Why French scripts always need more breathing space
One of the biggest mistakes in French-language recordings is the length of the script. If you translate a Dutch text literally into French, you will always end up with a script that is up to twenty per cent longer. French simply needs more words and syllables to convey the same message.
Here is an important insight from the recording studio: give the French voice room to breathe. As a director, I often see clients forcing the French voice actor to squeeze a lengthy script into the exact same timecode as the shorter Dutch version. The voice actor then has to rush to meet the timing. The result is a rushed recording that loses all credibility. Adjust the timing of your video, or be brave enough to cut some words from the French translation to give the voice the space it deserves.
Direct and adjust live in the studio
During a recording session, we sit close to the microphone as voice directors. We guide the voice actor on a micro-level: a stress that needs to be slightly softer, or a pause that should last a second longer. A good voice recording should feel like a comfortable, bespoke suit. It needs to fit the visuals and the mood of the video perfectly. A voice that is too loud or overly enthusiastic feels like a stiff, oversized rented suit that the actor cannot move in.
How does a recording session like this work in practice?
- Preparation: the voice actor receives the final script beforehand to go over the pronunciation of brand names and the desired tone.
- Live direction: we record several takes with subtle variations in tempo and dynamics, often while the client listens in remotely.
- Post-production: we select the best takes, clean up the audio technically, and sync it perfectly with the video.
Clear pricing behind the scenes
There is sometimes confusion about how the price of a professional recording is calculated. At our agency, we use a transparent pricing structure so there are never any disputes afterwards.
For commercial work, such as a radio or television ad, you pay a fixed basic fee for the recording session (the session fee), plus a buy-out. This buy-out covers the usage rights and depends on the medium and the duration of the campaign. For non-commercial projects, such as an internal e-learning course or a corporate video, we charge per word or per project. This way, you know exactly what to expect upfront through a tailored quote.
