2021-11-19

 

 

Sound is an essential element to determine the immersion of the game. After completing all the preparation such as analyzing the game and casting voice talents, the actual recording begins and all the staff members participated in it with both tension and anticipation. So who exactly participates in the recording session of a game?

 

With a heightened interest in the recording and dubbing of games, many people are curious as to the roles who participate in such a recording session. Many people are already aware of a Voice Director and Voice Talents, but they may not be aware of the other essential members of the team who provide foundational pillars for a smooth and efficient recording session. For this reason, we will share a series of articles to answer these types of questions about game sound. To start off, let’s take a look at the participants involved in a typical VO recording session and their role in today’s article.

 

Artistic Director ( Voice Director )

• Oversees all of the creative aspects of a recording, including review of the script and game, setting the initial tone, direction and pace of the recording.
• Manage the cast, and finalize the creative vision behind the selected candidates.
• Manages the Voice Talent schedules and bookings to align with the production requirements.
• Directing the talent’s voice performance.
• Co-ordinate with the various other members such as the Audio Director, Recording Engineer, Project Manager, Script Editor.

 

Recording Engineer

• Oversees the technical aspects of a recording, including the operation of all the hardware, from setting the microphone to recording the actual audio into the DAW ( Digital Audio Workstation )
• Ensures the technical specifications are met for every unique project. This includes utilizing the appropriate hardware to setting the correct mic placement and getting the right loudness and tone.
• Co-ordinates with other members such as the Audio Director, Voice Director, Sound Editors, Script Editors and Project Managers.
• The co-operation of the Recording Engineer and Voice Director is vital in ensuring a smooth and efficient recording session.

 

Script Editor

• The Script Editor is responsible for the management of all script related matters such as revising and adapting the text to match time constraints within the recording, and updating changes made during the recording.
• The Script Editor is present during the recording to provide script guidance to both the talent and voice director.
• Ensuring the script is free from errors and formatting issues that may impair the recording productivity.
• Management of the AS-REC script so that it is correctly tracked of all updates and notes during the recording to be provided to the production team and/or client.

 

Assistant

• Assist in multiple tasks for various members of the team such as preparing the equipment and settings for the engineer and director.
• Assists in the Booking and management of Talents and their schedules.
• Provides support to talents for various tasks.

 

Client Representative

• Client Representatives may attend the session to make quick decisions on major issues including revisions of the script, change of voice actor or performance preference, adjustment of schedule, etc.
• Expressing opinions on behalf of the company

 

Others

• At times, Clients may join the recording session remotely. (Zoom, Skype, Source Connect, etc.)
• Marketing staff or film crew may participate in the recording session to create marketing materials.

 

While this list may not represent all possible participants of a recording session, this illustrates that many people are involved in the production of Voice Over recordings for a typical game. With many members of the team each handling their share of responsibilities, it is vital that the co-ordination of all members is coherent and operating efficiently. This is the role of the Audio Director, who is usually behind the scenes ensuring smooth execution of all aspects of a project to achieve the best possible outcome for both the studio and the client.

Hopefully this provides some insight into the team involved in a typical recording session at Musai. As this is only one aspect of the workflow, we can shed light on the other parts of the production… but we’ll save that for a future article.

 

 

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