How to Become a Dialect Coach?
Most people are surprised to learn that there are currently no specific degree requirements to become a dialect coach for film and television, but it’s true.
This does not mean, however, that there are no specific skills required.
That’s why Entertainment Linguistics LLC was the first to develop a proprietary vetting process for dialect coaches.
We know that representation counts, and that acting in new accents requires professional level skills from actors and the help of professional level dialect coaches rather than one of the thousands of hobbyists to be found on the web.
We vet our dialect coaches so that there are no unpleasant, costly, or project-marring surprises for producers or actors.
If you are looking for a dialect coach for your project, or are considering becoming a dialect coach yourself, there are many skills and personality traits that are essential for a career as a professional dialect coach.
According to our CEO Pamela Vanderway, the best dialect coaches in the business possess:
An expertise in the anatomy and physiology of vocal production
A deep understanding of phonology
Professional level experience with The International Phonetic Alphabet
A keen and ongoing interest in socio-linguistics
The perception that all accents are beautiful and relevant.
The knowledge of how languages evolve over time
Professional level script analysis skills
A keen interest in the psychology of learning
A complex understanding of the craft of acting, and a familiarity with the most popular training methodologies.
An awareness of what it means to be professional actor vs. a student actor.
A professional level understanding of all that goes into film and television production, including knowing one’s way around a se
Excellent and efficient research skills
Excellent people skills
An entrepreneurial spirit, and good business acumen
The desire to collaborate, and to understand what one’s exact duties are on a specific project
A willingness to be away from home and family for months at a time
The ability to travel worldwide with 24-hours’ notice
The stamina to work 12 plus hours per day, 5 to 6 days per week (often outside on one’s feet)
The ability to understand legal contracts, as nearly every job requires that the dialect coach sign contracts that are very specific, and quite extensive. The coach must understand and adhere to what they agree to in the contracts or face legal repercussions, sometimes with high financial penalties of up to $500,000USD per infraction.
A strong sense of professional discretion as dialect coaches will be privy to information such as film plots that they must keep confidential from everyone including their families.
The above list of qualifications is copyright 2016 and 2022 by Entertainment Linguistics LLC and Pamela Vanderway. Permission to reprint the list in its entirety is freely granted only when it is accompanied by this statement. For all other use, please contact us at support@dialectcoaches.com.