The Adoption of Digital Devices Among Voice- Over Artists

Abstract

Dubbing has always been a representation of the symbiotic relationship between an artist and technology. From its early days of the 1930s in Turkey, voice- over artists have performed in studios, synchronizing their voice to the original content and modifying their pitch to the capacity of the microphone. Later, with new technological developments, they also began simultaneously viewing images from screens located behind the microphone, and then reading translated texts from computers. Adding to this sine qua non presence of technology in any dubbing production, the increasing accessibility of portable home recording devices started to bypass third party actors such as sound engineers, producers and directors. Depending on the desired quality and the ability of the artist to manage this recording technology, this opportunity began to encourage artists to generate new work opportunities through the use of social media, which connects them to international markets directly, without the need for an agency. However, the pandemic turned this situation from an individual enthusiasm to a must in order to survive in a challenging environment. At present, studios are closed by the state as part of COVID measures, agencies require artists to provide voice- over content from home, while artists desperately struggle for continued work opportunities in an already precarized industry. While some of them handle the situation by adopting new technologies to market expectations, some others fail to become proficient, or lack access. In this chapter, the adoption of digital recording technologies by dubbing artists living in Istanbul is researched. In addition to questioning the industry’s demands for technology adoption, their ability to access, use and benefit is also examined. The focus is not only on technical skills and economic outcomes but also the way they interpret this challenge in relation to their artistic identity. © 2022 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.