How to Hire a Foreign-Language Narrator: Workflow and Pricing Guide

“We want to add English narration, but how do we request it properly?”

As global video distribution becomes the norm, securing a foreign-language narrator has become an essential part of modern video production.
Still, for those requesting narration for the first time, the process can feel unfamiliar and unclear.

This guide is designed for video directors, producers, and corporate communications teams. It explains the full workflow, pricing structure, and key considerations involved in hiring a foreign-language narrator—presented from the perspective of a professional narration agency.

STEP 1: Clarify the Type of Video

Before booking a foreign-language narrator, the first step is to identify the type of video you are producing.
Your video’s purpose determines the required tone, narration style, performance skills, and, importantly, the pricing structure.

Common types of videos include:

• Corporate videos (VPs)
Company overviews, product/technology introductions, manuals, CSR pieces, recruitment videos.

• Internal-use videos
Training content, educational materials, sales tools, IR-related communications.

• Advertising / promotional content
Web commercials, TV spots, trade-show videos, brand movies, concept films.

• Other types
Documentaries, short films, music videos, and more.

The key point is determining whether your video is internal or promotional.
For advertising content, narration fees vary based on usage period, media type, and distribution area.
To provide an accurate quote, we recommend defining your video’s purpose and usage terms before contacting an agency.

STEP 2: Understand the Relationship Between Video Length and Narrator Fees

Narration costs are determined by several factors, including:

・Recording time
・Video length
・Usage media (TV, web, social, etc.)
・Distribution area
・Usage period
・Competitive restrictions
・Audition requirements

As a general guideline:

・Approx. 10-minute video → 1–2 hours of recording

・Approx. 30-minute video → 2–3 hours of recording

For corporate VPs, fees are usually based on video length and narrator recording time.

For advertising content such as TV commercials or web ads, fees increase depending on usage media, broadcast duration, and geographic area.
Rates also differ significantly between Japan-only distribution and global distribution.
If competitive restrictions apply (e.g., the narrator cannot appear in similar-brand ads), additional fees will be required.

For internal or limited-use videos—such as presentations or in-house training—rates may be lower, classified simply as recording fees.

When requesting a quote, be sure to specify video length, expected recording time, and distribution scope.

STEP 3: Choose Between Studio Recording and Home Recording

In recent years, more narrators have begun offering home-recording services.
However, the optimal method still depends on the nature of the project.

Studio Recording

Advantages:

・Highest audio quality
・Directors/clients can supervise in real time
・Ideal for detailed performance direction

Suitable for:
TV commercials, brand films, high-quality corporate videos.

Home Recording

Advantages:

・Lower cost
・Faster turnaround
・Suitable when production is handled internally

Suitable for:
Internal training videos, in-house corporate content.

Note: Many foreign narrators living in Tokyo do not own professional home-recording equipment.
If you want a broader selection of talent or require guaranteed audio quality, studio recording is more reliable.

Agencies today commonly offer integrated services including studio booking, narrator casting, directional support during recording, and final audio delivery.

STEP 4: Watch Out for Common Script Issues

One of the most frequent problems in foreign-language narration is mismatched script length—when the translated script does not align with the video’s timing.

This often happens when:

・Translations lack quality checks
・The Japanese script is machine-translated directly
・Adjustments are attempted during the recording session
・Native-checked English scripts are “re-corrected” by non-native speakers

Such situations can result in unnatural English or require costly retakes.

Although using AI-generated temporary narration (scratch VO) can help check timing, the final script should always undergo:

・Professional translation
・Native-level editing
・Precise timing adjustments

This set of processes ensures smooth recording and avoids delays.

STEP 5: Understand Recording Workflow Styles

Narration sessions typically follow one of two styles:

1. Test Read → Main Recording

The director or client listens and provides direction before final takes.

2. “Test-as-Main” (One-Take Flow)

The narrator reads through without stopping, and only specific lines are retaken afterward.

If the nuance and tone need to be monitored closely, the first method is preferred.
If natural flow and pacing are more important, the second method is effective.

In any case, foreign-language narration requires close communication between the narrator and production team.
Many Tokyo-based foreign narrators represented by Free Wave can communicate in Japanese, ensuring smooth on-site interaction even for first-time clients.

Key Points for Successful Foreign-Language Narration

Point 1: Hire a professional, experienced narrator

Even within English, accents vary significantly:

・American English
・British English
・Canadian English
・Australian English

Professional narrators also differ greatly from amateurs in terms of:

・Vocal performance
・Pronunciation clarity
・Rhythm and pacing
・Script interpretation

For reliable results, consult a professional agency specializing in foreign-language narrators.

Point 2: Never underestimate script preparation

Even with AI translation tools, the final script must be refined by a native translator and adjusted to fit the video timing.
Script quality directly determines the quality of the entire production.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions About Foreign-Language Narrators

Q1. How much does a foreign-language narrator cost?
Fees vary depending on video length, recording time, media usage, distribution area, timeframe, and competitive restrictions.
Internal-use videos tend to be less expensive, while advertising and global distribution cost more. Providing video length and usage conditions will speed up the estimate.

Q2. Can Free Wave provide narrators in languages other than English?
Yes. We offer narration in over 20 languages, including Mandarin, Taiwanese Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, and more.
We can assign narrators based on your distribution region.

Q3. Can I request a narrator before the script is finalized?
Yes, but we recommend completing translation, native editing, and timing checks before recording.
Unfinalized scripts often lead to mismatches and retakes.

Q4. Should I choose home recording or studio recording?
Studio recording is best for high-quality, high-importance projects.
Home recording is suitable when cost and speed are priorities.
For first-time foreign-language narration, studio recording is generally safer.

Q5. Can I request revisions after recording?
Yes. Additional takes or partial re-recording are usually possible.
Fees vary depending on the extent of revisions, so sharing potential revision scenarios in advance is recommended.

Conclusion: Trust Professionals for a Smooth Workflow

Foreign-language narration is not just “recording a voice.”
It requires alignment of script translation, timing, tone, recording environment, and usage terms.

By working with a specialized narration agency, you can streamline:

・Casting
・Studio coordination
・Direction
・Audio delivery

Free Wave represents over 300 narrators across more than 20 languages and manages long-running narrators for NHK’s language programs.
We provide full support from casting to delivery.
If you are looking for a foreign-language narrator, feel free to contact us.

（Written by: Koji Yokohata）
Executive Managing Director at Free Wave Inc. Since joining the company in 1999, he has worked across a wide range of casting and talent management projects, and established the company’s narration division in 2006. He oversees narration casting for major clients—including NHK language programs, corporate films, and Expo 2025 Osaka—and is committed to building strong, trusted partnerships throughout every project.