A Guide to Writing Audio Description

Within the field of video accessibility services, audio description is the process of adding a voiceover track to a video, which describes the visual content for the benefit of viewers who are blind or visually impaired.


What is the process of audio description?

Audio description services are broken down into a number of important steps.

Audio Description Consultation.

Not every video is a suitable candidate for audio description. AD voiceovers need to be clear and must not clash with dialogue. Should a video not have time to allow for the AD to be inserted, there are a few options. These include pausing or editing the video to allow time; prioritizing the AD script to only include crucial elements such as reading of onscreen text or at worst, where neither of these are an option, the only choice may be not to use AD at all.

In addition to the suitability of a video for AD, the consultation stage will involve deciding which format is required for the AD. For instance, a WAV or MP3 file which can be overlaid onto the video (turned on and off), or the supply of a new video file with the audio description fully incorporated to play permanently.

Audio Description Script Writing

On confirming the method of audio description and format required, script writing can begin. The audio description script should include descriptions of all important visual elements on a video, where they are able to fit between dialogue. Descriptions will need to be concise where available time is limited and where a sequence relies heavily on musical elements. Speakers should be identified quickly by name where there are quick switches that are not conversation based.

Script Feedback, Amendments and Editing

Once an AD script is complete in terms of timing and text, the writer should go back through the text to ensure everything is included and the tone matches the video style, client requirements and broadcaster specifications. For instance, attention should be made to desired pronouns and style of writing depending on the audience, e.g. programmes made for children should use clear, simple language.

So there you have it, a quick guide to our audio description services that are provided by Capital Captions. If you would like to know more about this services or any other services we currently offer then visit our website today or click the button below to get your quote today.