Pre-Production
At TBP, we know that any project's success is determined long before anyone enters the studio. That's why we take time to focus on the big picture. After establishing the scope and schedule of the project, we work with you to flesh out creative and technical requirements. At this phase, we outline the deadlines and milestones that will keep the project on track.Our pre-production phase also helps us get to know you. We recognize that each client is unique, and we'll tailor our process to suit your needs. If you desire step-by-step technical or creative guidance, our staff will walk you through each detail. If you prefer a more hands off approach, your designated producer will keep you informed and give you opportunities to provide feedback at important milestones.
No matter what your preferred communication style, by the end of the pre-production phase, we'll have established the basis for a constructive, efficient working relationship.
Casting
Based in New York City, TBP has access to the country's most gifted voice talent. Our deep pool of in-house talent offers a limitless range of vocal types and language skills and includes renowned actors, singers, and voiceover professionals. But most importantly out talent has countless years of experience recording commercial audiobooks and educational programs.We excel at selecting the right voice from this wealth of talent. We review your material in detail and determine the most effective vocal style for the piece. Whether your recording demands precise, measured speech or a lively, animated tone; a bilingual adult or a chorus of children; TBP will find the best match for your material.
Directing
Any great performance requires skilled direction and TBP audiobook recordings are no exception. TBP's directors have expertise in spoken-word recording and understand the intricacies of communicating different types of content. Throughout the recording process, the director executes the client's vision, guiding the talent to vocalize the content in an expressive, engaging way. Equally important, the director ensures that the content is read accurately, and that pronunciation, emphasis, cadence and pacing is appropriate for the specific audience.Recording
The recording process is the heart of TBP's operation. All of our preparationand expertise coalesce in the studio. Once we assemble the right team members for your project, we put their skill to action in a world class recording environment.TBP boasts 9 fully equipped studios, 5 mastering stations, and 17 editing stations. The size of our facilities means that we'll always have the capacity to handle your project, and to meet your deadlines.
Like our staff, our studios are devoted exclusively to spoken-word recordings. Our state-of-the-art equipment and acoustically optimized studios create the ideal environment for TBP engineers to create the highest-quality audio product.
Music Supervision
Music adds depth, atmosphere, and interest to spoken word audio. We'll act as music supervisor to your audio project, selecting appropriate library music. Or we'll compose original music, as we have done to the satisfaction of clients such as BBC Audiobooks America, Houghton Mifflin, Weekly Reader and others. Let us help you decide what will work best for your specific production.Sound Design
Superior sound design doesn't call attention to itself. It flows organically from the content, subtly creating an ambiance for the recorded text. Sometimes a few prerecorded sound effects are sufficient; other times, designers must reinforce a narrative with a detailed soundscape. TBP consistently creates results that enrich the content.Quality Assurance
TBP has built its reputation on the strength of its quality assurance (QA). We accept nothing less than a perfect match between the printed text and spoken word, and we've developed a rigorous, three-step process to ensure a flawless end product:- Assembly edit: First, our editors perform an individual review of each component of a recording—including voice, music, and sound design—to verify that all files are complete and pristine.
- Polishing: Once the technical elements of the recording are approved, our QC editors and content supervisor scrutinize the assembled project, focusing on pacing, continuity, accuracy, and sound quality.
- Master Review: As a final step, we perform a comprehensive review of the project. We check content word-for-word against the original script and evaluate the interplay between voice and sound design. With accuracy and technical quality verified, TBP's editors review the recording once again to ensure that it meets your requirements.
