We’ve all heard it or said it: “I couldn’t watch the dub.”

Live action dubbing has improved immensely over last 4 years. But with some exceptions, it is still short of the mark in terms of consistently ‘tricking’ us into thinking that the dubbed language is the original. I am here to talk about why it is still not there, why you shouldn’t expect it to be spot on (or even close in some cases) and why it may be awhile until it is on a consistent basis.

Dubbing: The overlaying of a voice in a new language over the original physical performance ; replacing the original language with another.

Over the last several years I have been lucky enough to voice direct over 100 episodes of live-action dubbing for Netflix and Disney Plus.

About 5 years ago, the major streamers, starting with Netflix, began to put millions toward purchasing foreign properties and dubbing into English (and several other languages). Depending on the original language, the ability to sync the lip performance of the new language is extremely difficult. I directed the English Dub of a Turkish series and let me tell you - the on-screen mouth shapes and tongue movements were SO different that we were rarely able to get a good sync PLUS a good acting performance PLUS make the writing still mean the same as the original. It is basically impossible.

The problem is - if either of the three parameters is OFF (Adaptation, Sync, Acting Performance), it will appear as a “Bad Dub”. There is so much content being dubbed and so quickly at the request of the studios that there is the potential for things to be ‘dubby’. But we should rejoice that it’s not like an old dubbed Kung Fu movie though, right? : )

The best chance for a GREAT dub is the following formula: 1) A large enough budget and time frame for the Dubbed post production. 2) GREAT dubbing voice actors — it’s a special breed of highly trained actors who can cold read the words going across the screen, take direction like a pro, and deliver a performance that matches the physicality, projection level and intention of the original actor. The pool of great dubbing actors is growing. 3) Excellent direction - the ability to understand exactly what the original on-screen direction is. There is a big difference between a character ‘Berating’ someone and ‘Pleading’ with someone. If a director can see these nuances in the original performance and have the actor deliver it with that same action (and projection level) AND be in sync, then we are getting somewhere (and we ARE :)

If you are a dubbing actor or director, I’d love to hear your thoughts about this as well.

Here is a link to a few dubbing samples that I directed that I am proud of. While I can’t say that I am able (because of the explanation above) to always deliver this solid of sync and performance, these samples show where live action dubbing is headed. https://vimeo.com/585150741

It will be awhile (if ever) until most live action dubs will be up to the expectations of the average viewer. The average viewer is expecting something that is often not possible, especially when dubbing from certain languages. However, the quality is improving each year, so who knows, if you are a dubbing naysayer you may soon be converted. But if not, the subtitles are great too!!

For voice actors, dubbing is a gold rush. And what a fun way to make a living when the work is there :)