In this multicultural world we live in, languages have traversed borders. It is now more important than ever to ensure that your content is able to reach a wide audience. That is why subtitling and voice dubbing have become such an integral business.
Having a video available in multiple language is a huge asset which can open your production up to a wealth of new audiences. There are however, multiple ways to approach getting your video done in other languages. You can add subtitles, or you can add a voice-over track, which can be time synced or not. Here is some information that may assist you when thinking about adding #Subtitling and #VoiceDubbing to your video.
Transcription
One thing that a lot of our clients forget when they ask us to quote for subtitling or voice dubbing is that we need a word for word transcription for the video. If the video had a script and the voice-over or on-screen talent stuck to it, then that would be your transcription. But in many cases, especially with #CorporateProductions, we simply have a list of interview questions to go off of and the individual speaks candidly. In that scenario, we tell our clients that we can either quote them for us to watch the video while transcribing it, or they are able to do so themselves and provide to us in order to save costs.
Translation
The next step would be to get the transcription translated. Depending on what language you need it translated into, as well as the amount of words, the costs can vary widely. Certain languages are more difficult to find experts on, and require more lengthy review processes to ensure that the syntax of the sentences are coming across properly. Another important factor stems from the industry language and terminology which are used. It is important to ensure that you express this to the #TranslationTeam, so that they can find a translator who understands the context of the terminology.
Subtitling
Subtitling is a fairly straight forward process. Working with a good translation team is key to the success of this stage of the project. A good translation partner will provide you with a chart which lays out the text, so the editor is able to match sentence to sentence. In this case, you do not need an editor who understands the language which the content is translated into, but they only need to be able to plug-in the subtitles where the original language is within the timing of the video. Subtitling is a simple and cost-effective way to provide your video content in another language.
Voice Dubbing
Getting your translated script voiced over is the most basic way to add an additional language audio to your video. This is a good option if there are no on-camera speakers, and there is only b-roll footage used. In this case, you could simply hire a professional voice actor to record the translated script, and the editor lays the track down over the footage.
When there are on-camera speakers though, you need to dub the voice-over to match with the on-camera talent. There are still two ways to do this. The more cost-effective way is called time syncing. Where the editor takes the recorded voice-over track, and syncs the audio with the on-camera action as best as possible, in order to match with the timing of the original video clip. A second option is called lip syncing, which is where the voice-over actor comes into studio and records the voice-over while watching the original video clip, in order to match the lips of the on-screen talent.
Subtitling and voice dubbing are both great solutions which are able to get your video content out to a larger audience. Depending on time and budget constraints you will need to decide which is the best option for you.
