Script timing limits: to read faster or edit the text?

Nikita Kobrin

Hi folks,

Sorry if my question have already been discussed: I've made a search but haven't managed to find the exact answer I need. If there is an answer somewhere please give me a link.

I have just received my first proposal to make a short audition for a company to be considered for VO projects.

I was sent an original video in English and the script translated into Russian.

The problem is that Russian translation always has more letters and thus sounds than the English source text and it will sound somewhat longer than the required timing for the video.

It seems I've got two choices:

1) To read the text somewhat faster but in this case it will sound not quite natural.

2) To slightly shorten the text to fit the required timing: I'm a professional En > Ru translator and thus able to edit the text absolutely without changing the meaning.

What would you recommend me to do? If you think slight editing is possible shall I discussed with my client first? Would it sound professional?

Nikita

September Day Leach · Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2007, 21:12 (GMT) Post subject:

I would say always ask the client first. Some won't care what you do, others are highly offended if you even try to gain an eensy weensy bit of time by saying "they're" instead of "they are". Explain the situation and give them the choice. Much easier than having to re-do several times Smile