Specialisation
I specialise in professional lip-reading transcription from German silent films and historical German-language film material.
Many German silent films are preserved in international archives, museums and private collections. While the visual material survives, spoken dialogue is often undocumented or lost. Through professional lip-reading, it is sometimes possible to reconstruct and transcribe spoken content directly from the moving image.
My work focuses exclusively on German-language material, including historical contexts and language use.
Why Lip Reading Matters for German Silent Films
German silent films often contain clearly visible dialogue, even when no soundtrack exists. Intertitles do not always reflect what was actually spoken on screen, and in some cases no written dialogue has survived at all.
For research, restoration and historical documentation, this missing spoken content can be highly relevant. Professional lip reading offers an additional method to approach these gaps where other tools are no longer effective.
This is particularly relevant for German films held outside Germany, where linguistic expertise may not be available on site.
Scope and Professional Framework
Not every film or scene is suitable for lip-reading transcription. The feasibility depends on factors such as image quality and resolution, camera angle and distance, lighting conditions, and clearly visible mouth movements.
Each enquiry is reviewed individually before any commitment is made. Lipreading transcription is always based on careful assessment and experience. No guarantees can be given prior to reviewing the material.
Intended Use and Target Groups
This service is intended for international film archives and museums, universities and academic research projects, historical film restoration initiatives, private collectors of German silent films, and documentary or research-based film projects.
The working language of the transcription is German.
Confidentiality and Working Method
All enquiries and materials are treated confidentially. Communication is handled in writing to ensure clarity and proper documentation. File transfer methods are agreed individually after initial contact.
For additional context, a short explanatory video in German is available on my YouTube channel, illustrating professional lip reading work related to German silent films.
Contact
f you are working with German silent films or historical German-language footage and would like to clarify whether lip reading transcription is possible, please contact me.
A brief description of the material and its approximate length is sufficient for an initial assessment.