Practical info
- Location: Building R - Room R011
- Timing: 9 - 12 a.m.
Birgitta Blokland and Veronika Hyks
Authors Birgitta Blokland and Veronika Hyks are delighted to introduce the EBU Handbook for High Quality Audio Description on Screen. Unlike other guidelines, this Handbook sets out to analyse what constitutes good description, based on more than two decades of practical experience from both a describer´s perspective and that of blind and partially sighted audiences. EBU promotes the rights and interests of more than 30 million people with sight loss in Europe. The right to access information and the right to participate in cultural life, set out in the UNCRPD, being two of its many working areas. With the Handbook, EBU wishes to ensure the same high quality of description across Europe for millions of people with sight loss to benefit from and enjoy.
For whom
This new AD Handbook has been compiled for new describers, editors, those wishing to set up or contract an AD service, film makers, script writers and universities or training institutes that offer AD education, as well as anyone interested in learning more about on screen description.
The workshop
In this workshop the structure of the Handbook will be followed, with emphasis on the how and why of good AD:
- Part 1 begins with basic grammatical principles, the importance of context and a thorough understanding of what blind and partially sighted viewers want.
- Part 2 of the Handbook offers broadcast examples of good and bad description with clear suggestions and explanations of why some are fit for purpose and some are not.
- Part 3 is dedicated to describer recruitment and vocal delivery and how AD should be applied to a variety of genres. Among them, short videos, feature films, documentary, children's content, comedy, foreign language content and sport.
Participants receive a digital copy of the EBU Handbook for High Quality Audio Description on Screen.
Leading EBU´s AD project 2022-2025 and the EBU culture network, Birgitta Blokland initiated the creation of this Handbook. She has been involved in the development of AD since 1998 as adviser, editor and user. She is both consultant and advocate for inclusive communication and for accessibility in art and culture.
Veronika Hyks is a pioneer of screen AD, authoring the first comprehensive guidelines for the itc in 2000. A university tutor in AD skills, experienced recruiter and trainer of audio describers and a renowned practioner herself.