Audio Describer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of multimedia content, the emphasis on audio describers has never been more pronounced.

As media content becomes more visually intricate, the demand for skilled professionals who can translate, detail, and enrich our audio-visual experiences continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an audio describer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager envisioning the perfect candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the world of audio description,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable audio describer job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Audio Describer Duties and Responsibilities

Audio Describers use their expertise in language, storytelling, and accessibility to create verbal narration for visual media such as films, television shows, and live performances.

This narration provides critical information about visual elements, aiding people who have visual impairments or who are blind.

The duties and responsibilities of an Audio Describer include:

• Viewing and interpreting visual content to create an accurate and vivid narration
• Writing scripts that describe the essential visual elements of a scene, such as actions, characters, and settings
• Timing descriptions to fit into the pauses in a program’s original dialogue
• Recording or performing live descriptions, ensuring that they match the pace, tone, and style of the original media
• Collaborating with directors, actors, and other media professionals to understand and accurately interpret the intended visual narrative
• Staying updated on best practices in audio description and accessibility standards
• Assessing and incorporating audience feedback to improve future descriptions
• Training and supervising others involved in the audio description process, such as volunteers or new describers

 

Audio Describer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a skilled and creative Audio Describer to join our team.

The Audio Describer’s responsibilities include analyzing visual content, translating it into concise, clear verbal descriptions, and voicing over these descriptions to create an inclusive experience for visually impaired audiences.

Our ideal candidate has excellent verbal communication skills, a keen eye for detail, and a deep understanding of storytelling elements such as plot, character, and setting.

Experience in media production, particularly in accessibility initiatives, is highly beneficial.

 

Responsibilities

• Watch, analyze, and understand visual content
• Translate visual content into concise, clear verbal descriptions
• Voice over descriptions during pauses in dialogue, ensuring smooth flow and comprehension
• Work closely with production team to integrate audio descriptions into the final product
• Contribute to script development and revision processes
• Research and understand the context of the visual content for accurate descriptions
• Maintain knowledge of current standards and best practices in audio description
• Ensure compliance with accessibility laws and regulations

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Audio Describer or similar role
• Strong verbal communication skills and excellent command of English
• Detail-oriented with strong observational skills
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and best practices
• Understanding of storytelling elements such as plot, character, and setting
• Experience in media production, especially in accessibility initiatives, is highly beneficial
• Ability to work well in a team and meet tight deadlines

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Audio Describer
• Work Environment: Studio setting with potential for remote work. May require work during irregular hours depending on project deadlines.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Production Manager or Accessibility Coordinator.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a sample of your audio description work to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Audio Describer Do?

An Audio Describer, also known as an Audio Description Writer or Narrator, works primarily in the entertainment or media industries to make visual content accessible to visually impaired audiences.

They are responsible for carefully observing video content and then writing and recording concise descriptions of the visual elements.

This can include anything from the physical appearance of characters, their actions, expressions, and settings, to on-screen text and other visual cues that are crucial for understanding the story or message.

These descriptions are inserted into the natural pauses in the dialogue, requiring the Audio Describer to have excellent timing and the ability to convey information in a brief yet clear manner.

In live settings such as theatre performances, the Audio Describer provides real-time descriptions through a headset to the visually impaired audience members.

The ultimate goal of an Audio Describer is to create an inclusive viewing or listening experience, enabling visually impaired individuals to appreciate and engage with various forms of media and entertainment.

 

Audio Describer Qualifications and Skills

Audio Describers use a combination of creative, technical, and interpersonal skills to provide accessibility services for the visually impaired, including:

• Excellent verbal communication skills for conveying visual elements in a clear and descriptive manner
• Highly attentive to detail to accurately describe visual aspects of various media like movies, theater performances, and exhibitions
• Strong writing skills to prepare scripts and concise descriptions that are easy to understand
• Proficient in using relevant technology and software for audio description, including audio recording and editing tools
• Understanding of the needs and experiences of people who are visually impaired or blind, to provide descriptions that are useful and meaningful to them
• Creativity for converting visual imagery into descriptive language that paints a vivid picture for the listener
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines, since live events require real-time descriptions
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively within a team of professionals, such as directors, actors, and producers

 

Audio Describer Experience Requirements

Audio Describers typically require a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as English, Communications, or Media.

