A Rough-Cut Narration Brief: What to Share Before Recording and Mix

Send the rough cut with a note on what is still temporary

You can discuss narration before the picture is finished. The most useful addition to a rough cut is a short distinction between what is agreed and what may change.

A temporary voice track does not tell the narrator whether its timing must be matched. Explain whether it is a duration guide, a delivery reference, or a track with specific fixed entry points.

The brief below describes an invented production. It is not a client record or a mandatory list of documents for every enquiry.

Five things to align

Specify whether a time refers to the player’s elapsed time or a timecode burned into the picture. Otherwise, two people can read “15 seconds” and look at different moments.

An illustrative brief to adapt

Project: A three-minute company introduction for the web. Usage period and reuse are being confirmed.

Current stage: Rough cut v03 with matching script v03. Opening and final message agreed; one product line remains under review.

Direction: Composed but not stiff. A sample link and the relevant position are included as a reference.

Timing: Opening cue fixed. The middle can be adjusted in the edit. All timing notes use player elapsed time.

Questions: Product pronunciation is being checked. Approved spelling and pronunciation notes will be supplied before recording.

Delivery: WAV requested. Chapter splits, naming, sample rate and bit depth are awaiting confirmation from the mixer.

Schedule: First review hoped for next Friday. Please advise on recording availability and the schedule for any subsequent changes.

You do not need every answer before enquiring. Share what you know so scope and timing can be discussed together.

Decide where the temporary voice must be matched

Matching every pause in a temp track can make a final read feel constrained. Some cues, such as a demonstrated action, may genuinely need a precise match.

“Under three minutes” and “this word lands on that movement” are different requirements. Identify fixed cues and discuss flexibility elsewhere. If the script does not fit, consider editing the wording or picture before forcing the read faster.

Account for changes after script approval

Delivery is usually 24–48 hours after script approval; rush work depends on availability. This is not a guarantee of delivery within 24 hours of the first enquiry.

One tonal revision is included. Additional rounds start at ¥5,000 and script changes at ¥10,000, with the actual scope agreed individually. Flag uncertain sections early so recording and review can be planned around them.

Add a voice reference

Listen to the product narration sample and copy a link at the relevant position. Add a note about what matters, such as the phrasing of technical terms.

Discuss shortlisting, a quote or recording dates. The reference URL field is optional. Agree on a suitable sharing method and viewing permissions for confidential material with your production team.