Voice Testing Specifications v1.2
While Netflix requires dubbing studios to use voice talent that is well-established as the in-territory counterpart for any actor involved in the original production, Netflix may also request approval of voices in order to maintain the creative intent of the original cast and/or provide feedback to guide talent towards that path.
The Netflix Creative Dubbing Supervisor will communicate which characters require Netflix voice casting approval and will specify the method (live voice tests vs library samples).
The voice casting approval process will take place via our Casting Approval platform.
Voice Samples
Please provide audio file samples—each containing a different actor’s performance—for each role being cast. It is preferred to include samples from talent who has voiced the original actor in the past (and a clip from that performance) and/or samples of a performance that resembles the one being cast.
These files should adhere to the following:
- The dominant speaking role in the clip should be that of the actor being considered, preferably as “dry” audio with no other music or effects.
- File should preferably be a minimum of 45 seconds and a maximum of 60 seconds in length.
- When available, please include file with actor reading his/her name in normal speaking voice as part of or in addition to performance sample.
- Please name file as [NameOfRole]_[ActorName].
- We encourage all studios to provide the director’s preference with context in the comment section of the Casting Approval tool.
Live Voice Tests
For higher-touch projects, Netflix will approve roles based on a test performance of the role for which the talent is being considered. Netflix will provide the studio with a clip from the original production. In return, they will request .wav files containing the audio of the dubbing performances from the voice talent being considered.
The files should adhere to the following:
- The sample performance should have the same runtime and be in sync with the clip provided.
- Before test performance, actor should read his/her name in normal speaking voice (preferably over slate).
- Please only dub dialogue for role(s) being cast and do not include any other production audio in the clip. If an M&E mix and/or stems are available, it is okay to use these in the mix of the voice test.
- Each file should contain one performance/test only and be named as [NameOfRole]_[ActorName].
- We encourage all studios to provide the director’s preference with context in the comment section of the Casting Approval tool.
Change Log:
2019-10-02 (version 1.2)
- Minor updates accommodating new voice casting approval workflow through Casting Approval tool.