Why is the text distorted on the band?

So that its length matches the duration of the line. That is how you know exactly when to start and stop.

Do I need a special microphone?

No, your phone or computer microphone is enough. Headphones keep the movie sound out of your take.

Is the rhythm band used in other countries?

Mostly in France, Belgium and Quebec. Elsewhere, actors usually rely on beeps and the picture.

The rhythm band: the secret of dubbing actors

In French dubbing studios, actors do not read a script: they read a rhythm band (“bande rythmo”), a long strip of text scrolling under the picture. Our game uses exactly that.

What is the rhythm band?

A strip that scrolls from right to left in sync with the film. Lines are written stretched or squeezed so they last exactly as long as the character speaks. A fixed bar marks the present moment: you say each syllable as it passes under the bar.

The technique was born in France, where a huge number of films and series are dubbed. It lets actors match the lip movements without staring at the screen.

How to read it

Three tips to get started:

Watch the red bar, not the picture: when a line reaches it, speak.
The length of the text tells you the speed: a stretched word is said slowly, tight text is said fast.
Each character has a colour: your lines stand out, the others are paler.

Practise dubbing online

In The Dubbing Game, the rhythm band scrolls under the scene while you record. After each take, a sync score tells you whether you were on time, and the replay lets you hear yourself.

Alone, you can dub every character of a scene; with friends, everyone takes a part. Realistic mode gives the real lines, fun mode absurd ones, and free mode a band without text, to improvise.

Rhythm band videos online

Many channels post scenes with a rhythm band to dub at home. Our game goes further: it records every voice, mixes the result with the film’s music and lets the other players rate it.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the text distorted on the band?: So that its length matches the duration of the line. That is how you know exactly when to start and stop.
Do I need a special microphone?: No, your phone or computer microphone is enough. Headphones keep the movie sound out of your take.
Is the rhythm band used in other countries?: Mostly in France, Belgium and Quebec. Elsewhere, actors usually rely on beeps and the picture.

Try the rhythm band

Start a game, even alone, and dub your first scene in under a minute.

🎬 Create a free game