#voicecasting

I've definitely made posts about this in the past, but probably a long time ago now!

Firstly, I don't voicecast or facecast any of my characters. I can't stand doing it, personally, because I can never find anything that properly matches.

Augus doesn't speak in a Welsh accent in the canon, it's said at least a couple of times that he was trained out of it in the Raven Prince's Court, and now there's no sign of his Welsh accent at all (and never has been, in any of canon Fae Tales). He's soft spoken, silken and has a somewhat sly way of speaking, and speaks with a kind of 'Queen's English' - something that suits a Courtier of a largely Eurocentric fae Court.

Gwyn has a deeper and more striking voice, but also a similar accent, because he was raised in the same environment. Gwyn's voice isn't 'rough' though (like the Raven Prince's, which is probably the most abrasive voice, he's not naturally very soft spoken at all lmao), it's just clear and direct.

And I've often described Ash's accent as Australian-American.

Hey you lovely people,

I’m new to the tumblr side of fandom and, other than some commenting on AO3, I haven’t interacted in a fandom since, uh... 2009? But something about Sansa and her Hound grabbed me and hasn’t let go.

I feel so silly even typing this intro post, but I also want to find people to talk about SanSan with. Like for example, which voice would you cast for book!Sandor’s steel-on-stone rasp? Tom Waits? If you’d like to talk about that, hit me up!

Hi anon!

Really glad you’re enjoying it! :D Also dsflkajfsda Tolkien’s worldbuilding was just otherworldly in how good it was. I’m just happy these dudes have a magic system, lol.

As for the voice post, alas, I cannot find it. I’m sorry!

Tbh I was also never particularly happy with who I voicecast for some of the characters. I don’t voicecast my characters, and so finding actors that already exist / talk like the characters is sometimes literally impossible and a lot like ‘it’s five percent of this person but not like you probably think and ten percent of this person and maybe twenty percent of this one but ONLY in this movie and maybe I don’t know about thirty percent here etc.’

Like, I compared Gwyn to Dyson in Lost Girl, but honestly in retrospect it’s kind of a useless comparison. The only thing that ends up being true is the register/tonal register of Dyson’s voice. The accent isn’t right, the diction isn’t right etc.

I do remember saying though that Augus speaks in a kind of softened Welsh x Queen’s English accent, but Ash has more of an American-Australian twang, lol. But even that’s quite non-specific? What part of Australia? (Probably Melbourne lbr) What part of America? (Prooooobably San Francisco). What era even? (Prob 80s-early 90s for Ash, he’s having a hard time keeping up with the linguistic times lately) Etc. Most Court fae end up with a version of Queen’s English, as this is how many fae / Gentle Folk were supposed to talk in the folklore anyway.

Casting the right voice for your dubbed content is more complex than picking a person with a clear voice. It's an intricate art form fusing intuition with experience. One cannot deny the impact of a perfectly dubbed movie or show on its audience. It can make or break their connection with the characters. This is where "audio dubbing services" come in handy, offering expertise in matching the perfect voices to bring stories to life in different languages.

In this deep dive, we'll explore the intricacies of voice casting and how to achieve the most authentic and impactful results.

Why is Voice Casting Crucial for Dubbed Content?

The voice casting is the heart of dubbed content. A well-cast voice retains the essence of the original character, ensuring emotions and nuances are preserved in translation. Mismatched voices can jar audiences, breaking immersion and altering a story's impact. As global content consumption rises, the need for seamless dubbing grows. Thus, meticulous voice selection becomes paramount. It's not merely about understanding the dialogue; it's about feeling the character's soul. Audio dubbing services grasp this intricacy, making voice casting an art defining dubbed content's success.

The Role of Audio Dubbing Services

Professional audio dubbing services understand these nuances. They employ voice casting experts with years of experience identifying the right voice for each character. The following professionals know the importance of:

Tonal matching: Ensuring the dubbed voice matches the original in tone and emotion.

Character Personality: The voice should resonate with the character's persona.

Language fluidity: Even when the content is translated, it should flow naturally.

The Process of Voice Casting

Choosing the ideal voice is systematic and intentional. Here's how it's typically done:

Understand the Character

Begin with a deep dive into the character's psyche. Beyond knowing their background, it's essential to grasp their motivations, fears, and aspirations. Are they introverted or extroverted? Understanding these layers clarifies the type of voice that mirrors their essence. Moreover, each character's evolution throughout the narrative can influence the voice's nuances, making this step foundational.

Hold Auditions

Transitioning to the next phase, audio dubbing services move to the selection process. While they might have a vast pool of talent, auditions remain invaluable. Moreover, they not only identify potential matches but also spotlight the depth and flexibility of each actor. During these sessions, directors can challenge artists with diverse scenarios, observing their adaptability.

Consider the Target Audience

Next, pivoting and focusing on those who will consume the content is crucial. The cultural and linguistic nuances of the target audience can profoundly influence voice selection. Additionally, subtle vocal inflections that convey warmth in one culture might imply indifference in another. Thus, casting with cultural sensitivity ensures broader appeal and resonance.

Review Feedback

Lastly, as the process nears its culmination, involving a sample audience can offer fresh perspectives. By conducting test screenings, creators can gather invaluable reactions. Sometimes, a voice that seems perfect in isolation might need to mesh better in the broader context of the content. Feedback from these screenings bridges this gap, refining the final voice choice to perfection.

Tips for Effective Voice Casting

To make the procedure smoother, the following are some additional tips:

Embrace Diversity: Voices come in various shades. Embrace the diversity to find a unique voice that stands out.

Prioritize Clarity: Clarity is critical regardless of how well the voice matches. Ensure the actor's pronunciation is impeccable.

Stay True to the Original: While adapting for a new audience, it's essential to maintain the original content's essence.

Overcoming Challenges in Voice Casting

There are several challenges in the world of voice casting:

Matching Lip Movements: One of the significant challenges audio dubbing services face is syncing the dubbed voice with the on-screen characters' lip movements. This requires precision and sometimes creative translation.

Finding the Right Emotion: A scene's emotional depth can change with the voice. Finding a voice that captures the essence of the scene is crucial.

Balancing Authenticity and Familiarity: While it's essential to be true to the original, ensuring the dubbed content is relatable to the new audience is also vital.

The Future of Voice Casting

As technology advances, so does the art of voice casting. With the advent of AI and deep learning, audio dubbing services are continuously evolving. Voice modulation tools and software make it easier to adapt voices, ensuring better syncing and emotional resonance. However, the human touch remains irreplaceable. Understanding the character, the nuances of language, and cultural undertones will always need a human's expertise.

Conclusion