Freelance Audio Describer (Accessible Video)

About the role

We are looking for a freelancer to create audio descriptions for existing video content, making it accessible to people with impaired vision. Audio description is the added narration that describes the important visual elements of a video (actions, settings, on-screen text, facial expressions, scene changes) during the natural pauses in the original audio.

We will supply the source video. You will deliver a finished, fully mixed video file with the audio description built into the audio track, ready to publish.

What you’ll be doing

• Reviewing the supplied video and identifying the key visual information a viewer would miss without sight.
• Writing a clear, concise audio description script timed to fit the gaps in the existing dialogue and audio, without talking over important sound.
• Recording the narration (or sourcing a suitable voice) in a clear, neutral and well-paced style.
• Mixing the description into the original audio so both sit at comfortable, balanced levels.
• Delivering the completed video as a single file with the audio description included.

Deliverables

• A finished video file with the audio description mixed into the audio (final format to be confirmed, MP4 is the likely default).
• The written audio description script as a separate document, for our records.

What we’re looking for

• Experience writing audio descriptions, or strong scriptwriting paired with a solid understanding of audio description best practice (describe what is relevant, stay objective, use the present tense, do not editorialise, do not speak over dialogue).
• Clear voiceover ability, or access to a suitable voice for the recording.
• Confident audio editing and mixing skills.
• Video editing skills sufficient to produce and export the final file.
• Attention to timing and pacing.
• A good ear for accessibility, and care for the end viewer’s experience.

Nice to have

• A portfolio or samples of previous audio description or accessibility work.
• Familiarity with accessibility guidance and conventions, even though no formal standard is required for this project.
• Experience working across different types of content (the source material will vary).

Logistics

We supply the source video.

• The work covers an ongoing pipeline of up to 100 hours per month].
• Timeline: estimates
• Best practice is the benchmark. There is no formal broadcast or WCAG compliance requirement for this project.

Budget

An hourly rate, or open to proposals.

How to apply

Please send a short proposal covering:

• Your relevant experience with audio description, voiceover and editing.
• A sample or portfolio link if you have one.
• Your availability and proposed cost for the work described above.

In what capacity are you hiring?
On behalf of another company

Where are you in the hiring process?
I’m planning and researching

Is this an independent one off job, or part of a larger project?
Part of a larger ongoing project

For what period of time will the freelancer be needed?
Long term

What freelancer experience level is needed? (per hour)
Mid-level (Industry Average): $35-75, Senior: $75-100