing, QC, and delivery. Each step has milestones and approvals so clients can review progress.
What materials do you need from us to start (video, scripts, reference mixes)?
Usually, a final or near‑final video file, original script or dialogue list, reference audio mix, and any style guides are needed. Additional context such as character notes and pronunciation guides also improves quality.
Do you handle script translation, adaptation, and spotting, or should we provide scripts?
DUBnSUB can manage translation, adaptation, and spotting in‑house, but can also work with client‑supplied scripts. If you provide scripts, they may still be lightly adapted for timing and lip‑sync.
How do you create and use cue sheets, timecodes, and dialogue lists?
Dialogue is broken into cues tied to precise timecodes so actors know exactly when and what to perform. These documents drive both the recording sessions and later editing.
How do you direct voice actors during recording?
Directors guide performance, pacing, emotion, and sync, sometimes referencing the original language track. The aim is to preserve intent while making the performance feel natural in the target language.
Can we attend sessions remotely and give live direction?
Remote attendance is often possible via online session tools or video calls. This lets clients give real‑time feedback on tone, terminology, and performance.
How do you manage QC and review before final delivery?
After editing and mixing, a QC pass checks sync, pronunciation, noise, levels, and alignment with picture. Review files can then be shared with clients for final checks before masters are created.
Can you support multiple review rounds and feedback cycles?
Yes, projects usually allow at least one formal feedback round, with additional cycles available depending on scope. This is defined in the proposal so expectations are clear.
What is your usual communication and project management workflow?
A dedicated project manager coordinates timelines, materials, questions, and updates via email and shared trackers. Larger projects can use shared project spaces or client‑preferred tools.
How do you ensure accurate lip‑sync for each scene?
Adapted lines are crafted to match mouth movements, and actors record while watching the scene with visual and audio cues. Engineers and directors adjust timing and takes until the sync is acceptable.
Turnaround times and scheduling
How long does dubbing typically take for a 1–5 minute video?
Short videos can often be turned around in a few days, depending on language availability and complexity. Extra time may be needed for translation, approvals, and multiple languages.
How long does a half‑hour or 1‑hour episode usually take to dub?
A standard episode may take from several days to a couple of weeks per language, covering translation, recording, mixing, and QC. Parallel workflows can shorten calendar time when multiple teams are involved.
How long does it take to dub a full feature film?
Feature films typically require several weeks per language, especially with detailed lip‑sync and larger casts. The schedule is influenced by script readiness, actor availability, and number of review steps.
Can you handle rush or time‑critical projects with tight deadlines?
Rush projects can be accommodated where resources allow, often using extended hours or additional teams. Rush surcharges may apply because of priority scheduling and overtime.
How far in advance should we book studio time and talent?
It is helpful to book several weeks ahead, particularly for popular languages and peak seasons. Early booking also leaves room to refine scripts and casting.
Do different languages have different turnaround times?
Yes, widely spoken languages with large talent pools tend to schedule faster than rare or niche languages. Complex casting requirements or special accents can also lengthen timelines.
How do holidays and weekends affect delivery schedules?
Local holidays and weekends can impact studio availability, particularly for in‑person sessions. Timelines are planned around these dates and communicated upfront.
What happens if our schedule shifts after the project has started?
If schedules change, the project manager re‑plans session dates and milestones with you. Major shifts may affect cost and delivery, especially if actors or studios must be rebooked.
Can you deliver in phases (e.g., by episode or batch)?
Yes, phased delivery is common for series or large content libraries. Early batches can go live while later episodes are still in production.
How do you plan timelines for multi‑season or ongoing series?
For long‑running series, a recurring schedule with standard lead times and cast availability is set up. This predictable cadence supports planning on both sides and keeps quality consistent.
Pricing and Cost Structure (highlight on dubbing page)
How much does dubbing typically cost per minute in 2025?
Professional dubbing often falls in a band of roughly “basic” through “premium” rates per finished minute, depending on language, complexity, and market. Entry‑level options are cheaper, while high‑end lip‑sync with full post sits at the upper end.
Which factors have the biggest impact on dubbing cost (length, language, genre, etc.)?
Key drivers include video length, number of languages, script complexity, genre, number of characters, and required audio specs. Rare languages, big casts, and premium post‑production naturally push costs higher.
Why do dubbing rates vary so much between languages and regions?
Talent availability, local market rates, and demand make some languages more expensive than others. Regional cost of living and studio overheads also contribute to rate differences.
Do you charge per finished minute, per hour, per page, or by project?
Most dubbing work is quoted per finished minute or as a project flat fee that implies a per‑minute equivalent. Some elements like ADR, retakes, or complex mixing may be billed by the hour.
Do you have minimum billing lengths or session minimums?
Yes, there is usually a minimum billing threshold to cover casting, setup, and studio time. Very short pieces may therefore appear more expensive on a per‑minute basis than longer projects.
How do you price multi‑language dubbing bundles?
Multi‑language bundles are typically costed with efficiencies in translation, assets, and project management. This often results in better per‑language pricing than running each language as a completely separate project.
Are script translation and adaptation included in the dubbing rate?
