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.

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