Cinema has become one of the powerful and international forms of entertainment, thanks to the innovation of dubbing. Dubbing is an essential element of localization which enables audiences to consume overseas content in their native language. In simple words, dubbing means translating foreign-language films, TV shows, documentaries, etc., in the language of the target audience. In this post-production process, the translated dialogues are carefully matched to the lip movements of the original actors in the film.
Dubbing has become a necessary option to make the content available to the mass audience all over the world. Why, you ask?
• There is an unprecedented growth in the demand for dubbed content, primarily due to the introduction of various OTT platforms, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hotstar, etc.
• YouGov Survey states that around eight in ten people like to watch foreign (82%) or regional (78%) content if it is available in their native language.
• Further, Netflix’s vice president for international originals, Kelly Luegenbiehl, said that most people prefer to watch dubbed versions of the foreign films over subtitles.
All of this indicates that dubbing has become a popular trend, and people are looking for more dubbed movies so that they can feel comfortable while viewing the content.
How is dubbing done?
Now that you are aware of what dubbing is and how it is becoming a necessity for filmmakers let us have a look at various steps involved in this audio post-production process.
1. Creating the script
The success and failure of the dubbed film depend on the quality of the script. First, a dubbing script is prepared in which all original dialogues are translated into the native language of the audience. But this is not as simple as it sounds. The challenge here is to have the translated dialogues sync up with that of the original ones. For example, what is said in four words in one language might require eight words in another. Thus, the translated dialogues must take the same time to be spoken, like in the source language.
2. Choosing the right talent
After preparing the script, the next critical step is to find a dubbing talent to complete your dubbing process. Keep in mind that casting the right talent is crucial to make sure that the dubbed content sounds as high-quality and natural as possible. You must aim for a voice actor who not only adheres to the timing requirements but also whose voice and tone matches with that of the original actor in the film.
3. Recording the dialogues
The script is ready. The dubbing talent is hired. What next? Now it is the time for the most exciting part of the dubbing process – recording the dialogues. For a successful recording, you need to find a suitable location that is equipped to handle all your dubbing needs. Also, the dubbing process requires the services of various professionals, such as script translation experts, sound engineers, dubbing actors, and editors. So, a filmmaker must collaborate with those within his/her budget and who are experts in their respective fields.
Once you are through with the recording session, start adding or mixing the new dialogue tracks into the film. Here, you need to take the help of sound and editing experts so that the dialogues fit seamlessly with the original content.
We provide high-quality dubbing and voice-over for movies. We are DUBnSUB – a leading post-production company based in Gurgaon, India with branch offices in Germany, France, USA, and Myanmar. Drop-in your requirements at [email protected] or call us at +91 124 498 2484.