Netflix Dubbing Guidelines for Ensuring High-Quality Streaming
The demand for dubbing artists has significantly increased in today’s entertainment industry. Over the past 10 years, the production of animated films, web series in different languages, and movies has grown rapidly. Especially on Netflix, you can now watch web series and documentary films in your native language. Netflix’s streaming quality is considered the best geographically. This is why every dubbing artist today aspires to be associated with the Netflix OTT platform. In this article, we will discuss the Netflix Dubbing Guidelines to Avoid Rejection by Netflix Studios.
Avoid Rejection: Why Netflix Requires VTK Clips for High-Tier Titles
The need for a Voice Talent Kit (VTK) clip is part of a specific process that ensures a dubbing actor’s voice matches the character’s tone, style, and personality.
This is a rigorous approval process in which the Netflix team works to find the perfect dubbing voice for each character. The Language Production Manager must guide the dubbing artist and provide the voice clip. The dubbing submission must be accurate to avoid rejection.
Raw and Natural sound
The actor voice should have a dry effect, meaning plain audio without any extra effects that matches the project’s character. However, keep in mind that a dry effect does not only mean plain voice. It also requires voice clarity, voice suitability, perfect sync, and alignment with the character’s mood. If these aspects are not considered, the studio may look for another option.
Length of the file
The voice file should be at least 30 seconds long and no longer than 60 seconds to ensure ease for the approval manager. Sending a longer file will increase their workload as well as yours. Remember, submit only what is require, nothing more.
Use of M&E mix audio track
Netflix Studio allows the music and effects mix audio track sample only if it is not disturbing the soul of the scene. It is an important role of a dubbing artist to ensure dialogues seamlessly integrate with the M&E mix without disrupting the original sound file.
Mistakes in Dialogue Submission That Lead to Instant Disqualification
The dubbing should only be for the role being cast, and no other production audio files should be submitted. For instance, try to submit a 60-second recording of the main character’s voice individually.
If you dub your audio file with three characters instead, there is a chance that your voice selection might take longer or may not be considered at all. This is because it is easier to assess individual voice files.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Casting Rejection
Netflix takes a no-nonsense approach when it comes to dubbing, as their aim is to provide genuine and quality service to subscribers worldwide.
Each audio file must have a clearly defined submission. For instance, if you are dubbing for the role of Harvey Specter (from Suits), the file should be named Harvey Specter, and it must only contain dialogues of Harvey. The file name should follow the format Harvey Daniel Smith (where “Harvey” is the role name and “Daniel Smith” is your name).
The reason behind the director’s preference must be explicitly stated.
For example:
- Wrong Method: Our first preference is Mohit.
- Right Method: Mohit captured the essence of the original character’s voice perfectly during the courtroom trial scene, aligning well with the character’s personality.
Comments can also be given on a personal level.
For instance:
- “Mohit’s voice carries a depth that matches the original character, whereas Marsh’s voice is more suitable for the supporting actor, which requires a high degree of sensitivity.”
The purpose of this process is to ensure that selecting the right voice takes minimal time and effort.
How Incorrect File Formats Can Cause Your Dubbing Submission to Be Rejected
Always submit your dubbing in WAV file format, as it is in line with the current industry standards.
Why WAV file format?
Easy to Sync
The WAV format helps effectively sync your voice with the picture for smooth lip-syncing. It does not contain compression errors or other issues, ensuring seamless synchronization.
File Integrity
In WAV files, recordings remain secure and error-free, unlike compressed file formats. This ensures that the dubbing performance stays intact, and the post-production process doesn’t consume unnecessary time.
Editing Flexibility
The WAV file format is easily editable and can be adjusted according to sound design needs. It also simplifies tasks such as balancing effects and audio mixing.
Conclusion
Whenever a production house wants to dub its content into different languages, it must ensure that the dubbing does not affect the original content’s quality, that the lip-sync is accurate, and that the dubbing artists or actors onboard perform their roles excellently. This is important because a skilled dubbing artist plays a key role in connecting the art of various countries, which is a unique and valuable contribution in itself.
