Best Practices for Post-production and Emerging Forms of Described Video Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) Robert Pearson November 21 st, 2014 Accessing Higher Ground

Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) Make accessible media for all Canadians Overview

Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) A not-for-profit Three* broadcast channels, website Mandated as must-carry services for all providers 20+ years of making media accessible

Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) AMI-audio; magazines, books, local and original programs AMI-tv; open described, closed captioned TV AMI-télé; en Français (December 16 th ) AMI-télé AMI.ca DV Guide Scholarship, Research Panel, DV Best Practices

Financial Model Per subscriber – AMI-audio: $0.04 – AMI-tv: $0.20 – AMI-télé: $0.28 AMI-télé paid in Francophone markets, but distributed nationally Not-for-profit, everything invested back Largest costs are for acquiring and describing Canadian broadcast content

In Canada, it’s Described Video Described video (DV) is a narrated description of a program's main visual elements, such as settings, costumes, or body language Works best for pre-recorded programs, such as dramas and documentaries Described video uses a separate audio track

Description Roadmap Timeline April 2011 to June 2012 – Described Video Working Group June 2012 to June 2013 – Post-Production Described Video Best Practices January 2014 to June 2014 – Live Described Video Best Practices 2015: Embedded, Multi-lingual, Digital

Post-Production DV Examples AMI YouTube Channel AMI Old House AMI Diner Industry PSA Murdoch Mysteries

Industry adopted Described Video Best Practices + Internally developed guidelines based upon the unique experiences of each producer = Consistent and good quality DV in Canada Post-Production DV Best Practices

Artistic Guidelines 1.Individual/Physical Characteristics 2.Scene Transitions 3.Visual Effects 4.Non-verbal Sounds/Communications 5.Titles, Subtitles, Credits, Text on Screen, Signing 6.Style and Tone Technical Guidelines 1.Channels 2.Loudness & peak levels 3.Soundtrack vs. DV mix levels 4.Equalization 5.Sync 6.Recording quality 7.Output parameters

Live DV Best Practices The Live Described Video Best Practices are an extension of the Post-Production Described Video Best Practices. Royal Wedding Blue Jays Baseball

Live DV Best Practices The describer is an actor who is a narrator. Role of the Describer Logistical 1.Research 2.Physical Location 3.Producer, Describer Relationship 4.Characteristics of a Live Event 5.Handling the Unexpected Technical

Embedded DV (EDV) Best Practices EDV is an experimental method of creating described video, whereby the identification of key visual elements are incorporated into the original production of the program, such that traditional DV is not required The program is produced from the onset in consultation and collaboration with an experienced describer in order for blind and visually impaired audiences to understand and enjoy it without the addition of traditional DV

AMI-player Launched October 30 th, 2014 Providing an Accessible Broadcast Experience (ABE) Structurally accessible with accessible content AMI Original Programming

Described Video TV Guide

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