Key factors when requesting a voice-over and advertising dubbing quote
When localizing an audiovisual piece, having a clear and accurate quote from the outset helps prevent delays, revisions, and additional costs during project execution.
Many issues that may arise later are more often related to misunderstandings, lack of information, or disorganization at the quotation stage rather than to artistic or technical factors.
In this article, we focus specifically on voice-over quotes for advertising content, a process that differs from dubbing for films, series, or documentaries, where additional considerations apply.
To ensure a smooth hiring process and allow clients to access the most competitive pricing, it is essential to provide certain key information when requesting a quote:
Brand or client
Knowing the company, brand, or institution behind the content helps define style guidelines, communication tone, and confidentiality requirements. A large-scale commercial campaign is not the same as an internal or educational piece, and this context directly impacts both creative and contractual decisions.
Type of project
Clearly identifying the type of project is essential to avoid misunderstandings. There are multiple formats, each with specific technical requirements and production timelines that directly affect pricing:
Advertising spot
Explainer or corporate video
E-learning
Medical or scientific content
Audiobook
Narration for apps or video games
Audio stories
Volume and duration
It’s important to specify the number of pieces to be recorded and the exact duration of each one. A detailed breakdown allows for accurate budgeting, proper resource allocation, and realistic delivery timelines.
Languages
Knowing both the source and target languages is key to providing an accurate quote. In multilingual projects, all required languages should be defined from the beginning, as adding them later often leads to delays and unnecessary reconfigurations. Likewise, specifying whether a neutral register or specific regional accents are required is crucial for voice talent selection, translation, and voice direction.
Usage of the material
Clearly stating where and how the content will be used has a direct impact on costs, as each distribution channel involves different usage fees and broader exposure implies greater rights for the voice talent. For example:
Social media (specifying whether paid advertising is included)
Broadcast or cable TV
Client’s website
In-person events or trade shows
Internal presentations or training
Poorly defined or incomplete usage information often leads to conflicts, renegotiations, and avoidable additional costs.
Usage period
Indicating how long the campaign or usage license will remain valid is essential. In digital content, perpetual usage is often contracted, but this must be clearly stated from the outset to avoid misinterpretations.
Territory
Specifying the countries or regions where the content will be distributed is crucial. Rates vary depending on territorial scope, and this information ensures fair compensation for voice talent, in accordance with union regulations and professional standards in each market.
Required voice type
A clear brief greatly facilitates the casting process. Tone references, examples of previous campaigns, similar pieces, or even a video guide help identify the ideal voice for the project.
Even better, if the client can provide the original material, a custom voice casting fully aligned with the project’s spirit can be carried out.
Session attendance
Today, clients can attend recording sessions remotely and provide real-time feedback. Connecting directors, linguists, and brand representatives from different countries helps ensure a coherent final result that remains faithful to the original message. This option can also be defined during the initial contracting stage.
Why choose us
At Waira, we understand that successful localization begins long before the recording session. That is why, from the very first stage, we focus on delivering carefully prepared quotes, working with clarity, transparent agreements, and a comprehensive approach.
Each quote includes voice suggestions from our in-house talent pool, featuring the main Latin American accents. All projects are recorded, edited, and supervised by bilingual professionals who oversee every stage to ensure a smooth, transparent process with no surprises.
Our goal is for clients to focus on creativity, while we ensure the message reaches its final language with accuracy, quality, and professionalism.
