Voice over translation
Voice over translation, written to be spoken.
A translation that reads well on paper often fails aloud: it runs too long, sounds stiff, or stumbles on numbers and names. We translate and adapt the script for the voice, then a native actor records it.
Why it works
Why a plain translation is not enough
Speech has its own rules. These are the ones we adapt for.
- 01
Length
Most languages run longer than English, so the adapted line is shortened to fit the time without losing the claim.
- 02
The way people speak
Written text sounds formal when read aloud. We write in the register your audience speaks, such as tú or usted, du or Sie.
- 03
Numbers, names and units
Dates, prices, units and brand names are written the way the actor will say them, in the right order for the language.
- 04
Breath and emphasis
Sentences are built so the stress lands on the key word in that language, which is often a different place than in English.
Process
From source script to recorded translation
Translation and recording happen in one project, so the actor reads what was written for them.
- 01
Source script and context
You send the script, the picture if any, and what the audio is for.
- 02
Translation and adaptation
A native writer translates and adapts the text for timing and speech.
- 03
Native check
A native speaker reads the adapted script aloud before the session and marks anything that does not sound natural.
- 04
Recording
A native actor records the adapted script, directed in the language.
Specs
What a voice over translation includes
Stated in the quote for every language.
- Text
- Translation and adaptation from the language you send, not a literal copy.
- Timing
- Adapted lines are read against the reference to confirm they fit.
- Register
- Formal or informal address is agreed with you before writing.
- Output
- The adapted script in the language and the audio recorded from it.
Questions
Questions, answered.
Can we send our own translation?
Yes. We record it after a native check, and flag lines that run long or read stiffly.
Why is my translated script longer than the English?
Most languages need more words for the same idea. We adapt the line so it fits the time instead of cutting it off.
Can you translate from languages other than English?
Tell us the source and target. The quote states what we can do for each pair.
Do you keep terms in English?
Where the audience expects it, yes. We agree which terms stay and how the actor says them.
Next
Where to go next
- Localization voice overLocalization voice over for translation agencies and studios: native actors, timing to picture, your line IDs and file names, and unbranded delivery.
- Multilingual voice overMultilingual voice over from one brief: native actors in 47 languages, scripts adapted to the timing, one glossary and one account manager for all.
- Script timingHow voice over script timing changes across languages: why translations run longer than English, rough ranges, and how to fit a script to the time.
Quote a script translation and recording.
Send the script, the languages and the deadline.
Or write to hello [at] voicepros [dot] com