They also require a significant amount of hands-on experience in scriptwriting or translation work.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often acquired through internships or part-time roles in media production or radio broadcasting.

These professionals may also gain useful experience in roles such as Scriptwriter, Radio Broadcaster, or Translator.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their skills and knowledge in entry-level Audio Describer roles.

They may be proficient in creating and synchronizing descriptions with visual content, and have a good understanding of broadcast standards and regulations.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some management experience and might be ready to take on supervisory or leadership roles within an organization.

They may be proficient in training new audio describers and coordinating with different teams for content creation.

In addition to these, all audio describers should have excellent language skills, a keen sense of observation, and the ability to succinctly describe complex visual scenes.

Knowledge of different cultures, languages, and disability-related issues is also beneficial.

 

Audio Describer Education and Training Requirements

Audio Describers typically have a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as communication, film, theatre, or media production.

They also need strong listening skills and the ability to translate visual content into descriptive language.

Knowledge in the area of visual arts, cinematography, and stage production can be beneficial.

Many roles in this field require specific training in audio description, which involves learning to narratively describe the key visual elements in a television show, film, or live performance.

This training can often be obtained through workshops, online courses, or in some cases, through postgraduate study.

Audio Describers may also require a certification from an accredited organization such as the American Council of the Blind or the Audio Description Project.

This certification validates their skills and knowledge in the field.

In addition to formal education, Audio Describers should have excellent language and communication skills, the ability to accurately and swiftly transcribe the spoken word, and a strong understanding of the needs and experiences of those who are visually impaired or blind.

Continued professional development is key in this field, as technologies and techniques in audio description continually evolve.

Therefore, a commitment to ongoing learning is beneficial.

 

Audio Describer Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Audio Describer is approximately $40,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary greatly depending on factors such as the individual’s experience, the size and type of the employing company, and the geographical location.

 

Audio Describer Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Audio Describer need?

An Audio Describer needs excellent verbal communication skills as they describe visual elements of movies, shows, or performances for visually impaired individuals.

They should have a strong grasp on language and narrative techniques, along with an understanding of the visual arts.

They also need to have good timing and pacing skills to match their descriptions to the timing of the visual content.

 

Do Audio Describers need a degree?

There is no specific degree required for an Audio Describer.

However, a background in linguistics, literature, film studies, or theater can be beneficial.

Specialized training in audio description is typically more important, and there are several courses and certificates available in this field.

 

What should you look for in an Audio Describer resume?

On an Audio Describer’s resume, look for experience in audio-visual media or live performance, and any specific training in audio description.

They should demonstrate strong verbal communication skills and a good understanding of narrative and visual elements.

Knowledge of a second language can also be an advantage, as it opens up potential work in foreign language films or performances.

 

What qualities make a good Audio Describer?

A good Audio Describer is able to quickly and accurately convey visual information verbally, with a good sense of timing and pacing.

They should be perceptive and sensitive to the needs of their audience, particularly visually impaired individuals.

It’s also beneficial for them to have a passion for the arts, including film and theatre, as it helps in understanding and interpreting the content they are describing.

 

What are the daily duties of an Audio Describer?

On a daily basis, an Audio Describer may be involved in reviewing visual content such as films or theatrical performances, writing and refining descriptions of the visual elements, and delivering these descriptions, either through pre-recorded media or live at a performance.

They may also have meetings with directors or producers to discuss the requirements of a particular project.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a sneak peek behind the scenes of being an audio describer.

Guess what?

It’s not just about narrating the visuals.

It’s about painting a picture with your words, one vivid description at a time.

Armed with our handy audio describer job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why stop there?

Go beyond with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards crafting detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every description is a part of a larger narrative.

Let’s paint that picture. Together.

How to Become an Audio Describer (Complete Guide)

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