DUBBING, U.N. STYLE VOICE-OVER & NARRATION

Dubbing

The talent's voice replaces the existing narrator's voice, and is synchronized to match the lip movements of the speaker on camera. Preferred to subtitling by some markets, this technique yields high production value and requires the expertise and talent of seasoned script translators and voice actors. Translations must not only be adapted to fit within exacting time constraints, but they must also be sensitive to the pattern of explosive consonants so as to enable the talent to produce seamless lip-synching.

Mandatory in film distribution for select markets, this technique is best-suited when suspension of disbelief is critical to the creative medium.

Narration Style

The most economical recording solution, this technique involves the replacement of the original voice-track with the foreign language recording. Script-fitting adjustments may be required should the video call for audio synchronized to text or images.

U.N. Style Voice-Over 

The talent's voice replaces the existing narrator's voice while the mixing technique allows the original audio to be heard unobtrusively in the background.  Productions using this technique begin by playing a few words of the original audio at regular volume but quickly fade the original track (although it remains audible in the background) as the track for the new target language is brought to the forefront.   While less time-consuming than lip-synch recording, this technique still requires time-fitted script adaptations and experienced voice-talents who can match the pace as well as the voice quality of the original narrator.  This recording technique is particularly well suited to corporate communication videos and segments containing on-camera testimonials or interviews.