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question:  Can words of the script be changed?

answer:

While one professional producer may tell you that it's okay to change words in a script, the next will tell you that this should never be done. So who's right?

Both are. Every situation depends on certain circumstances. So how do you know? Ask. Ask the producer if it's okay.

Reasons for wanting to change words:

- you believe that the copy will read more naturally if two words are contracted or if a colloquialism is used
- you believe that the copy is confusing and editing it can clarify it
- you believe that the copy is too wordy and can be more succinct
- you believe the copy is grammatically incorrect
. Mention text that appears to be incorrect.

But never argue if the producer tells you to not change anything.

Reasons why the copy (sometimes) can NOT be changed:
- the copy is exactly how the producer wants it
- the copy has been "signed off" by the advertising department, the legal department, and/or the client

At Edge Studio, our clients clients sometimes give us liberty to edit the copy as we believe necessary. But unless that occurs, we ask our client if a change can be made.

As a side note, remember that while written English is different than spoken English, many copywriters write in written English, yet they desire the voice-over artist to deliver their copy with a "spoken" English delivery. Sometimes this is difficult. In the past few years, I've seen more and more copywriters writing the copy how the want it delivered - in a spoken English way, using contractions, colloquialisms, additional punctuation marks, etc.

For practice, read formal text at home (an encyclopedia for instance) and convert its formal style into a conversational delivery "on the fly." This is a great exercise.

Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss voice over training programs - weekdays 9-5 ET:
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