Described Video

Described Video also known as Descriptive Video or Descriptive Audio is a narrated voice over for a TV show, documentary or a film’s main visual elements for a visually impaired audience. It has been mandated by ADA and CRTC.

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What is Described Video?

Described video is usually included in productions for the benefit of the visually impaired so that they can conjure an image of the production in their heads. In a described video, the narrator generally discusses the following elements:

  • Physical characteristics—the physical attributes and facial expressions of each character.
  • Scene description—the time of day, location, transitions, the passage of time, and scene changes.
  • Visual effects—the setting, lighting, any dancing or choreography, and colors of each scene.
  • Non-verbal communications—any communication that can not be heard (sign language, gestures, cues, etc.)
  • Text on screen—all subtitles, titles, credits, and logos.

So as not to interfere with the audio of the production itself, the described video is usually integrated into the gaps between the dialogue of the production.

The Described Video Process

1. You Upload Media

You upload low-res video
& hi-res audio tracks.

2. We Work and Deliver

We write the described video script, record professional voice overs and mix with source audio.

3. Place on Timeline or Deliver

We deliver an described video mixdown audio .wav file that you can place on the edit timeline or deliver to the client.

Why Choose Us?

  • You pay after Delivery

    Our consultants pleaded us to follow industry norms & charge you before delivery. But we are confident in our work & only invoice after we deliver your order.

  • All Human Manual Work

    All our work, including transcription, syncing, described video script, continuity scripts and quality control, are done manually by humans.

  • Industry Beating Prices

    Our efficiently developed workflows allow us to provide industry beating prices to benefit you.

  • FCC, ADA, CRTC Complaint

    We take the worry out of your hands and make your project FCC, ADA, CRTC complaint.

Some of our work

An Elephant’s Journey

Described Video

Firecrackers

Described Video

Hello Destroyer

Described Video

Down River

Described Video

Paramedics: ER

Described Video

Man Running

Described Video

Click to view some of our recently completely films and documentaries on IMDb

What fellow filmmakers are saying?

“It was great working with Caption Easy on my feature. They turned around great work at an affordable rate. I’d recommend them to anyone in need of this service.”

Leah Bleich
Director/Writer
  • 1-Aug-2023
“Working with Caption Easy was so EASY! Great communication and delivered exactly what we needed in a timely manner for such a reasonable price. We will definitely use them again!”

Ashley Bracken
Producer
  • 25-Feb-2022
“We needed a CDSL for both a feature doc and the trailer. I was impressed by how easy it was to communicate with the team, and the vast amount of experience they had.”

James Pickering
Producer
  • 25-Feb-2022
“If you are looking for a professional company Caption Easy is the way to go. The turnaround was very quick and helped us meet all deadlines including weekends.”

Ryan W. Smith
Producer/Writer
  • 20-May-2020

    Tell us about your Described Video needs






        Frequently Asked Questions

      Who benefits from described video?
      Described video is an essential feature to allow those who are visually impaired to enjoy a production. Because they cannot see the production for themselves, the narrated description will enable them to follow along with the action of the film/show.
      Should I include described video in my production?
      In a world where diversity and accessibility are increasingly being championed, filmmakers and production houses need to do their part in making productions accessible to all. Remember all those days you spent watching TV shows and movies as a kid, or even when you needed a pick-me-up as an adult? Imagine missing out on that experience solely because you are visually impaired. When something as little as described video can mean so much to the visually impaired, production houses should invest as much as necessary to include it.
      What is the difference between described video and audio description?
      Although described video and audio description are essentially the same, it is worthy to note that the CRTC provides a separate definition for audio description, which is as follows: “Audio description (AD) relies on a program host or announcer to provide a voice-over by reading aloud or describing key elements of programming, such as text and graphics that appear on the screen. It is often used for information based programming, including newscasts, weather reports, sports scores, and financial data.”
      Is described video mandated by law?
      Although described video is technically mandated by law, its complicated legal status in Canada has allowed many to disregard it entirely. The CRTC has established that it is a legal requirement for every production; however, there are few measures in place to enforce this law as no compliance mechanism was put in place. In the United States of America, the landmark 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act made it a requirement for all modern communication technologies to be accessible to everyone, regardless of disabilities. In implementing this Act, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) set forth strict regulations surrounding described video, with the aim to, by 2020, have 100% of television programming described.
      How is described video important to a production?
      As a natural consequence of making a production more inclusive, described video has the ability to widen the audience of a production and, therefore, increase the sales and revenues it garners.
      How is the narrator for a described video chosen?
      Since we’ve been working in the industry for so long, we have curated a team of the best professional voice-over actors with whom we collaborate on all our described video projects. Our team includes males and females, all of whom are accustomed to different styles, genres, and mediums.
      What is the process of making described video?
      If you choose Caption Easy for your described video needs, we ensure that you will have a smooth and seamless experience. Firstly, you need to email us the requirements and specifics of your project so that we can work out the best package for you. Once approved, all you need to do is upload your video and audio files and sit back as we deliver your work to you. Our writers will get to work on penning a stellar script for the described video and we will then find the best narrators and actors to do the voice-over—all within the required deadlines. Oh, and don’t worry—we won’t rest until you’re satisfied!
      I’m working on a feature film! Can that be described?
      There is no need to worry—a described video can be made for all types of visual media, including movies, television shows, mobile media, plays, musicals, etc.

      Still have Questions?

      No worries, we all do.
      If you are interested in price, you can get a quote by submitting the form above. Or for immediate answers, our Live Agents are just a click away.


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