In the world of entertainment, the unsung heroes behind the scenes often go unnoticed. Among these hidden talents are dubbers or voice artists, who breathe life into characters through their voices, making foreign films and television shows accessible to a wider audience. Today, we sit down with Bernard Factor Cañaberal, a veteran media practitioner who has left an indelible mark on the art of dubbing in the Philippines.
A Journey Through Sound
Bernard, a multifaceted media professional with a storied career spanning television, radio, the internet, cinema, and even overseas work in the United States, shares his remarkable journey. He reminisces about his first foray into the world of dubbing, which came about through a friend's invitation to dub the film "Nunal sa Tubig." This marked the beginning of a lifelong passion for voice acting.
In the early days of his career, Bernard discovered that dubbing was not just about having a good voice; it required a deep understanding of storytelling and character portrayal. His background in radio proved invaluable, teaching him to adapt and switch between various vocal tones and styles, honing his ability to find the perfect voice for each character.
Bernard's career took a pivotal turn when he was selected to lend his voice to the cult classic "Shake Rattle & Roll," specifically the segment known as "Pridyider." Under the guidance of renowned director Ismael Bernal, Bernard's meticulous approach and understanding of the story allowed him to immerse himself in the characters, ensuring a seamless dubbing experience.
Another noteworthy role was dubbing the iconic Tiyanak, a creature of Filipino folklore. Bernard's ability to capture the eerie essence of the character left a lasting mark and even fooled the film's producers, who initially believed that a female had provided the voice.
As technology advanced, so did the art of dubbing. Digital tools made the process more flexible, allowing for precise synchronization between the voice and the on-screen character. While this brought convenience, Bernard laments that it somewhat diminished the challenge and artistry of dubbing, particularly when it came to conveying emotions and nuances through voice alone.
A Call to All Dubbers
In his extensive experience, Bernard believes that being a dubber entails more than just having a good voice. It requires a deep connection to the story being dubbed and an understanding of where the voice fits within the narrative. He challenges dubbers to go beyond their comfort zones, emphasizing that the real competition should be with oneself.
Bernard's advice to aspiring dubbers is to respect their craft and to understand the unique gift of their voices. By constantly challenging themselves and pushing the boundaries of what is possible, dubbers can elevate their artistry and make a lasting impact.
In Conclusion
Bernard Factor Cañaberal's journey through the world of dubbing is a testament to the power of voice and storytelling. Aspiring dubbers and voice artists can learn from his experiences and take to heart his advice on respecting the art form and going beyond the ordinary. Dubbing is not merely about mimicking voices; it's about breathing life into characters, transcending beauty, and ultimately realizing that every dubber is a voice artist with a unique gift to share with the world.