Dubbing

Dubbing is a post-production process of mixing additional recordings with the original audio track and produce new finished audio. In video production, the term “dubbing” is used when the speaker’s audio is fully replaced by a voice actor’s. In localization, dubbing (lip-sync dubbing, revoicing) is a localization method of replacing the original dialogue with recordings of professional actors of another language into a new finished audio track (language replacement). Not to be confused with ADR (re-recording with original actors to improve quality/ reflect changes) or voice over "UN style". 

Convey the authentic experience

Contrary to voice-over "UN style", which retains the original dialogue underneath the voice actor, the dub must be carefully timed and synchronized to match the speaker’s lips, meaning, and intonations. In dubbing, matching the original feel and timing are essential. The script must be adapted to reflect the original word length and syllable counts. The choice of words is critical as foreign language dialogue must be perfectly synched with the lip movement of the on-screen characters. It’s a word-for-word recording and editing battle that is time and effort consuming. Often audio and visuals fail to match and actors are requested to collaborate with editors on the script to improve synchronization. As a result, compared to voice over, dubbing is much more accurate in conveying the authentic feel.

When to use dubbing

Dubbing is required when the video is communicating high-impact information that is way beyond spoken words and the localization objective is information retention. It combines tonality, dialect, words, emotions, nuances and accents to convey richer, more absorbing experiences. The decision to use dubbing however is also based on the local legislation and viewer preferences, the nature of the content, available budget, volume of content and turnaround time. In Germany and France, dubbing is required as a national standard for broadcast localization and reflects the viewer's expectations. Dubbing does not require viewers to have visual access to the screen in order to follow the action.

Broadcast dubbing

Dubbing is used by the entertainment industry for movies, films and performance videos to capture the original content intent. For entertainment products, such as films and performance-driven videos, dubbing is in fact the only true way to convey the natural feel with the original audiovisual material. As a common practice animation and commercial content is generally dubbed (lip-sync) while the practice for live-action content varies from country to country. On occasions in TV programs both dubbing and voice over are present, for example in police or interview programs where there is both a narration (voice over) and an on-screen dialogue (dubbing) to enhance the viewer experience.

Non-broadcast dubbing

Dubbing is also largely used for localizing non-broadcast content where the target language version is expected to be truly immersive and realistic (video games and other audiovisual interactive media). When the audiovisual content is communicating a large amount of high-impact information, such as training or sophisticated lectures with data-intensive presentation slides, information retention that is presented to a foreign language audience is significantly enhanced when the audience is not distracted by competing audio feeds (such as voice over) or graphic localization (subtitles, captions).

Bring your script to life

GoPhrazy provides dubbing services in 150+ languages for the needs of your TV, film, animation, commercial, video game or other content genre needs. We breathe life into your stories and create truly immersive, memorable experiences to fascinate and engage your viewers in another language.

A well-crafted dub makes the content native and unnoticeable to viewers, as it feels like an original. Thus, we don't simply translate and dub your source video script. Instead, we assist you in culturally adapting your content to consider local norms, traditions and sensitivities. We employ empathy to help your characters establish a deeper cultural and emotional connection with your target audience.

From file transfer, script translation and cultural adaptation through talent casting, session directing, dialogue recording, mixing and post-production, we provide 360-degree convergence under one roof.