Audio Description (AD) for the Blind

Audio description (or AD) can be described as an audio track which narrates the visual events that take place within a video. Where closed captions are designed to ensure accessibility for the Deaf, audio description ensures accessibility for the Blind. Voiceover narrative is a great way to make sure that visually impaired viewers can fully enjoy videos in the same way that a sighted viewer can.

What should Audio Description include?

The focus of audio description is on visual elements of a video. Scripts for AD need to be written very carefully. Descriptions should include as much information as possible to give the video context, but also need to fit within the constraints of the audio so as not to overlap dialogue. Typically, audio descriptions will include:

• Reading out of onscreen text, including titles, locations, messages and dates displaying onscreen.
• Identification of speakers onscreen by the use of names and descriptions of age, gender, dress and outward appearance as fits within the audio.
• Description of locations and actions within the video.
• Especially for theatrical videos, descriptions of facial expressions and body language should be included.

What is the process involved in writing and recording audio description services?

There are a number of steps involved in writing and recording for audio description. The amount of description required for any given video will depend on both the complexity of the visuals and the amount of dialogue, allowing time to describe those visuals. The overall process for writing and recording is outlined below:

1. RECEIPT OF VIDEO FILE
   Capital Captions receive a video requiring audio description services.
2. AUDIO DESCRIPTION WRITING
   An AD writer will watch the video and write a script of the events within the video that need to be audio described.
3. AD SCRIPT EDITING
   The audio description writer will use software to fit the required descriptions into spaces without dialogue, tailoring the text to ensure there is time for the voice artist to read without over-speaking.
4. CLIENT CONFIRMATION
   The completed audio description script is sent to the client to confirm they are happy with the descriptions.
5. AD SCRIPT AMENDMENTS
   Corrections and alterations are made to the script as required.
6. AUDIO DESCRIPTION VOICE RECORDING
   The script is forwarded onto a professional voice artist who will record the descriptions as a WAV or MP3 file.
7. AD TRACK EDITING
   The recording created by the voice artist is edited to fit into the silent spaces in the video, ensuring no overlapping takes place.
8. DELIVERY OF AUDIO DESCRIPTION TRACK
   A final WAV or MP3 audio description file is exported and sent to the client. This is the AD track which can be turned on/off and used by visually impaired viewers.

How involved are producers and directors in the audio description process?

Writing audio descriptions is an art form. There is no set way to describe what is seen onscreen so it’s very important to work with professional AD writers to ensure the best results. At Capital Captions, our priority is always around equality and accessibility for all viewers and we work with some of the best audio description writers in the industry.

We have a wealth of experience around dealing with video and understand that video makers usually have a very set vision around what they want to achieve with their films. It’s for this reason that we welcome producers, writers and directors to be as involved as they wish to be within the audio description process.

Some important factors to consider when it comes to working with your audio description company are below:

• If you have a script available for your video which includes some description of visuals, send this to your AD company.
• Consider writing a short description of what you are trying to achieve with your video, and what message you are putting across to help the writer set the correct tone.
• Ask if you are able to choose a voice artist or specify the tone required (i.e. Serious tone, child friendly tone, or professional).
• Audio descriptions can often contain stereotypes because these can be the most efficient way of describing people, so do let the writers know about any terms that should be avoided that your end clients may find offensive or inaccurate.
• Be sure to let your AD company know if you require the use of specific pronouns for gender.

So there you have it, a pretty comprehensive list of do’s and don’ts of adding audio description to your videos. If you would like to ad AD to your videos why not enquire today for your free quote.