What do French Audiences Get Out of An American Voiceover?
How do American Voiceovers Engage French Audiences?
American voiceovers engage French audiences in a way few other voiceover performances can. From rough and gritty accents to softer neutral tones, American voiceover actors have an unparalleled command over most, if not all, of the significant American accents – and the range that comes with them. Additionally, trends have shown that despite their proximity to the UK, people in France tend to prefer American English over British English. Perhaps it’s because France and the USA share a long historic love affair with each other and with the ideals of political freedom and personal liberty.
Why Should French Producers Work with American Voiceover Actors?
In the modern day, it’s not enough for French producers to cater to the demographics they’re already familiar with – they need to be ready to engage with anybody who might benefit from their product or service. Similarly, that’s what’s so great about working with American voiceover actors – they get results you didn’t even know existed.
As great as it is to work with local voice talent, sometimes your business needs that extra push to reach a client base you hadn’t previously considered. It may not seem like much, but about 0.22% of the population in France is made up of Americans. Add to that the 4.5 million American tourists that visit France annually, 75+ million non-UK EU tourists who also visit annually and the other 6.8 million international citizens living there many of whom speak English as a common bridge language daily.
By trusting an American voiceover artist to handle your explainers, e-Learning content, commercial voiceovers, and everything in between, you don’t just get a leg up on the competition but the peace of mind in knowing that no stone is left unturned.
6 Ways American Voiceover Actors Help French Producers Reach International Audiences
From fluency in multiple languages to a keen understanding of what makes an audience tick, American voiceover actors can help French producers reach international audiences in more ways than you might initially think. For starters, international audiences haven’t just come to expect the Hollywood-style voiceovers they hear in movies or on Youtube – they’ve come to prefer it.
American cinema has become a quality standard for people worldwide – so it only stands to reason that their voiceover preferences aren’t too far behind. It’s become a glue that ties together the media they consume and the items they purchase.
1. Language Fluency
It’s a common misconception that all Americans only speak one language. In fact, many continental North Americans are natively bilingual in French and English. Likewise, American voiceover actors are often fluent in multiple languages and have the ability to both reach and understand the subtle nuances between the two. This means that the things that often get lost in translation – say, when localizing content – transition smoothly from audience to audience.
2. Cultural Understanding
In the same way that Paris is not a city of chain smoking cyclists with a baguette in their front basket, American audiences aren’t all cowboys, surfers, and New York tough guys. As tongue-in-cheek as these caricatures may seem, it’s an apt example of falling into the category of stereotypes, which can damage brand reputation.
American voiceover actors have a deep knowledge of American audiences. From cultures and customs to the sense of humor and lifestyle differences, these can be a valuable skill set for French producers looking to create relatable and authentic content for an American audience.
3. Accents and Dialects
American voiceover actors have a diverse range of accents and dialects, which can add an additional layer of realism and authenticity to a project. This can be especially useful for French producers looking to reach an American or international audience.
American English is often considered a neutral accent and a bridge language. And for foreign audiences, that’s because many of the different American dialects and accents blur together into one of the big three: East, West, and Southern accents. Superficially, the differences are apparent – a quick pace, an inherent mellowness, or a sharp twang. But beneath the surface, there’s a unique history behind each colloquialism or turn of phrase. Every region has its subtle difference and spice of life that make up the cohesive and well-textured fabric of American English.
4. Professionalism
American voiceover actors have a reputation for being highly professional and reliable. They are accustomed to working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and can deliver high-quality finished recordings as early as the next day. Because most professional American voiceover artists have their own home studio equipped with source connect technology or have access to one that does, it’s never been easier (or more affordable) to benefit from their world-class professionalism.
5. Experience and Expertise
American voiceover actors have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various genres, including commercials, animation, and video games. They can bring versatility to a project, enhancing the overall performance and appealing to a broader audience.
While there are a lot of talented voiceover actors living and working out of the UK and Europe, if you’re looking to capture the true essence of the American voice, you need to go with a voiceover actor who actually knows the sounds of the American voice. This doesn’t seek to disparage some of the truly amazing and talented local French or English voice talents, but it’s hard to portray something you’ve never immersed yourself in.
6. Access to a Global Market
American voiceover actors have a solid international presence and are often familiar with the worldwide market. This can benefit French producers looking to expand their reach and target a global audience. Working with American voiceover actors can bring an extra level of diversity, expertise, and cultural understanding to a project that can enhance the overall performance and appeal to a broader audience, which can help French producers reach and resonate with international audiences.