In the content world especially for movies and videos, the relevance of dubbed versions is growing. This allows such content to be communicated to a wider range of audience and generate more sales. So, what does English Dubbed mean?
When content is translated into English from a foreign language, it is termed “English dubbed”. In other words, if a Chinese movie is dubbed into English, all vocal expressions in the dubbed movie will be in English.
Dubbed content is also different from subtitled content. Although they try to achieve the same goal, what is at stake differs.
Now that you are familiar with what an English dubbed is, the rest of this article will expose you to the requirements for generating a dub, why it is beneficial, and better than subtitles.
Facts About Dubbing You Must Know
1. Dubbing produces a new script
To generate a dub or a subtitle, you need the original script of the content you are working on. After getting the script, the work process for both take different routes.
The major reason why you need the script for dubbing is to create a different script in English. This script must also flow in the same wavelength as the original (foreign) language or script.
In other words, the new (English dubbed) script must be synced to maintain a close syllabic and lip movement relationship with the original script.
While your work may not be completely perfect, it should be so good that the audience won’t dwell on it a few minutes into the movie.
Hence, the end game is to know the number of words that can fit into a screen at any particular moment and how long they need to stay. Engaging more in literal translations is one way to get this right.
2. A good dub costs (at least) 10x a Subtitle
Dubbing is super expensive compared to subtitle generations or subbing. This is because it requires immense creativity and technical know-how to craft an excellent English dub.
You need actors who will do the voiceover for your dubbed script and sound engineers who will mix and edit their final performance.
Your job is to direct the whole process and this may take up to 6 to 12 weeks depending on the length of the movie.
3. The decision to dub depends on the individual country’s film culture
Different countries have different preferences when it comes to dubbing. In Europe, which is primarily dominated by Hollywood, dubbing is generally acceptable.
Countries like France, Italy, Germany, and Spain have a high demand for English dubbed. The need to generate an English dub for countries outside Europe may depend on the performance of the movie, financial demands, and what the global market indicates.
Subtitle files will play the role of a dub if there are not enough positive pointers.
What are the Benefits of Dubbing
1. Dubbing increases engagement
When you generate a quality English dub, you are saying to other countries they do not have to worry about the language barrier and you are giving them something better than subtitles. However, if an English dub is poor, audience engagement will dwindle.
Thanks to the presence of various streaming platforms, the film industry in non-English speaking countries now enjoys increased views.
A good example is Money Heist (a Spanish movie), which had an English dubbed and subtitled version.
Most of my friends who started with a dubbed version completed the series compared to those who watched the subtitled version. This shows you the retention power a dub has on its audience.
2. Viewers enjoy content in their language more
As an English native, the problem a dubbing company is trying to solve is to give you the option to watch various foreign movies, shows, and other programs in your language.
In other words, they are banking on your preference. You can be a good Spanish speaker and still prefer to watch an English-dubbed Spanish movie because English is your native language.
This is because watching movies or shows dubbed into your native language guarantees a better viewing experience. You get to enjoy the content more with little to no second-guessing.
3. Reach millions of potential viewers
English is one of the most common languages in the world. So whatever your reason for creating an English dub is, it has a high chance of being successful because millions of viewers understand it.
Not just for movies, corporate videos, tutorial channels on YouTube, and product adverts also get an English dub first before considerations are made for other languages.
What is the Difference Between Dubbing & Subbing?
Dubbing is a technique that involves the replacement of the original voice and language used in a video with a preferred language (in this case – English).
Not only the audio is removed from dubbed content. Scenes with extreme sexual influence, horror, and abuse may also be filtered.
Dubs are more expensive than subtitles.
Subtitling is a technique that translates the original language into texts or captions (displayed beneath the screen) that are understandable by foreign audiences.
For example, it is rare to see a dubbed Indian movie. This is because they often come with subtitle options. In other words, the audio or spoken language rarely changes.
Subtitling also has no say in filtering extreme horror or bloody scenes. They are also cheaper compared to dubs.
FAQs
What is English dubbed audio?
English dubbed audio is the result of a post-production process where the original language of content is translated into English.
This is followed up by integrating the audio file with the original content and making it sound as natural as possible.
What is the difference between English dubbed and subbed?
Dubbing combines voice acting, directing, and sound engineering while subtitling only involves creating text captions for every word in the content.
In other words, subtitle generations have no business with the voices in the content.
Which is better subbed or dubbed?
Dubbed movies are better because they provide a natural flow and better connect with the audience.
However, if you have difficulties hearing, subtitles are the best option for you.
Why do people use dub?
Sometimes, reading subtitles while watching a show can be stressful and distracting.
With a dubbed version, your focus is solely on watching and if you don’t miss any part, the few statements that follow will give you a good idea of what transpired.
Which country dubs the most?
Germany dubs the most alongside India, Spain, and Turkey.
In a Nutshell
Dubbing in English is a great way to communicate your content to your audience in different countries. The process requires the help of a professional dubbing company championed by a director, a new scriptwriter, a sound engineer, a programmer, and more.
While English subtitles are a cheaper alternative, they do not possess the natural flow an audience would prefer to experience while binging an English-dubbed movie or show.
I hope you found this article helpful. Perhaps you are more interested in learning different languages, see the best language to start with.
Thanks for reading.
