Speaking Galician or Basque slang in just a few weeks is an achievable goal for language consultants working in multilingual countries with strong regional identities. In such contexts, the issue of accent can pose challenges in many audiovisual productions.
More productions mix languages and dialects than ever before in the same film or TV series. A recent premiere directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen showcased a blend of French, Spanish, and Galician. Likewise, Valencian features appear in certain scenes of a wedding drama, and the Basque language plays a significant role in a Netflix miniseries.
Historically, many Spanish films show protagonists taking on roles that demand different accents. Actors like Javier Bardem with a Galician tint, Inma Cuesta, Penelope Cruz in Andalusian tones, Blanca Suárez, and María Pedraza in Somos or Summer We Live illustrate this trend. Credits often reveal the involvement of a language consultant for these projects.
These professionals collaborate with actors to capture the required accent for the production. One notable figure is Federico Perez, who worked as a language consultant on Deep Sea, a project where most cast members were not Galician. In an interview with El Periódico de España, he emphasized that presenting a convincing regional flavor, even at a colloquial level, helps lend authenticity to the narrative.
Amenábar did not have a language consultant in mind, but Bardem requested a close alignment with Ramón Sampedro. The director and the actor discussed how to achieve this likeness, and the conversation proved essential. The shoot also faced a tight two-month timeline, including a scene where a Cuban poet character, Reinaldo Arenas, was brought to life after a year of preparation.
varied techniques
The method varies. Moledo Pink, a language consultant with three decades of experience, has contributed to projects from the outset, noting that the craft goes beyond accent to include speech patterns. In a drama about drug trafficking, the initial step involved processing the script so its structure aligned with Galician usage.
The second stage involved close follow-up with the actors. Theory helps actors locate themselves in the language together, as adverbs and pronouns may shift when the language is unfamiliar. Phonetics follows, described as the hardest part since it relies heavily on each person’s auditory skills and how well they hear nuances.
Many actors in the show had to regain their natural accents after years of performing with neutralized speech outside their communities. The process can be a double-edged sword: some professionals work in environments that require a standard accent, while others must reclaim their authentic regional sound. The challenge lies in balancing individuality with credibility for the character.
In Federico’s approach, phonetics comes first, followed by writing. The work often involves listening to numerous recordings to imitate the cadence and intonation of the target figure. The aim is not mere imitation but a genuine acquisition of the accent, akin to learning a new language. The emphasis is on grammar and theory paired with active listening.
Once the groundwork is laid, filming begins. This phase is crucial because it uncovers issues and prompts new working methods to enhance believability. In some productions, the language consultant role is not fully utilized at this stage, which can be problematic but is not uncommon in the industry.
Some actors and actresses routinely collaborate with the same trainer, especially in larger productions or when improving their English for American films. The continuity of a language coach can help an actor maintain a consistent accent across projects.
serial accents and casting
“Accent is a treasure that should not be lost.” This sentiment echoes through the industry, yet many projects still cast leads who do not naturally speak the dialect they portray in order to meet marketing goals. A valued actor like Bardem, Penélope Cruz, or Luis Tosar is often seen as a box-office guarantee, making the business side of cinema a powerful driver of decisions. The need for audience clarity and market appeal can shape casting choices.
To faithfully reflect a place, the local color of speech matters. For Canarian or Andalusian settings, the closer the actor’s real accent is to the character, the more credible the story feels. The industry body of opinion generally supports producing content in the regional language when feasible, arguing that it enhances authenticity and audience connection.
Among proponents is Molero, who advocates for TV shows and films to be produced in their own languages. The idea that viewers should be able to enjoy Galician content as readily as Korean or Turkish series on major platforms is offered as a goal for broader cultural inclusion.
Nevertheless, accent and language issues can intersect with stereotypes and discrimination. In Andalusia, certain roles have historically aligned with lower social strata, and some still believe certain accents limit a character’s scientific or political credibility. This perception continues to face scrutiny as the industry evolves.
Beyond stereotypes, there is concern that some accents are not faithfully imitated, which can slip into parody or misrepresentation. Imitation is best understood as a nuanced craft rather than a simple mimicry, and the broader question remains about how much latitude the audience should grant to a character’s speech and behavior.