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Bilingual VO 101

with Pilar Uribe

Training your ear takes practice - in any language! Anne and Pilar discuss what it’s like to approach bilingual voice over in today’s VO industry, from understanding culture and dialects to managing translation and delivery styles. Adaptation and observation are key to success as a bilingual talent, and it’s important to keep a finely-tuned ear open to understanding language rather than just speaking it. Tune in to hear tips and information from a veteran performer…


In this episode, Anne & Pilar discuss approaching bilingual voice over in today’s VO industry, from understanding language and culture, to dialects, translation, and delivery styles…

"As bilingual voices, we have to listen & adapt." - Pilar Uribe

About Pilar Uribe

Pilar Uribe is a bilingual voice actor, telenovela star, and radio personality. Born and raised in New York City, she broke into show business with roles in Yo Soy Betty La Fea (Ugly Betty), Pobre Pablo, and El Cartel, filmed in Colombia and Miami. She recorded and produced for WLRN Miami-South Florida and now lives in Los Angeles, where she records voice over for television, radio, and films.



Pilar's Pointers

Quick-share concepts from today’s episode:

  1. Don’t go overboard with labels! When trying to understand Hispanic vs Latina vs Latinx, it’s safest to ask someone how they identify, or wait until they share. #BOSSVOCES

  2. Different dialects originate from different regions of Spanish-speaking countries. #BOSSVOCES

  3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Pilar often works with a dialect coach to perfect a variety of dialects. #BOSSVOCES

  4. Be ready to adapt. Even native Spanish speakers are not dealing with the language or how their voice sounds, but the way they deliver the copy per dialect request.

  5. When doing an English & Spanish spot, Spanish often runs longer since the translation requires more words. #VOBOSS

  6. Even with the exact same copy, a bilingual read will sound completely different in each language. #BOSSVOCES

  7. In bilingual sessions, there is typically a native speaker from each language to facilitate and make sure the delivery is authentic & accurate. #BOSSVOCES

  8. Pilar believes it is her job to step in and make the client’s job easier, as the person who understands both languages. Don’t be afraid to speak up during a session and help with the translation or copy! #VOBOSS

  9. Understanding & speaking a language are two completely different things. Pilar will often practice speaking Spanish to sharpen that muscle. #VOBOSS

  10. Bilingual success requires listening. Observe how others speak, their pace, and the dialects they use to inform your reads. Practice by listening to shows, movies, podcasts, or radio stations in other languages. #BOSSVOCES


"Training your ear takes practice." - Anne

Referenced in this Episode

Direct links to things we brought up ++


Check out Pilar's blog >>
Recorded on ipDTL - get it here >>
Get involved with 100voiceswhocare >>

 

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More from Anne

She's a powerhouse voice talent, producer, and host. Book time with Anne to get your voiceover career in gear or focus on a specific genre. Catch her each week on VO BOSS or register for an event on VOPeeps.com >>



Want to get started in voice over?

Perhaps you’ve been told you have a nice voice. Maybe you're looking for a job that allows you to work from home and make some quick money. Or it's something you wish to pursue during retirement. It could be that you’ve been in broadcasting for a number of years and would like to use your skills to become a voice actor. Or, as an actor during the pandemic, you are looking for ways to supplement your income. Whatever the case, there are a lot of mysteries and myths surrounding success in the Voice Over industry...



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