STEP-BY-STEP PROJECTS B2

Dub a film
Work in pairs. Answer the questions. Then read the Introduction to check or find your answers.
1 How do different countries show foreign-language films?
2 What’s the difference between dubbing and voice-over?
3 Why do English-speaking countries sometimes remake foreign-language films?
Introduction
Countries in different parts of the world choose different ways to
make foreign-language films and TV series comprehensible for their
audiences. In northwest Europe, Greece and the Balkan countries, the
preference is often for subtitles (except for films and series aimed
at children, which are usually dubbed). The same is true in the US,
Canada, Mexico and Australia. In the rest of western Europe, South
America and much of Asia, dubbing is typically preferred. In some
countries, including Russia, voice-over actors are used. This means
that a small group of actors reads out a translation of the script but
with the original voices still audible in the background. Although most
English-speaking countries have a preference for using subtitles, a
foreign-language film or series is sometimes completely remade if it’s
thought it will be very successful.

Work in groups. Follow the steps to dub a scene from a film or TV series.

Step 1 Step 2
Choose a scene to dub Translate the scene
■ Make a list of popular films or TV series from your ■ Make a final choice about which scene to dub.
country or region that are made in your language. ■ Watch the scene and make sure you understand
■ Write the type of film or series next to each one - exactly what’s happening.
action, drama, soap opera ... ■ Start translating the dialogue into English. One
■ Discuss which film or series on your list would be a person should start writing down the translation, but
good choice and select one together. all group members should then take a turn.
■ Plan how to look for potential scenes to dub, for ■ Check your translation as you work. Think about
example, on DVDs or home recordings, or on an your choice of vocabulary and verb tenses. Use a
internet site(s). Scenes should: dictionary or ask your teacher if you need help.
– have several characters
– be around a minute long I think the mother
– be ‘self-contained’, so that each one can be might have been joking.
understood without seeing what comes before or after.
I wonder why he says that. He
What was the name of that must have misunderstood her.
series set in a school?
Does anybody know how to
What do you think this film say this expression in English?
is - a drama or a thriller?
Shouldn’t we use the present
I think this would be a continuous in this context?
good choice. It’s hilarious.
Wouldn’t it be better to put
I’d prefer something with the preposition at the end of
younger characters, like us. the question?

This one might be hard to find a copy of. I don’t think actually is the
right word here. How about at
I like the scene in the kitchen the moment?
best. It’s really dramatic.
We’d better look that word up
So, do we all agree that this in the dictionary.
would be the best scene to dub?

This page has been downloaded from www.macmillanbeyond.com

1
© Macmillan Publishers Limited 2015. This sheet may be photocopied and used within the class.
STEP-BY-STEP PROJECTS B2
Dub a film

Step 3 Step 5
Check the timing of your translation Record and present your scene
■ Try saying your English lines over the top of the ■ When the scene is well rehearsed, record your
original ones. Make sure that the English lines can audio track.
be said in roughly the same amount of time. ■ Show your scene to other groups. Turn off the
■ If necessary, make changes to your translation to volume and play your audio track.
make lines shorter. Use contractions and change ■ Watch and listen to other scenes.
words. You may need to leave out information. ■ Discuss the different scenes. Which of them did you
enjoy watching the most? Why? Which group did the
Can anyone think of a shorter best job of dubbing their scene?
way to say It was a complete
waste of time? I thought the third scene was
awesome/amazing/brilliant/
Try speaking faster and really impressive.
contracting the word will.
I particularly liked the
Let’s cut this bit. The line mother’s voice. Maria did a
makes sense without it. great job.

If I had to criticise something,

Step 4 I’d say the lip movements
Practise dubbing the scene weren’t always in sync.
■ Assign characters in the scene to different group
members. I’m not a huge fan of dubbed
■ Group members without a character should help films, but they really made the
dubbing actors with their lines – their timing and the scene come alive.
way they say them.
■ Actors should practise their lines until they’re very
I thought the scene from the
familiar with them.
soap opera was best. The
■ With the volume off, practise dubbing the scene.
timing of the lines was perfect.
Repeat lines as many times as you need to. Group
members without a role should direct the scene and
add sound effects when appropriate.
■ Try and synchronise lip movements with the original
if possible.
Do you want to be the son?

We haven’t got enough

female voices, so I’ll be
the mother.

Try saying that with more

surprise in your voice.

You don’t sound

happy enough.

That’s better! Don’t forget

that you’re angry with him.

This page has been downloaded from www.macmillanbeyond.com

2
© Macmillan Publishers Limited 2015. This sheet may be photocopied and used within the class.