Audio Description
Audio Description is a service that makes visual content accessible to blind or visually impaired people. It involves creating spoken descriptions of important visual elements in videos, TV shows, movies, or live performances that happen between dialogue. Think of it as a narrator explaining what's happening on screen when there's no talking. This is becoming increasingly important as companies need to make their content accessible to everyone. Similar terms include "video description" or "descriptive video service (DVS)." This skill is valuable in roles focused on making digital content and entertainment accessible to all audiences.
Examples in Resumes
Created Audio Description scripts for 50+ corporate training videos
Led team of Audio Description narrators for streaming platform content
Developed Audio Description guidelines and best practices for theater performances
Provided Descriptive Video Service for educational materials
Typical job title: "Audio Description Writers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Audio Description Writers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a project requiring audio description for a complex action movie with limited pause time between dialogues?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss prioritizing key visual elements, time management techniques, and possibly suggesting extended descriptions during longer pauses. They should mention experience managing similar challenging projects and strategies for maintaining quality while meeting time constraints.
Q: How would you develop and implement audio description standards for a large organization?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate experience in creating guidelines, training others, quality control processes, and understanding of various accessibility standards and regulations. They should mention stakeholder consultation and implementation strategies.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the key elements you consider when writing audio descriptions?
Expected Answer: Should mention timing, objectivity, clarity, prioritizing important visual information, and awareness of the target audience. Should demonstrate knowledge of when to describe what, and how to handle different types of content.
Q: How do you ensure audio descriptions don't interfere with the original content's impact?
Expected Answer: Should discuss balancing information with brevity, respecting natural pauses, maintaining the mood of the scene, and understanding what details are crucial vs. optional.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What makes a good audio description?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain basics like clear language, timing with natural pauses, objective descriptions, and the importance of not interpreting but describing what is seen.
Q: How would you describe a simple scene from a movie to a blind person?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to identify key visual elements, use clear and concise language, and prioritize what information is most important to understand the scene.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic writing and description skills
- Understanding of accessibility needs
- Knowledge of basic audio description guidelines
- Ability to work with simple content
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced writing techniques
- Experience with various content types
- Understanding of accessibility standards
- Ability to handle complex descriptions
Senior (5+ years)
- Project management experience
- Training and mentoring abilities
- Standards development
- Complex content handling expertise
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of accessibility needs
- Poor writing or communication skills
- Inability to meet tight deadlines
- Lack of attention to detail
- No awareness of current accessibility standards
Related Terms
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