Planning audio description: visual content, timing and audio delivery
Audio description explains important visual information not conveyed by existing sound. It supplements a production for blind and partially sighted audiences. Writing, recording and integrating usable output are separate tasks.
Decide which information needs describing
Describe the film, training, event or performance and its audience. Identify important visual information missing from existing sound. Not every visible detail needs equal attention; description should support understanding.
Have the actual version assessed. A talking head already explaining everything needs different work from a film with important silent action or on-screen text. Adding a voice alone does not produce suitable visual description.
Prepare the definitive version and materials
State video count and total duration or live dates. Specify languages, venues and output channels. For video, edit status and existing sound matter; later changes can shift description and timing.
Existing scripts, descriptions or separate sound tracks should be considered in the quote. Live events require different preparation. Supply a short material overview and later agree secure transfer of the files actually needed.
Develop a script with workable timing
The script must combine understandable information and available speaking time. Clear terms, consistent names and a logical sequence help. Agree checking against actual pictures rather than approving isolated text.
When existing sound leaves little room, discuss a suitable approach. A different video version or extra introduction may change delivery. Ask for these variants explicitly; the original film is not automatically extended.
Separate recording, mixing and live output
Recording scope includes voice, pronunciation, editing and appropriate levels. Specify script only, recorded track or finished mix. A raw recording is not automatically screening-ready output.
Live description needs preparation, a suitable position to follow the action and reliable audio delivery to the audience. Agree rehearsal and responsibility for transmission and reception. A later recording is an additional deliverable to define.
| Assignment part | What to agree |
|---|---|
| Script | Picture version, language, timing and review |
| Recording | Voice, pronunciation, editing and revisions |
| Mix | Balance with original sound and output format |
| Live work | Preparation, rehearsal, transmission and dates |
Check listening and actual playback
Plan appropriate review with blind or partially sighted people. Check understanding, terminology and fit with the pictures. Assign responsibility for editorial and technical approval.
Test actual playback. A separate track must be identifiable and selectable; a finished mix must remain intelligible. Audio description does not replace captions for hearing loss or assessment of other accessibility requirements.
Compare the same production scope
Duration provides a basis rather than the complete workload. New description, adapting text, language versions, recording and mixing need different pricing. Live quotations involve dates, preparation, rehearsals and equipment.
Compare identical files, review and revision scope. Ask about later edit changes, recording rights and storage. Requirements linked to funding or publication need checking for the specific assignment; recommendations do not establish a universal duty.
| Cost driver | Comparable detail |
|---|---|
| Scope | Count, total time and definitive edit |
| Text | Create, adapt or use approved script |
| Language and sound | Versions, recording and mix |
| Approval | Audience review, revisions and technical delivery |
Move from request to usable version
Summarise materials, required work and publication. Decide who approves text, pronunciation and output. Agree a short relevant sequence or live test if the method remains open.
Approve the agreed final version. Identify files and change requests clearly. For live events, coordinate audience information and listening access with the organiser.
Frequently asked questions
Is audio description the same as voice-over?
No. Voice-over can contain any spoken text. Audio description explains important visual information absent from existing sound.
Must every visible detail be described?
No. Important information and understanding determine selection after assessing the production.
Can I commission only the script?
Yes. Agree timing, review and responsibility for recording and integration.
Can an existing description be reused?
Yes after checking picture version, language and timing. A different edit may require adaptation.
Is a separate audio file immediately usable?
Not always. Format, mix and selection in the playback system must suit the publication.
Can a live performance be described?
Yes. Preparation, rehearsal, observation position and transmission need planning; a recording is not automatically included.