Many quotes include translation and basic adaptation, but heavy re‑writing or creative adaptation may be itemized. Proposals clearly show what is included so clients can compare options.
Are studio, engineer, and director fees included, or billed separately?
Standard dubbing packages usually include studio time, engineer, and basic direction. Special requirements—such as named directors, extra supervision, or extended sessions—can be added as separate line items.
Do you offer discounts for volume, series, or long‑term contracts?
Volume projects, series, and frameworks often qualify for more favorable per‑minute rates. Long‑term clients also benefit from efficiency gains in style, terminology, and workflow.
Do you provide “starting from” price ranges or only custom quotes?
“Starting from” bands can be shared to help with early budgeting, but exact pricing is confirmed via custom quotes. This ensures the quote reflects languages, specs, and deadlines accurately.
Lip‑sync, mixing, and add‑ons (highlight on dubbing page)
What is lip‑sync dubbing and why does it cost more than basic voice‑over?
Lip‑sync dubbing requires extra script adaptation, more takes, and tighter alignment with actors’ mouths. This additional time and expertise naturally increase the cost relative to simple narration or UN‑style VO.
What are the typical add‑on costs for lip‑sync compared to simple VO?
Lip‑sync often represents a noticeable uplift over basic VO, sometimes adding a significant percentage to the base rate. The actual increment depends on language, genre, and how precisely the sync must match.
Is lip‑sync always necessary, or can we use a more economical style?
Lip‑sync is usually preferred for fiction, drama, and high‑engagement content. For corporate, instructional, or documentary projects, a non‑lip‑sync style can be more budget‑friendly while still effective.
What is included in your standard sound mixing for dubbed projects?
Standard mixing typically covers cleaning dialogue, balancing levels, and blending with music and effects. The result is a polished mix that meets standard listening expectations for the chosen platform.
Do you charge extra for advanced sound design and 5.1/7.1 mixes?
Yes, surround mixes, advanced sound design, or complex deliverables usually carry an additional fee. These services require more time, monitoring setups, and often additional review cycles.
How much do sound mixing and audio post‑production typically add to the budget?
Yes, M&E tracks and stems are commonly used so only dialogue is replaced while the soundscape remains consistent. Supplying clean M&E accelerates mixing and preserves the original creative intent.
Can you work with our existing M&E tracks (music and effects) and stems?
Yes, M&E tracks and stems are commonly used so only dialogue is replaced while the soundscape remains consistent. Supplying clean M&E accelerates mixing and preserves the original creative intent.
Can you deliver mixes tailored for TV, OTT, cinema, web, and social platforms?
The mixing stage can be targeted to specific loudness, format, and codec standards for each platform. Different versions can be delivered if you plan to distribute the same content across multiple channels.
Do you provide separate stems (dialogue, music, effects) on request?
Dialogue, music, and effects stems can be delivered alongside the full mix to support future re‑versioning. These are especially useful for regional cut‑downs or additional language versions later.
How do you handle loudness, peak levels, and broadcast/OTT audio specs?
Mixes are conformed to the loudness and peak standards specified by the client or platform. QC includes checks to ensure the audio passes typical broadcast or OTT technical reviews.
ADR, Retakes, and Revisions (Highlight on Dubbing Page)
How much does ADR usually cost compared to normal dubbing?
ADR is often billed as separate session time, reflecting the need for precise sync and multiple takes. On a per‑minute basis, it can work out higher than general dubbing because the work is more surgical and time‑intensive.
In which situations do you recommend ADR instead of standard dubbing?
ADR is recommended when specific lines need repair due to noise, new dialogue, legal changes, or performance issues. It is also used when localized lines must match very tight timing or on‑screen actions.
How do you schedule and price ADR sessions?
ADR sessions are scheduled with actors, engineer, and director for focused blocks of time. Pricing usually reflects hourly or half‑day studio rates plus any talent fees.
Are minor corrections and pick‑ups included in the original quote?
Minor pick‑ups to fix clear errors or technical glitches are often included within a defined revision window. The exact policy is described in the proposal so there is no ambiguity.
Do you charge extra for advanced sound design and 5.1/7.1 mixes?
Yes, surround mixes, advanced sound design, or complex deliverables usually carry an additional fee. These services require more time, monitoring setups, and often additional review cycles.
When are retakes billed extra instead of being treated as corrections?
Retakes triggered by client‑side script changes, new creative direction, or late approvals are typically billed extra. Significant new content is treated like new recording rather than free correction.
How do you handle retakes caused by script changes on the client side?
Script changes after recording usually require scheduling actors again, which incurs fresh session and editing time. The project manager will estimate the additional scope so you can approve it before work proceeds.
How do you handle retakes due to performance or technical issues on the studio side?
If performance or technical faults are clearly on the studio side, corrections are handled at no extra cost. Quality expectations are clarified upfront to minimize disagreements.
Are there limits on the number of revision rounds included in the price?
Most quotes include one or two rounds of reasonable revisions, with more rounds possible as paid additions. This structure keeps projects moving while still allowing client input.
Can you revisit and fix issues in older dubbed tracks?
Yes, older dubs can be revisited for corrections, upgrades, or new versions, as long as project files are available. Where original assets are missing, re‑recording may be more efficient.




