Unveiling the artistry behind the scenes: the role of a Voiceover Director

In the advertising industry, effective communication is crucial, and as a Voiceover Director (VOD), my role is pivotal in shaping impactful and culturally relevant messages. Behind the scenes, I work as the architect of translated copies, orchestrating voice, language, and emotion for television and radio commercials.

Before the recording session begins, I engage in the translation and creation of scripts in the second language. This involves using linguistic expertise to navigate cultural nuances and craft scripts that resonate with the target audience, setting the stage for a compelling voiceover rendition. Post-production edits are minimised when I am involved in the process early by receiving the client brief on ToV, style guide, and being involved in translating the scripts. And so this stage is critical.

Having understood the aims of the campaign, in the talent selection process, I take on the role of a casting director, ensuring that chosen artists align with the brand's essence. Attention is given to factors such as tone, accent, and emphasis, as well as meeting specific profile requirements like gender, age, regional accent, and location.

During the recording session, my responsibilities include guiding voiceover talents to deliver captivating performances. I provide constructive criticism to refine their work, fostering a creative environment. Similar to a maestro conducting an orchestra, I meticulously shape every element of the voiceover, from tone and accent to emphasis and emotion, pace and rhythm. The voiceover timings must be right, falling on the correct video frames. It can't be too fast, or too slow. Pronunciation must be clear and correct. Actors are gifted with beautiful voices and they know how to use them. However, they are not experts in linguistic aspects such as intonation and phonetics overall and they can use the guidance. They also often don't have the campaign overview.

Navigating cultural sensitivity and collaborating effectively with studio staff and talent, I work to maintain balance and ensure high-quality results. It's a collaborative and creative process involving several different talents and that can lead often to conflict as what's good or good enough can be subjective. Beyond the recording session, my role extends to post-production reflections, where I meticulously review the recording to ensure alignment with the vision and amended scripts, capturing not just words but the soul of the message. The outcome must represent the approved scripts and campaign goals.

In the realm of media advertising, my skills encompass translation, marketing, copywriting, direction, leadership, and cultural sensitivity. These multifaceted skills contribute to my role as an invaluable contributor to the advertising landscape, creating enduring connections with diverse audiences.

---

Vasiliki is a translator, interpreter, transcreator, blogger, consultant and director of Greek to Me Translations Ltd. She works with English, Greek and French herself and has a team of trusted colleagues who can cover other languages. The offered language services serve mainly the legal, creative, marketing & advertising, fashion and media industries, including voiceover direction.

Vasiliki is a Chartered Linguist, member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL), the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) and Panhellenic Association of Greek Translators (PEM). She is registered with the Greek Consulate in the United Kingdom as a certified translator and interpreter.

She holds a BA in English Language and Linguistics and Masters in Business Translation and Interpreting. As Member of Council to the CIOL and Board Member of the IoL Educational Trust she overseas and supports the organisations' strategic goals.

Being involved in her industry means often delivering public speaking and writing for industry magazines. Her mission is to help organisations and individuals achieve their goals through the power of words. Through The Translators Mentor, Vasiliki helps aspiring or young translators to overcome self-limiting beliefs, build a business mindset and achieve their highest potential.

You can follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.