VoiceOver Services by LSP

An LSP (a language service provider) is a company that offers a range of linguistic services, including primarily translation (written documents) as well as oral translation services and voiceovers. In cases there is also multimodal translation like subtitling (oral to written).

Voiceover is one among such services which involves both oral and written services. Requirements of clients can be varied and can include all or a combination of some of the various language services in one.

Let us analyze the services one by one in an integrated analysis of all related services.

1. Voice Rendition & Recording

At the core of VoiceOver services is the pure narration and voice recording rendered by a voice artiste. This requires a script prepared and provided by the client, ready to record and no further editing or writing is required for the script. The LSP has a pool of voice artistes in several languages and for various age, types (child, adult, professional, comedy etc.) and genders. The client selects the artiste of his choice in consultation with the language service provider.

2. Script Writing

Sometimes, the client requires the script to be written. Content writing based on inputs provided by the client may form part of the service in the given language.

3. Script Translation

In certain cases, the script is available in one language and must be translated to another to be recorded for narration. In this case there are three levels of checks that must be undertaken by the LSP. Firstly, they must have the translation checked for general quality and accuracy, as is the norm. In addition to this, they must THEN get a nod from the VoiceOver artiste to ensure that the style of the translation is suitable for narration and spoken language. The script may also require modification to align with the timing of the frames or videos for which the script is meant to be recorded. Finally, the script MUST be vetted by the client BEFORE RECORDING to ensure that the script aligns with the terms, colloquialisms, and conventions of the organization. These are better adapted before rather than after recording.

4. Video & E-Learning Translation

Scripts may not be available readily and must be transcribed from videos and e-learning modules. This will then pre-require the transcription of the narration in the source language and time coding the script before translation. Care will have to be taken to also find ways to translate onscreen text which form part of the instructional material.

5. Onscreen Text & Subtitles

At times, the narration is not only orally translated but also translated as subtitles on screen, in which case onscreen text and subtitles must be placed strategically.

Coordinating these several activities to create the perfect multimodal language solution for audiovisual production requires the expertise and resources of a language service provider, in order for a production to appear professional and up to mark.

Read an article about a complete voiceover & video integration process.

Read about our voiceover services.

Image Credit: Freepik.com

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