Role
Audio Describer
An Audio Describer writes or performs concise narration that communicates essential visual information to blind and low-vision audiences during natural gaps in dialogue and important sound. They identify story-relevant action, appearance, setting, text, gesture, and visual change; choose neutral precise language; time descriptions carefully; avoid duplicating audible information; and collaborate through recording, editorial, review, and accessibility quality control.
Writing and voicing may be separate jobs, and responsible description prioritizes access, clarity, timing, and the work’s tone without overexplaining interpretation.
Audio Describer connects a defined craft or decision area to the wider production plan. A strong brief clarifies authority, deliverables, schedule, safety expectations, and the handoffs this role owns.
Responsibilities
- Analyze the finished program and identify visual information needed for story comprehension.
- Write concise objective descriptions that fit available pauses and respect existing sound.
- Research names, identities, pronunciation, terminology, and on-screen text accurately.
- Revise through accessibility review and support timed recording, editing, mixing, and QC.
Tools
- Timecoded script and video playback
- Description writing and cueing software
- Pronunciation and reference resources
- Recording, editing, and accessibility QC tools
Documents
- Audio-description script
- Pronunciation guide
- Cue timing list
- Accessibility QC report
Skills
- Concise visual writing
- Accessibility judgment
- Timing
- Objective observation
Career path
- Audio Describers enter from writing, accessibility, narration, theater, broadcasting, localization, editing, or blind and low-vision media practice.
Work environment
- The work combines close picture analysis, writing to exact gaps, collaborative review, studio recording, and deadline-driven version delivery.
Common questions
What is the main responsibility of an Audio Describer?
An Audio Describer writes or performs concise narration that communicates essential visual information to blind and low-vision audiences during natural gaps in dialogue and important sound. They identify story-relevant action, appearance, setting, text, gesture, and visual change; choose neutral precise language; time descriptions carefully; avoid duplicating audible information; and collaborate through recording, editorial, review, and accessibility quality control.
What does an Audio Describer do day to day?
Day to day, Audio Describer work commonly includes Analyze the finished program and identify visual information needed for story comprehension., Write concise objective descriptions that fit available pauses and respect existing sound., and Research names, identities, pronunciation, terminology, and on-screen text accurately.. The exact balance changes with the production schedule, crew size, and the point at which the role joins the project.
What skills matter most for an Audio Describer?
The most useful skills are Concise visual writing, Accessibility judgment, Timing, and Objective observation. Together, they help the role make dependable decisions, communicate a clear handoff, and respond to notes or changing conditions.
Which tools and documents does an Audio Describer use?
Common tools include Timecoded script and video playback, Description writing and cueing software, Pronunciation and reference resources, and Recording, editing, and accessibility QC tools. The role also relies on Audio-description script, Pronunciation guide, Cue timing list, and Accessibility QC report so decisions, approvals, continuity, and delivery requirements remain traceable.
How does someone build experience for an Audio Describer?
Audio Describers enter from writing, accessibility, narration, theater, broadcasting, localization, editing, or blind and low-vision media practice.
How does an Audio Describer vary by production?
The scope changes with format, budget, location, crew structure, and the production's technical method. The work combines close picture analysis, writing to exact gaps, collaborative review, studio recording, and deadline-driven version delivery.
Related entries
Sources
- Sound editorial and re-recording craft profiles — Motion Picture Editors Guild, IATSE Local 700
- The modern production sound crew — IATSE Local 695
- Motion picture industry craft groups — Contract Services