Traditionally, audio describers have been trained to avoid the use of cinematic terms like ‘close-up, ‘long shot’ or ‘fade out’, and to concentrate instead on supplying a more narrative description similar to a novel. The research project, ‘Calling the Shots’, has already produced one film described in this new style (David Lean’s Brief Encounter). A screening of this in November 2009 elicited a positive response from the audience, but more research needs to be done to determine whether this form of AD will be beneficial for blind and vision impaired viewers.
For more information about the panel discussion, see the City University London website.
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