What does the term "voice-over" refer to in film?

The term "voice-over" in film specifically refers to recorded narration that is not accompanied by the speaker being visible on screen. This technique is used to provide additional information, insight into a character’s thoughts, or commentary on the events occurring in the scene. It enhances storytelling by allowing the audience to understand character motivations, plot details, or themes without requiring the speaker to appear visually.

While characters' internal dialogue or narration might seem similar, it is more of an intimate connection with the character and usually falls under a specific narrative technique rather than the broader definition of voice-over. Live narration by a director or other individuals typically involves their presence on screen, which distinguishes it from standard voice-over work. Background music, while vital to setting a scene's mood, does not involve narration and is fundamentally different from the spoken elements of voice-over. Thus, the definition aligns clearly with the concept that voice-over entails pre-recorded and non-visual narration.