voice over vs no voice over

While considering interviews I realised that a lot of interviews commonly use voice overs and in some cases dubbing. 

Voice-over refers to the process of adding voice which is not a part of the narrative to a recording. Most commonly used in audiovisual medias such as documentaries, audio books, and even automated phone messages seen in films. Voice-overs can be done using voice actors who produce externally voice-overs. Usually anytime a voice can be heard that is off-screen it is known as a voice over examples of this would include narrators in documentaries, radio commercials and cartoon voices such as Spongebob. 

The actors who usually record voice overs are commonly known in the industry as voice actors, and they most commonly work for voice over companies such as ViraCitycolab, The DVI group, BX films etc, usually these companies will charge quite a lot for their services, prices usually vary between 100 dollars too 200 dollars an hour. The actors who do the voice overs are trained professionals who are typically recorded in a professional studio post-production. Voice-over is a production technique where a voice is not a part of the narrative it is a non-diegetic sound.

In my research I also came across the technique known as dubbing. Dubbing is a process by which voice over actors re enacts a show in a different language, replacing the original dialogue with a translated version.The translation is attempted to be synced with the lip movements of the actors or animation.

Within voice acting there is also the option of narration, narration is commonly known as spoken commentary used throughout a whole story that is being told to an audience.Narration is commonly used to tell a story. Narration within movies normally tells the story from the lead character's point of view. The use of narration is commonly to move the story along increase the progress of the narrative quickly to get the the next scene by summarising the key points to keep the audience informed. An example of this would by the opening of 'The emperor's new groove' where he explains what happened to him before telling the story. 

There are many positives in using narration as it allows for the editor to fill in an missing elements of the story allowing for a smooth delivery and helping the continuity of the final product. It also adds an element of trust and truth in what the person is saying as the audience is more likely to rely on the narrator for guidance throughout the plot.

After my research I have decided that I will be using my friend to voice over the questions to the contributors in Spanish as they will have a clearer voice than me and the contributors will be better able to understand him in comparison to me as Spanish is his first language. I will not be dubbing my interview however instead I will be adding english subtitles to my final interview product, so that the examiners will have the option between the original Spanish interview and watching it with the addition of english subtitles. I believe this will make my interview more globally accessible.